Grandparents’ Rights

Sadly, grandparents can often lose out during divorce and separation, as they have no automatic legal right to contact with their grandchildren. Where the split between two parents becomes acrimonious, grandparents can often find they are cut off from their grandchildren.

New research reveals three in ten grandparents have been restricted access to their grandchildren. Click the image below to read the full report.

While it might seem like there is little you can do to fight this situation, there are legal options you can consider that can allow you to assert your right to a relationship with your grandchildren.

Our Family Law team can advise you on the steps you can take to protect your rights as a grandparent, including seeking an out-of-court solution where appropriate or pursuing court action where necessary. At all times, the wellbeing of your grandchildren will be at the heart of our approach, while making sure the valuable contribution you can make to their lives is recognised.

To speak to a member of our family law team about your legal rights as a grandparent, or to arrange an initial fixed fee consultation, please contact your local IBB Law office in Uxbridge, Beaconsfield, Reading and Ascot, or email familylaw@ibblaw.co.uk.

How we can help you protect your rights as a grandparent

There are two main approaches you can take to securing contact with your grandchildren where this is being denied. We will advise you on which option is best for your circumstances and help you to get the outcome you need with the minimum conflict and disruption possible.

Reaching a voluntary agreement with the parents

In many cases, it is possible to arrange contact with your grandchildren through a voluntary agreement with their parents. If your relationship with your son-in-law or daughter-in-law has broken down following a divorce, we can help you to work with them to mend bridges and agree a plan that will give you time with your grandchildren to the benefit of everyone.

Seeking a Contact Order through the courts

If a voluntary agreement cannot be reached, we may need to pursue the matter through the courts. As a grandparent, you do not have the automatic right to apply for a Contact Order, so you will instead need to apply first for permission to apply for a Contact Order.

If permission is granted, we can then help you to apply for a Contact Order and represent you during any subsequent court proceedings, giving you the best chance of having a Contact Order granted that gives you the legal right to see your grandchildren.

Why IBB Law are the right choice for grandparents’ rights advice

IBB Law is recognised as being home to one of the leading teams of family lawyers in the South East. With decades of experience and specialist expertise, we have an exceptional track record of success for our clients.

Our Family Law team is headed by Amanda Melton, a highly respected family lawyer with many years of experience. Amanda has been recognised in the Legal 500 for combining “exceptional professional knowledge with strong interpersonal skills” as well as for her “straight-talking approach and honesty about the potential pitfalls of a case”.

We are ranked Tier 1 by the Legal 500 for Family Law in Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire and Middlesex, as well as being Band 2 ranked by Chambers & Partners for Watford, Uxbridge and the surrounding area.

Our fees for grandparents’ rights advice

We aim to keep our pricing fair and transparent and will be happy to discuss our fees with you and provide a complete breakdown of the likely costs involved in working with our family law team.

Every client can benefit from an initial consultation at a reduced fixed fee. This gives you the chance to explain your requirements and our team the opportunity to talk you through the various legal options available to you before you make a commitment to moving forward.

To find out more about our family law fees, please take a look at our pricing policy.

Speak to our grandparents’ rights solicitors in West London, Buckinghamshire and the Thames Valley

To discuss how we can assist you with your rights as a grandparent, please contact our friendly, expert divorce lawyers now.

You can contact your local IBB Law office in Uxbridge, Beaconsfield, Reading and Ascot, or email familylaw@ibblaw.co.uk.