Who We Are

Lucy Sparks

Director

Lucy deals with a varied caseload across the spectrum of family breakdown, although she specialises in dealing with the financial issues arising from divorce. Lucy deals with her cases in a constructive manner and is known for her pragmatic approach to complex issues and her sensitivity to her clients.

Lucy is a trained collaborative lawyer and mediator and is able to resolve problems effectively using these processes, allowing clients to retain control of their lives. Whilst encouraging clients to find the middle ground with their ex-spouse, Lucy is also prepared to act swiftly and firmly where her clients’ best interests are at risk.

Lucy is keen to resolve matters in a non-confrontational manner wherever possible and is an enthusiastic member of Resolution.

Gabriella Abreu

Solicitor

Gabriella graduated from the University of Surrey with a LLB (Hons) degree and completed the LPC LLM at the University of Law. Gabriella trained at a specialist family law firm in North London, where she gained experience in a wide range of privately funded family matters, including divorce, financial remedy and child arrangements.

Gabriella has experience supporting clients through all stages of family proceedings, from initial instruction through to Final Hearing. Gabriella has assisted on complex financial remedy matters and children cases, including those with international elements.

Gabriella is a member of Resolution and takes a measured and constructive approach to her work, with a focus on resolving matters in a way that minimises conflict wherever possible. She is, however, equally comfortable guiding clients through court proceedings where this becomes necessary to protect their position. Gabriella is committed to providing clear, practical advice and supporting clients through what are often challenging and sensitive situations.

Gabriella is also fluent in Portuguese.

Patricia MacAvock

Consultant

Patricia has over 35 years’ experience dealing with the issues arising from relationship breakdown. She specialises in resolving financial matters in the context of divorce, civil partnership or cohabitation breakdown and in assisting those who need help to determine the arrangements for the future parenting of their children.

Patricia has an empathetic approach and will help you to resolve your issues in a constructive, robust but conciliatory way. She will explore your aims with care to ensure they are realistic and achievable and help you find practical solutions for dealing with issues as they arise.

Patricia will deploy her long experience as a litigator if needed but is particularly keen to resolve matters by agreement and will strive to do so if at all possible.

Patricia is very enthusiastic about the use of alternative dispute resolution and mediation forms a significant area of her practice.

Toma Masionyte

Office Manager

Toma is the Office Manager and Compliance Manager for Finance Administration. She relocated to London from Lithuania in 2006 and obtained a Law Degree from London Metropolitan University in 2012. She joined Family Law Associates in 2013.

Toma’s legal education and her practical work experience means she understands fully the requirements of a busy practice and is well placed to manage the office systems and case management procedures.