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Grandparents Rights Lawyers

The relationship grandparents have with their grandchildren is very important. If the family dynamic changes for any reason, one unfortunate consequence could be that grandparents are unable to continue building this relationship, leaving them to question their legal rights.

If you find yourself unable to access your grandchildren, our solicitors will be on hand to provide carefully tailored advice. Our services include support with both informal negotiations and, where necessary, court orders to help you achieve and maintain contact with your grandchildren.

No matter your circumstances or requirements, our team will always treat your case with the utmost sensitivity and treat you with the respect you deserve. We recognise how distressing it can be to lose access to your grandchildren, so we will always make sure to prioritise your well-being and handle all of the legal aspects of your case where possible.

Our team also follow the Resolution Code of Practice and Family Law Protocol.

Contact our grandparent rights solicitors

To speak with our team of expert solicitors, you can call one of our offices on 0330 404 5878 or email us at [email protected]. We also have an easy-to-use contact form where you can request a call-back. Our professional team of grandparent rights solicitors will ensure that any questions you may have regarding this topic are answered.

How can we help?

At Family Law Partners, our team of expert and dedicated solicitors have supported clients with a wide range of family law matters over the years, including those related to grandparents’ rights to see their grandchildren. We know that every situation is unique and that the rights of grandparents in the UK aren’t always clear-cut, so we are here to help clarify your position, the best available options and what steps need to be taken to reach them.

When discussing grandparents’ legal rights, our team will discuss your case in detail, allowing us to get a deep understanding of the issues you are facing so we can establish the best possible solution.

We believe that keeping conflict to a minimum helps to facilitate a positive outcome. As such, we will strive to create an amicable environment where any disputes can be resolved without unnecessary conflict and disruption.

Our grandparent rights services

Our grandparent rights lawyers advise on:

  • General legal advice on your rights
  • Negotiating voluntary access to your grandchildren
  • Dispute resolution for grandparents’ rights
  • Applying for court orders to secure grandparents rights

Frequently asked questions

Do grandparents have rights to see their grandchildren?

Sadly, in the UK, grandparents do not have any automatic legal rights to see their grandchildren, nor do they have parental responsibility.

They can, however, apply for permission to apply for a court order to gain access or obtain parental responsibility if they are unable to come to an agreement with their grandchildren’s parents.

What rights do grandparents have?

Many grandparents are surprised to learn that their legal rights are somewhat limited. As mentioned above, grandparents do not have automatic legal rights to see or contact their grandchildren when a relationship with a parent breaks down or if the parents have separated.

Do grandparents have rights after the death of a parent?

If one or both parents have died, grandparents do not have any automatic legal right to care for their grandchildren.

In cases where there is one surviving parent, they will have sole parental responsibility and, therefore, will be able to make any decision related to their child’s care. This includes decisions over who they can see and spend time with.

If both parents pass away, the children will become the responsibility of the courts until a guardian is decided on. If someone is named as an intended guardian in the Will of the parents, the courts will follow this unless there are any exceptional reasons for making alternative arrangements.

Grandparents who are not able to secure access to their grandchildren following the death of a parent may have various options available to them. This is something our expert grandparent rights solicitors will be able to advise on in detail.

How to apply for grandparents rights

If you are being denied access to your grandchildren, and negotiations or alternative dispute resolution have proven unsuccessful, the next course of action will be to apply for permission to make an application to the court.

Prior to court proceedings being launched, you will normally need to demonstrate that you have attempted to find a resolution through alternative means, such as attending a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM).

Depending on your circumstances and the outcome you are looking to achieve, you can apply for permission to apply to the courts to make various orders.

For example, a child arrangements order can not only set out where a child should live, but also who they can spend time with and what type of contact can take place. Meanwhile, an application for a special guardianship order could be made where a child cannot live with their birth parents and adoption would not be the right option.

If you intend to make an application to the court, we can ensure that you have all the information you need and are fully prepared so you can present an effective case.

How much does it cost to get grandparents rights?

It is important to note that there are court fees associated with applying to the court to try to secure grandparents rights, alongside the cost of any support or guidance you might need from a family law solicitor. Exactly what fees will be involved will vary from case to case, so it is important to consider your options carefully, including whether reaching an agreement out of court is possible.

Contact our grandparent rights solicitors

To speak with our team of expert solicitors, you can call one of our offices on 0330 404 5878 or email us at [email protected]. We also have an easy-to-use contact form where you can request a call-back. Our professional team of grandparent rights solicitors will ensure that any questions you may have regarding this topic are answered.

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