Who is Annie Ives?
I live in the beautiful Black Mountains in South Wales and am married with three grown-up children. After a conservative grammar school education, I returned to study as a mature student and completed a law degree at Cardiff University in my early thirties.
Once I graduated, I obtained articles with a local firm of solicitors. After around five years, I took the leap and transferred to the Bar by undertaking the Bar Vocational Course, as it was known then. I completed pupillage and was called to the Bar in 1994. I am currently a member of Foregate Chambers.
The Bar, particularly in the early stages of my career, was a very male-dominated environment. I still remember my first clerk telling me that, because I was a woman, family law would be my direction of travel. And so it was. In 2012, I took a year’s sabbatical and spent that time in Australia. Family mediation in Australia was flourishing at the time, so I made enquiries and undertook voluntary work while I was there.
When I returned to the UK, I decided to train as a family mediator while continuing my practice at the Bar. I genuinely felt I could use my legal knowledge to support people who were exhausted and worn down by the “system”. I was very fortunate to secure a training contract with Focus Mediation in Milton Keynes. My background in family law proved invaluable. Learning the principles and process of mediation allowed me to use my legal skills in a completely different setting, which was both demanding and stimulating.
I completed my foundation training with National Family Mediation, compiled my portfolio, and became accredited in 2015.
Since then, I have set up my own mediation service, which has gone from strength to strength, and in 2021 I relocated to Abergavenny, South Wales. I continue to practise at the Bar alongside running my mediation service, but I am now looking to be more selective about the court cases I take on so that I can focus more fully on my mediation work.
At my first mediation practice group meeting, I was asked what I wanted to achieve. My answer was simple: “My goal is to make mediation the first port of call for separating couples.” We are not there yet, but I am hopeful that real progress is being made and that there is light at the end of the tunnel.
What mediation is
Mediation gives separating couples a calm and structured space to work through decisions together. A mediator stays neutral at all times. I do not give legal advice, but I can offer clear legal information where it is helpful. This includes explaining how the family court works, what CAFCASS does, and the general legal position on divorce, arrangements for children, property, finance, pensions and state benefits.
I also offer direct consultation with children. This usually involves children aged around ten or above, although maturity and communication skills vary from child to child. I meet with the child on their own, then pass on to the parents whatever the child asks me to share. It gives young people a gentle and safe way to have their voice heard.
Mediators can also guide clients towards other support when needed. This may include domestic abuse services, financial specialists or legal advice from a solicitor at any stage of the process. Some mediators do not help with court application forms, but I am happy to assist if court involvement becomes necessary. Mediation can take place online through Zoom or in person.
The mediation process
The first step is a meeting called a mediation information and assessment meeting. Each person attends individually, unless it is a financial case and they prefer to attend together.
If both decide to proceed, sessions can usually be arranged quite quickly. The number of meetings varies depending on the issues involved. Many child arrangement cases are resolved within one or two sessions, while more complex financial matters may take four or five.
My style is direct and practical. I do not see value in dragging things out or letting people spend time and money unnecessarily. My aim is to help couples reach an outcome that feels fair, workable and future focused.
I prepare all the necessary documents, including the co parenting agreement in children cases, and the Open Financial Statement and Memorandum of Understanding in financial cases. These documents take time to produce and I have often not charged for them, though I may introduce a small admin fee as they are an important part of the process.
Since the change in law in 2024, the courts expect couples to attempt some form of dispute resolution before making an application. Mediation is a key part of this, alongside arbitration, collaborative law and Early Dispute Evaluation. I am trained to carry out Early Dispute Evaluation and am waiting on final guidance from my professional bodies before offering it as a formal service. Once confirmed, it can be added to the site.
What mediation is not
Mediation is not counselling, therapy or an attempt to rebuild a relationship. If a couple needs emotional or therapeutic support I can suggest services that may help.
I also cannot advise either person on their individual legal position. Mediation works because I remain neutral and treat the couple as a unit. My role is to help them communicate and make decisions together, which can be difficult when communication has broken down over time.
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