Grandparents’ Rights
We can offer legal support for grandparents in many ways, including:
- Alternative dispute resolution for grandparents’ legal rights
- Court Orders to gain contact with grandchildren
- Applying for legal guardianship of your grandchildren
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Grandparents’ Rights Expertise
Grandparents can play an essential role in their grandchildren’s lives; however, family situations are not always straightforward. During times of turmoil or the complications of a separation, grandparents may struggle to maintain contact with their grandchildren.
Perhaps surprisingly, grandparents do not have any automatic legal rights to see their grandchildren. As such, those with contact issues will likely need legal assistance. Our solicitors at Tinsdills have substantial experience supporting clients in accessing grandparents’ rights, no matter how complicated the family situation.
We understand how upsetting it can be to find yourself estranged from your grandchildren. Our solicitors combine practical and direct advice with a sympathetic approach, meaning you’ll appreciate precisely where you stand and your viable options.
Our team members are members of Resolution, a network of family law professionals committed to promoting constructive approaches to family issues. We also have a specialist accredited member of Resolution on our team.
Please note that we do not deal with any Legal Aid enquiries for Family Law work.
To arrange an initial appointment with one of our grandparents’ rights solicitors in Hanley, Leek, Newcastle-Under-Lyme, or Sandbach, please call 01782 652300 or use the enquiry form.
Our Grandparents’ Rights Expertise
Alternative Dispute Resolution
Under some circumstances, grandparents may have trouble accessing their grandchildren due to a dispute with their grandchild’s parents. This could be due to the fallout from a separation or other family difficulties.
Our family law solicitors can provide alternative dispute resolution options, such as family mediation or collaborative law.
Mediation allows involved parties to express their viewpoint and attempt to agree with the guidance of an unbiased mediator.
Collaborative law is a process for negotiating legal matters and resolving problems that may arise during divorce. While primarily intended for divorcing couples, grandparents’ rights can also be negotiated using collaborative law.
Both options give families the chance to resolve disputes while avoiding Court processes. At Tinsdills, we will always attempt to resolve family matters outside court where possible.
Court Orders for Contact With Grandchildren
If families cannot reach an agreement between themselves, our grandparents’ rights solicitors can support grandparents in applying for a Child Arrangement Order. If granted, grandparents will obtain the right to see their grandchildren.
We understand that escalating such cases to Court can feel somewhat overwhelming. Our solicitors are highly experienced in this area and will ensure you have the help you need. You can rely on our team to offer honest advice and robust support in difficult situations.
Applying for Legal Guardianship
If a child’s parents can no longer care for them, their grandparents have the right to apply for a Special Guardianship Order, which transfers parental rights.
Our solicitors can help grandparents obtain a Special Guardianship Order, or if it is more suitable, we can assist grandparents in adopting their grandchild.
Generally, applying for legal guardianship is only necessary during difficult circumstances, and we appreciate that clients are likely going through an emotional time. Our solicitors approach every case sensitively, attending to your concerns at every stage.
Grandparents’ Rights FAQs
What Rights do Grandparents Have?
In the UK, grandparents do not have any automatic legal rights to contact their grandchildren. However, if they work with a solicitor or apply to the Court, they can access these rights.
Under some circumstances, the grandparents may not be granted access, for instance, if the Court judges that contact would negatively impact the grandchild’s welfare.
Can Parents Keep Children Away From Grandparents?
Since grandparents are not automatically given legal access to their grandchildren, technically, the child’s parents could prevent the grandparents from seeing them.
Regardless, individuals can establish grandparents’ legal rights and regain contact with the right kind of support. If you have been prevented from seeing your grandchildren, please get in touch with our expert family law solicitors.
How Can I Get Access to My Grandchildren?
If you have been separated from your grandchildren and want to establish legal access, you must contact the family court. It is strongly advised that you seek the assistance of a family lawyer.
When deciding to grant grandparents access rights, the Court will look at the following factors:
- Â The Court application details and the circumstances of the family
- Â What the relationship is like between the grandparent and the grandchild
-  If contact between the grandchild and the grandparent would have a negative influence on the child’s welfare
- If contact would have any negative impact on the wider family
How do grandparents get parental rights?
Under some circumstances, a child’s parents may be unable to look after them. In this case, grandparents may wish to apply for parental rights.
If the grandparent seeks parental rights temporarily, our solicitors can help them obtain an order for child arrangements. Where the grandparents need to take parental responsibility permanently, there are various options, including special guardianship or adoption.
If you need to explore these options, our solicitors can assess your circumstances and advise you on the best legal route.
Why Tinsdills is the legal team for you
Ranked top 10 out of more than 11,500 solicitor firms in the UK.
Would recommend to friends and family
Satisfied with outcome of matter
Get in Touch With our Grandparents’ Rights Solicitors Today
If you want to discuss grandparents’ access to grandchildren further, our team will support them.
With a dedicated team to take you through every step of the process, you can rest assured that we will provide you with the best chance of securing the outcome you want to achieve.
We will gladly discuss our fee structures once we understand your legal needs better.
Please note we do not accept Legal Aid enquiries for Family Law work.
To arrange an appointment with one of our divorce and financial settlement solicitors in Hanley, Leek, Newcastle-Under-Lyme, or Sandbach, please call