How can a family lawyer help? 

Whilst grandparents do not have any automatic rights when it comes to seeing their grandchildren; the law does recognise a child’s right to family life, including grandparents who have supported and nurtured them.

Where possible, resolving the issue directly or through mediation is preferred, and a family lawyer can help with this. However,  if communication has completely broken down, the family court can help. 

How can the court help? 

You will first need to apply for permission to proceed before officially seeking an order from the court. 

If permission is granted, you can make an application for a Child Arrangements Order that will set out what types of contact should take place between you and the children (e.g. video and telephone calls) and how frequently that should happen.

The decision as to whether you can spend time with your grandchildren will ultimately be decided by the court, who will consider all of the circumstances and whether is it in the children’s best interests to spend time with you.

However, we always advise the court as a last resort when all other options have failed.