Guiding you through grandparents’ legal applications
Legal applications made by grandparents under the Children Act 1989 to ensure they spend time with their grandchildren following the breakdown of a relationship.
Grandparents play a vital role in many children’s lives. When contact between grandparents and grandchildren is disrupted, the Children Act 1989 provides a legal route for grandparents to apply for spends time with orders or to be involved in key decisions affecting the child’s welfare.
At Pinney Talfourd, we understand how sensitive and important these applications are – not only legally but emotionally too. We guide you through the process with empathy and professional expertise, making complex procedures easier to understand and ensuring your voice is heard.
Specialist family law expertise
Our solicitors have significant experience in applications under the Children Act 1989 including working with parents, grandparents and wider family members in many different circumstances.
Empathetic client support
We approach your case with warmth and genuine understanding of family dynamics and emotional challenges.
Clear guidance through every step
We explain the process clearly, helping you know what to expect and how best to prepare.
Strong focus on child welfare
Our advice centres on what is best for the child, supporting positive outcomes for all involved.Strategic case planning
Strategic case planning
We work with you to build the strongest possible case, tailoring our approach specifically to your circumstances.
Collaborative approach
We listen carefully to your goals and work closely with you as your trusted partner throughout.
Accessible and approachable team
Our friendly solicitors are easy to reach and ready to answer your questions promptly.
Accredited and recognised excellence
We are proud to be ranked Tier 1 in the Legal 500 and recognised in Chambers and Partners, reflecting our outstanding reputation in family law.
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Understanding Grandparents Applications under the Children Act
How grandparents can seek time with grandchildren and what to expect.
If your relationship with a grandchild is at risk or has ended, you may be able to apply to the court for a spends time with order or specific issue order under the Children Act 1989. The court’s paramount consideration is always the child’s welfare. With some exceptions, grandparents are generally not automatically entitled to make applications under the Children Act ass there is no legal presumption of contact for grandparents. The law requires you to demonstrate that your connection with the child, the risk of disruption to the child’s life and the wishes and feelings of the child and the parents to ensure that the child’s best interests are protected.
Sometimes, informal resolutions or mediation can be explored first, but when that is not successful, we help prepare and present your case to the court effectively.
If negotiation or mediation fail the process begins by applying for an order from the family court. We guide you on the best type of application based on your situation – whether it’s about establishing contact, resolving disputes, or broader welfare concerns.
Throughout the process, we provide clear advice on legal requirements and ensure your concerns about your grandchildren’s wellbeing are professionally represented. We understand how delicate these cases are and offer robust support tailored to your family’s needs.
Our approach is to partner with you long-term – we want you to feel supported and informed from your first enquiry through to the conclusion of your application. Our team’s Legal 500 ranking recognises our commitment to excellence and client care in this specialist area.
Grandparents Applications FAQs
We understand you might be looking for answers, so we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help get you started.
Grandparents do not have an automatic right to see their grandchildren but can apply to the court for orders under the Children Act 1989. The court will consider various factors with the paramount consideration being the child’s best interests when deciding.
Timescales vary depending on the case complexity and court availability but expect several months from application to resolution. We guide clients through every stage to reduce uncertainty.
The court encourages parties to attempt mediation and resolve disputes amicably before formal applications. We advise on when mediation may be suitable.
The court requires evidence showing that the proposed order benefits the child. This may include personal statements, and sometimes reports from social workers or other professionals.
Yes. If the court finds that contact is not in the child’s welfare interests, it can refuse an order. Our aim is to prepare a compelling case focused on positive outcomes
Our team of experts
Alex Hunt
Associate
Matthew Hogg
Trainee Solicitor
Alex Hanselman
Solicitor
Kim Mansfield
Associate
Surjit Verdi
Partner
Lucy Nicholson
Associate
Jade Mercer
Solicitor
Stephanie Leszman
Associate
Claire Spurgeon
Partner
Louise Eady
Partner
Remyhs Baker
Senior Associate
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Your key contact
You can contact us now to book an initial consultation. Or for more information please contact Catherine Polli on the details below.
Catherine Polli
Partner