Grandparents’ Rights
We can offer legal support for grandparents in many different ways, including:
- Alternative dispute resolution for grandparents’ legal rights
- Court Orders to gain contact with grandchildren
- Applying for legal guardianship of your grandchildren
Grandparents can play an essential role in the lives of their grandchildren; however, family situations are not always straightforward. During times of turmoil, or the complications of a separation, grandparents may find themselves struggling to maintain contact with their grandchildren.
Perhaps surprisingly, grandparents do not have any automatic legal rights to see their grandchildren. As such, those who are having contact issues are likely to need legal assistance. Our solicitors at Tinsdills have substantial experience in supporting clients to access grandparents’ rights, no matter how complicated the family situation may be.
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 that you’ll appreciate precisely where you stand and what your viable options are.
All of our team are members of Resolution, a network of family law professionals who are committed to promoting constructive approaches to family issues. We also have a specialist accredited member of Resolution as a part of our team.
Please note, we do not deal with any Legal Aid enquiries for any 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 on the right hand side of the page.
Our Grandparents’ Rights Expertise
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 some other difficulties within the family.
Our family law solicitors can provide alternative dispute resolution options, for instance, family mediation, or collaborative law.
Mediation gives involved parties the opportunity to express their view point, and attempt to come to an agreement with the guidance of an unbiased mediator.
Collaborative law is a process which can be used to negotiate legal matters and resolve any 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 out of Court where possible.
If families are unable to reach an agreement between themselves, our grandparents’ rights solicitors can support grandparents to apply 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 that you have the help you need. In difficult situations such as these, you can rely on our team to offer honest advice and robust support.
If a child’s parents are no longer able to look after them, their grandparents have the right to apply for a Special Guardianship Order, used to transfer parental rights.
Our solicitors can support grandparents to obtain Special Guardianship Order, or if more suitable, we can assist grandparents to adopt 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 with sensitively, attending to your concerns at every stage.
Meet Our Dedicated Grandparents’ Rights Team
Helen Jackson
Karen Wilson
What Our Clients Say About Our Family Law Expertise
Our central goal is to satisfy our client’s needs. Here’s just a few of them, in their own words, detailing how we do exactly that.
“I have been going through a very messy divorce and Heather and Tinsdills have been my rock. Her advice has been invaluable and she has kept me from going in all gung ho in the divorce proceedings. I would highly recommend their services and I’m still using them for my ongoing issues.”
“I was really pleased with my solicitor Karen with all the help and support she gave me regarding my situation. Would highly recommend.”
Get in Touch With our Grandparents’ Rights Solicitors Today
If you wish to discuss grandparents’ access to grandchildren further, our team will be available to lend their support.
With a dedicated team on hand 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 are looking to achieve.
We are happy to discuss our fee structures, once we have a better idea of your specific legal needs.
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 01782 652300 or use the enquiry form on the right hand side of the page.
Grandparents’ Rights FAQs
In the UK, grandparents do not have any automatic legal rights to have contact with their grandchildren. However, if grandparents work with a solicitor, or apply to the Court, they will genuinely be able to access these rights.
Under some circumstances the grandparents may not be granted access, for instance, if the Court judges that contact would somehow negatively impact the grandchild’s welfare.
Since grandparents are not automatically given legal access to their grandchildren, technically, the child’s parents could prevent the grandparents from seeing them.
Regardless, with the right kind of support, individuals can establish grandparents’ legal rights and regain contact. If you have been prevented from seeing your grandchildren, please contact our expert family law solicitors.
If you have been separated from your grandchildren and you would like to establish legal access, you’ll need to contact the family Court. It is strongly advised that you seek the support of a family lawyer to assist you.
When deciding to grant grandparents’ access rights, the Court will look at the following factors:
-
- The Court application details and the circumstances of the family
- 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
Under some circumstances, a child’s parents may not be able to look after them. Where this is the case, grandparents may wish to apply to apply for parental rights.
If the grandparent is seeking parental rights temporarily, our solicitors can support them to obtain a child arrangements order. Where the grandparents need to take parental responsibility permanently, there are various options including special guardianship, or adoption.
If you find yourself in a situation where you need to explore these options, our solicitors can assess your circumstances, and advise you on the best legal route to proceed.
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