Annette
Barnes

Annette is instructed in all areas of private children law, including applications for Child Arrangements Orders, covering both residence and contact, as well as variation and enforcement proceedings. Her experience spans all stages of litigation, from First Hearing Dispute Resolution Appointments (FHDRA) to directions hearings. She also has expertise in pursuing and defending against applications for Prohibited Steps Orders and Specific Issue Orders. Annette frequently represents clients at fact-finding hearings involving allegations of domestic abuse, as well as at contested final hearings.

Annette has experience of representing parents in public law proceedings, particularly in cases involving substance and alcohol misuse leading to the neglect of children. She has successfully represented clients at various interim stages, including case management hearings and issues resolution hearings.

Annette is regularly instructed in financial remedy proceedings and is confident in representing clients at all stages, including First Appointments and Financial Dispute Resolution (FDR) hearings. To date, she has successfully assisted parties in reaching final settlements through her strong negotiation skills, avoiding the need for contested final hearings. Annette also has experience in cases involving matrimonial assets located in foreign jurisdictions, including matters concerning the enforceability of UK judgments abroad.

Annette is building a practice that encompasses various aspects of international children law. She has been instructed in private children’s proceedings involving an international element, including applications for leave to permanently remove a child from the jurisdiction. She also has experience dealing with wardship proceedings, invoking the inherent jurisdiction of the High Court. Annette welcomes instructions with an international element.

Annette has extensive experience in applications brought under the Family Law Act 1996. She regularly represents clients seeking or opposing non-molestation and occupation orders at all stages of proceedings. Her work includes representation at fact-finding hearings and contested final hearings under these applications.

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- The Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn - Ghana Bar Association (GBA) - Family Law Bar Association (FLBA) - British Ghanaian Lawyers Union (BGLU) - Women Barristers’ Hub (Her Bar)

Annette was selected by Hogan Lovells (UK) to participate in their 2017 Africa LLM Students Vacation Scheme, becoming the first student from City University to be chosen since the programme’s inception. She was also selected by the firm to write an official testimonial about her experience on the scheme. Following her participation in the Cumberland Lodge Family Law Bar Association (FLBA) programme, Annette was selected to submit a wite up on one of the day’s events for the Summer 2025 edition of Family Affairs, the newsletter of the FLBA. - City Law School Prize in Civil Dispute Resolution Options (2017/18) - City Law School Prize in International Criminal Law (2017/18)