Sophia Gonella

Sophia joined FOURTEEN in September 2023. Having completed a specialist pupillage in matrimonial finance at another leading set, she has particular experience in financial remedies, cohabitation disputes, and ToLATA claims. Sophia is rapidly developing a busy and varied practice across the spectrum of family law and provides representation and advice at any stage in proceedings.

Sophia has a particular interest in ToLATA proceedings and cohabitation disputes. Prior to joining the Bar, Sophia taught Trusts and Equity, Land Law, and Family Property at Durham University and completed her 50,000-word thesis on trusts of the family home and the ‘familialisation’ of property law. Sophia is highly equipped to navigate issues relating to trusts and cohabitation disputes in practice and represents clients in proceedings under the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996.

Sophia is regularly instructed in financial remedy proceedings. She frequently appears in FDRs and Final Hearings and has been commended for her robust negotiation skills, adept handling of complex cases, and attention to detail. She has successfully represented clients at both interim and final hearings involving enforcement, orders for sale, international freezing orders, and disputes as to assets held in trusts.

Sophia also appears in cases with an international element and particularly welcomes instructions in proceedings under the Hague Convention 1980 and Brussels II Revised (‘legacy’ and enforcement cases).

Sophia is often instructed in private children proceedings, engaging in protracted fact-finding hearings, final hearings, and hearings concerning urgent applications. She recently appeared in the reported case of DV v ZV (Application for relocation to Poland) [2024] EWFC 283 concerning an application for relocation to Poland. On several occasions she has appeared in the High Court in proceedings under the Children Act 1989, involving complex issues which often include a multijurisdictional element. She has also appeared in the High Court as junior counsel to Michael Glaser KC in the reported case of Re A v B (Schedule 1: Arbitral Award: Appeal) [2024] EWHC 778 before Mr Justice Cobb.