Grandparents

A separation can be upsetting not just for the couple and their children but also for other close family members. If you have lost contact with your grandchildren, I imagine you are heartbroken. The Grandparents Association estimates that up to 1 million grandparents have little or no contact with their grandchildren. If you are one of them, the information below will be a starting point for considering your options. Please contact me for more information or to arrange a free initial appointment.

Do Grandparents have rights to see their grandchildren? 

No, not automatically.

However, you can apply to the court for an Order which will confirm the contact you should have with your grandchildren.

Court applications 

Your first step is probably to apply for permission to make an application. If your grandchild has been living with you for at least 3 years out of the last 5, you do not need to apply for permission to request an Order. Otherwise, the judge will consider why you are making the application, the strength of your connection with the child and the risk of disruption to child’s life if the application for a contact order goes ahead.

Once you have permission from the court, you can proceed with an application for contact with your grandchildren. The process is much the same as for non-residence parents asking for contact.