Lola-Rose Avery is a specialist Family Law Barrister, called to the Bar in 2013. Prior to joining Setfords, Lola was in practice at a top ranked barrister’s chambers and has particular expertise in proceedings relating to children. Lola is authorised by the Bar Standards Board to conduct litigation and therefore does all the work that solicitors do as well as court advocacy as a barrister. Lola accepts instructions directly from the public under the Direct Access scheme (as well as from solicitors).
In children matters, Lola has extensive experience at providing advice and advocacy at all stages of proceedings and regularly undertakes complex and multi-day final hearings (and fact find hearings).
Lola’s vast experience in this area covers but is not limited to the following:
- Contact/shared care/live with
- Specific Issue Orders
- Prohibited Steps order
- Alcohol/substance misuse
- Relocation
- Mental illness/mental health issues
- Capacity issues and instruction through Litigation Friend
- Parental alienation (alienating behaviour)
- Expert evidence
Lola is particularly adept at building rapport and putting clients at ease, giving clear and frank advice sensitively. Lola’s advocacy is firm but measured, which is important when dealing with emotional and sometimes highly contentious proceedings.
Wherever possible, Lola aims to keep matters outside of the family court. However, in her unique position as a barrister that conducts litigation, if matters are required to go to court Lola is often able to conduct all of the court advocacy in a case as well as all of the work that solicitors usually do. Otherwise, Lola has a truly national and excellent network of barristers.
Notable cases
Re K and A: Represented a respondent mother at a 2-day fact find hearing where all 6 allegations she made were found proven, including physical abuse of her and one of the children.
Re L and F: Represented an applicant father and successfully challenged a Cafcass recommendation of no direct contact at final hearing, with face-to-face contact being re-established after 2 years.
Re J: Represented an applicant father at a 4-day fact find hearing, the allegation made against him of coercive control was found not proven and the counter-allegation made against the respondent mother of coercive control was found proven.
Re M: Represented a respondent mother given permission to relocate with the child within the country and vary the existing Child Arrangements Order to accommodate the move.
Re P: Represented a respondent father and successfully obtained an order for no direct contact with the applicant mother; additionally, obtained a costs order against the respondent mother.
Lola acts for both applicants and respondents in relation to Non-Molestation Order/Occupation Order proceedings (domestic abuse), which often run alongside children proceedings, and in divorce and financial matters. Lola’s experience as an ACA Chartered Accountant at a ‘Big 4’ global firm is of particular assistance when dealing with financial matters.