Grandparents’ rights – Child Access
Protect your relationship with your grandchildren. Our family solicitors secure your rights, ensuring you stay connected with your grandchildren.
Expert legal advice to keep you in your grandchild’s life
As a grandparent, your relationship with your grandchildren is precious. When family relationships break down, it’s natural to worry about losing contact or you may be in a situation where your grandchild must live with you. If you’re facing this, you may be wondering what rights you have.
At Thomas Mansfield Family Law, we understand how important this bond is to you. That’s why we’re here to guide you through your options and support you every step of the way.
Do grandparents have legal rights in England?
While it’s true that grandparents don’t have automatic rights to see their grandchildren, this doesn’t mean you’re without options.
If you can’t reach an agreement with the parents, you have the right to apply to the court for permission. The courts understand the value of grandparents in a child’s life, and we’re here to ensure your voice is heard.
Our team is highly experienced in navigating the legal system to help grandparents. We’ll provide expert advice and support throughout the process, making sure you feel informed and confident about your next steps.
Legal options for staying connected.
Consider mediation first
Before you consider court, mediation is an option that could help resolve things more smoothly. Mediation brings you and the parents together to discuss your concerns in a neutral environment. It’s quicker, less stressful and often more cost-effective than going through court.
Our expert family mediation lawyers are skilled in handling these sensitive discussions. We’ll work to help you reach an agreement that works for everyone, especially your grandchild.
Applying to the court for contact
If you’re unable to agree on contact with the parents, you can apply to the court for permission to seek a child arrangements order. While this might sound daunting, it’s a straightforward process, and courts usually understand the importance of a grandparent’s role in a child’s life.
At Thomas Mansfield Family Law, we’ll work with you to explain your options, guide you through the legal process and help you take the right steps to apply for contact.
What will the court consider?
When deciding on whether to grant contact, the court’s priority will always be the best interests of the child. They will take into account factors like:
- The relationship you have with your grandchild.
- Your role in their life before contact was lost.
- The parents’ views, as well as the child’s if they’re old enough.
- Whether ongoing contact will benefit the child’s well-being.
We’ll work with you to make sure your case is presented clearly and persuasively, showing just how important you are in your grandchild’s life.
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How we can help you.
When it comes to legal matters involving your family, you need someone you can trust.
At Thomas Mansfield Family Law, we’ve helped many grandparents maintain contact with their grandchildren. Our team of family law specialists, led by experts with over 25 years of experience, is ready to help you navigate the legal system with confidence.
We’ll offer practical, easy to understand advice that’s tailored to your unique situation. Our goal is to make the process as simple and stress-free as possible, while working towards the best outcome for you and your grandchild.
Talk to us today and take the first step.
Frequently asked questions
How can parents communicate effectively during a divorce for the benefit of their children?
When parents separate, the way they communicate has a lasting impact on their children. It helps to keep conversations respectful and focused on practical arrangements rather than emotions.Many parents find it easier to use co-parenting apps or shared calendars to stay organised and reduce misunderstandings. If things start to break down, mediation can offer a calm, neutral setting where both sides are supported in finding a way forward that keeps the child’s wellbeing at the centre.
What factors influence child maintenance calculations?
Child maintenance payments are mainly based on the paying parent’s income, but several other elements come into play. The Child Maintenance Service applies a formula that looks at income after tax and pension deductions, as well as the number of children and how much time they spend with each parent. In some cases, extra costs such as medical needs or school fees may also be taken into account.Every family’s situation is slightly different, which is why professional guidance from a child maintenance solicitor can be helpful in understanding what’s fair and realistic.
What legal steps are involved in the surrogacy process?
The surrogacy process involves several legal stages to ensure that the intended parents become the child’s legal parents. A key step is applying for a parental order, which transfers legal parenthood from the surrogate to the intended parents. When surrogacy takes place overseas, the process can be more complex because the rules vary from one country to another.Taking early advice from a specialist surrogacy lawyer will help avoid costly delays and ensure every legal requirement is met properly.
Do grandparents have legal rights to see their grandchildren?
Grandparents don’t automatically have a legal right to contact with their grandchildren, but the courts do recognise how important those relationships can be. If contact has been restricted, a grandparent can apply to the court for permission to make an application. The judge will then consider whether seeing the grandparent is in the child’s best interests, taking into account the family history and the child’s welfare.Many families find that family mediation helps rebuild communication before the court stage is even needed.
What challenges should I expect with international child custody matters?
Disputes involving children across different countries can be complicated. There may be disagreements about which country’s courts should decide the case, or how international conventions (such as the Hague Convention) apply. Cultural differences, travel arrangements, and the practicalities of shared care can also create difficulties.Because every country’s system works differently, it’s essential to get specialist legal advice from a specialst international child lawyer early on to avoid mistakes and protect both your rights and your child’s stability.
What should I consider if I plan to relocate with my child?
Moving to a new area or another country with your child isn’t a decision to make alone. You’ll need the other parent’s consent, or, if that’s not possible, the court’s permission.Think carefully about how the move will affect your child’s schooling, friendships, and their relationship with both parents. The court’s focus will always be on what arrangement best supports the child’s emotional and practical needs, so detailed planning and clear communication are key before relocating with a child.
How are child arrangements determined?
When parents can’t agree on where a child should live or how much time they spend with each parent, the court can step in to make what’s called a “child arrangements order.”The judge will look at the child’s welfare, their wishes and feelings (depending on age), and each parent’s ability to meet their needs. However, families are encouraged to first speak to a child arrangements lawyer, to try mediation or negotiation, as reaching an agreement together is usually less stressful and far better for the child in the long run.
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Arrange a confidential chat with one of our expert family law solicitors today.
Please note we cannot offer legal aid.