Children Act (applications by grandparents)

Our specialist family law team includes members of the Law Society’s Family Panel and accredited Resolution specialists who are experts in resolving difficult children disputes, particularly involving grandchildren. Or family team is also ranked Tier 1 in the Legal 500.

Grandparents often find themselves in a difficult position where the parents of their grandchild or grandchildren have separated acrimoniously. It may also be the case that their son or daughter is not seeing their grandchildren either. Our specialist family lawyers have represented numerous grandparents over the years and understand how difficult this family situation can be.

A grandparent’s first option is to invite the parent(s) to attend mediation in an attempt to resolve matters amicably. Save in limited circumstances, attempting to resolve matters through mediation is mandatory before court proceedings can be issued.

Grandparents do not have an automatic right to make an application for a child arrangements order. They need first to apply for permission. In real terms, this means that an application must be made to the Court to determine whether or not a grandparent can bring an application for a child arrangements order.