Grandparents are often considered a vital part of any child’s upbringing. However, when a family relationship breaks down for whatever reason, often grandparents are prevented from having contact with their grandchildren, which can be very upsetting for all involved.

While grandparents do not have an automatic right to contact their grandchildren, options are available. It may be helpful to engage a solicitor who can then make contact with the parents to see whether contact can be re-established via an informal arrangement. If unsuccessful, the grandparents can then apply to the Court seeking for contact arrangements to commence.

As grandparents do not have an automatic right to make an application, grandparents must first seek permission of the Court to have their application for contact heard. Upon receiving an application, the Court will consider the relationship between the grandparents and grandchildren, what is of particular importance is as to whether a relationship is already established for the benefit of the child prior to the breakdown of contact, and as to whether the application could be potentially harmful to the child’s welfare.

Should the Court grant permission for an application for contact to be heard, it is then a matter for the Court to determine the level of contact that is appropriate for the children involved. In order to do this, the Court will consider the welfare checklist which is set out in The Children Act 1989, to determine what is in the best interests of the children.

Finding a specialist Family Lawyer in Warrington

At Fiona Bruce Solicitors, we have a wealth of experience in advising grandparents as to the appropriate steps in order to re-establish contact including Solicitor Partner and Head of Family, Philip Porter who is a Law Society Family Law Advanced Accredited practitioner, and Associate Solicitor, Leah Knight who is a Law Society Family Law Accredited practitioner.

Should you wish to seek help or advice, please contact the Family Team either by email via enquiries@fionabruce.co.uk or by telephone on 01925 263 273 and ask for the Fiona Bruce Family Team.

The contents of this post do not constitute legal advice and are provided for general information purposes only ■