Overview
Having joined St Mary’s a few years ago, Victoria has developed a busy and broad Family Law practice, particularly in the areas of private law children, domestic abuse and injunctions, and matrimonial finance.
Victoria completed a specialist pupillage in Criminal Law at one of the UK’s leading sets in London. With extensive courtroom experience behind her, Victoria is recognised as a strong, persuasive, and effortless advocate. She has prosecuted and defended in serious cases (drug conspiracies, sexual assault, robbery, GBH, kidnap, stalking etc.) presenting and challenging complex evidence (expert evidence included).
She is renowned for her ability to quickly discern the facts and issues in any case, including complex legal issues, and readily identifies the appropriate solution putting the best interests of her clients at the forefront.
Victoria has a consistent and meticulous approach to case preparation, and witness examination – something which has been recognised by professional and lay clients, together with her colleagues in the field.
Prior to undertaking pupillage in 2019, Victoria worked as an advocate in a local solicitors firm, specialising in the representation of Indeterminate Sentenced Prisoners before The Secretary of State, and The Parole Board. Victoria was involved in high profile cases including R v Holden [2017] EWCA Crim 31 - where she represented the Appellant alongside Jonathan Mann, QC (now HHJ Mann, KC), in the appeal against her murder conviction.
Outside of work, Victoria enjoys planning her next globe-trotting adventures, hiking with her spaniels, and putting herself through the pains associated with the cross-fit and hyrox ‘fitness hype’. With a competitive edge, Victoria regularly competes in fitness events in different countries.
Practice Areas
Victoria has grown a sustainable private law children’s practice, receiving regular instructions in factually and legally complex fact-finding and final hearings. She often receives instructions at late notice for urgent hearings, including committals, enforcement, and without notice/ return hearings concerning non-molestation and occupation orders.
Victoria has a breadth of experience dealing with niche applications with particularly complex elements such as:
- Cases involving Children’s Guardians
- Internal and external relocation
- Temporary removal from the jurisdiction
- Factitious illness
- Honour based violence
- Parental influence/alienation
- Name change
- Disputes over schooling
- Cases involving expert evidence
- Special Guardianship Orders.
Case examples include:
- J [2025] – Acted for applicant father and secured a shared care arrangement (50/50) at a contested final hearing.
- G [2024] – Represented paternal aunt with a special guardianship order for the child who was residing with step grandparent following a family fallout. Secured an interim supervision order due to concerns raised by the local authority regarding the care afforded by paternal step grandparent.
- P [2024] – Successful in opposing the mother’s application for a fact-finding hearing to determine allegations of domestic abuse made against the father. Secured the immediate recommencement of unsupervised fortnightly contact pending further risk assessment by Cafcass.
- T [2024] – successful in securing the return of a 3-year old child to her mother at an urgent hearing, following removal from the father. No order for contact pending risk assessment.
- K [2023] – secured the dismissal of the Applicant’s committal application for breach of an undertaking in injunction proceedings, having advised instructing solicitors to file a strike out application.
- M [2023] – secured the dismissal of an interim non-molestation order made against the Applicant without any legal basis. Parties gave cross-undertakings to conclude proceedings.
- U [2023] – Dismissal of Applicant’s applications for non-molestation orders against first and second respondents at a final hearing, on grounds that there was no legal basis for the court to make injunctive orders under the Family Law Act 1996.
Victoria is instructed in cases concerning modest assets, to those which are more substantial in value. Her wealth of experience in children work allows her to grasp a more grounded understanding of family dynamics in cases, and to offer advice that takes into account the realities of family life, particularly where conduct arguments are in play, or indeed cases are based on parties ‘needs’.
Her forensic eye for detail and analysis, gives Victoria an aptitude to grapple with complex legal and factual issues that may arise during difficult cases, including:
- Non-disclosure;
- Add-back;
- Arguments on conduct;
- S.37 Matrimonial Causes Act 1973 applications;
- Intervenor claims (e.g. where third parties may asset an interest in property);
- ‘Show cause’ applications;
- Costs arguments;
- Enforcement.
Victoria is known for her direct and practical approach to cases which is evidently helpful in the settlement of many of her cases at the FDR stage of proceedings.
Case examples include:
- P [2025] – Modest lump sum payment for client in a needs case concerning non-matrimonial assets. Add-back argument based on other side’s dissipation of matrimonial monies on gambling addiction. Settled.
- C v C [2024] – Represented vulnerable client with disabilities. Children lived with client and also had disabilities. Needs case. Secured transfer of property with charge back (17%) to other side. Settled.
- I v I [2024] – Secured 80% share of proceeds from the sale of former matrimonial home for client. Proved non-disclosure of non-matrimonial property by other side and cohabitation. Settled.
- I v R [2024] – Mesher order for client with 15% share of proceeds of sale from the former matrimonial home to client in the event they are not able to raise a lump sum equivalent. Settled.
Testimonials
Victoria has always impressed me with her willingness to engage out of hours and provide regular updates. I have worked with Victoria on many cases and I always recommend her without hesitation to both colleagues and clients alike." (Instructing solicitor)
"Victoria Lovett was an absolutely amazing barrister. Everything was perfect, from advice, to attitude, to performance. I cannot recommend her enough, and will continue to use her for our ongoing case."
"I have had the pleasure of instructing Victoria on several cases involving children and domestic abuse. She has been a pleasure to work with, readily available to answer any questions and relates well to clients. I would highly recommend her." (Instructing solicitor)
"Victoria is simply amazing; she goes above and beyond in every aspect to achieve a positive and successful outcome. Nothing is ever too much and the hours of work that she puts in goes a long way. Victoria’s attention to detail is phenomenal, she does not miss a thing!
Cases are always thoroughly prepared and she is able to quickly identify and unfold the necessary issues. She provides clients with clear, precise and honest advice. She has a friendly and calm but professional manner which puts clients at ease. Victoria is a confident Barrister and her persuasive techniques go a long way during advocacy. I would continue to instruct and recommend Victoria over and over again and believe she is going to highly succeed in her career." (Instructing solicitor)
"As a lawyer myself, and having plenty of experience with Barristers, Victoria Lovett has been exceptional to say the least. Victoria has been a steady voice of guidance and precision throughout my family law and child act dispute resolution process, a feeling of taking a personal interest in my case was always at the forefront. Her advice is clear and to the point showing her depth and wealth of legal knowledge, where Victoria really shines is within the Court arena . Her presentation, confidence and clarity cuts through making her a force to be reckoned with. Victoria consistently goes above and beyond, often knowing my case better than myself with her impressive ability to recall facts and dates during discussions. Her position statements are detailed precise and direct, applied with forensic incisiveness and a very reassuring and steady feeling for me the client
I have been very grateful to Victoria for all she has done for and continues to do for me over the past 14 months and I would not hesitate to recommend her for her services and professionalism." (Lay client)
Contact Victoria
For more information about Victoria or to instruct her please complete to form below.