Annie Sayers

Annie specialises exclusively in family children matters and is regularly instructed in both private law and public law proceedings.

Annie takes a pragmatic and realistic approach to her cases but is a firm negotiator and a robust advocate in court when necessary. She establishes strong working relationships with clients, giving clear advice, and taking account of what is most important to each individual. Annie recognises that an amicable resolution is usually the best outcome and is able to formulate creative solutions tailored to each case.

Private Law: Children

Annie undertakes the full range of private children work including international and domestic applications to relocate, fact-finding hearings and all other section 8 applications. Annie is regularly instructed to represent children through their rule 16.4 Guardians.

Annie is regularly instructed in Family Law Act applications, often starting on a without notice basis. She has invaluable experience of the approach required when handling matters involving self-representing parties from her time as a McKenzie Friend prior to joining Chambers.

Public Law: Children

Annie undertakes a wide range of cases involving physical, emotional and sexual abuse, non-accidental injuries, domestic violence and neglect as a result of drug and/or alcohol abuse, learning and mental health difficulties. She acts for parents, children, extended family members and numerous Local Authorities in care proceedings. Annie works with some of the most vulnerable clients and is highly attuned to their emotional needs. Annie will give robust advice about the merits of a case where necessary but does not shy away from a contest.

Notable Public Law Children cases

Re Y (A Minor) (No 2) (Brussels II Revised: Jurisdiction after Article 15 Transfer: Welfare) [2022] EWFC 69

Annie successfully represented the child in circumstances where the Guardian recommended continued placement with the child’s foster carers under a Special Guardianship Order against an application for placement with a family member in Hungary; and a Specific Issue Order to change the child’s surname.

The Child & Family Agency (Ireland) v M & Ors [2018] EWHC 1581 (Fam)

Direct Access

Annie is qualified to accept instructions directly from members of the public under the Direct Access Scheme in appropriate circumstances.