When did you last see your grandchildren?

Children often have a special bond withtheir grandparents and without doubt grandparents are a valuable part of a child's life, often providing stability and someone to turn to during a difficult time if parents are separating.

Sadly when a relationship breaks down the link between grandparents and grandchildren can also be severed. Research indicates that after a break-up nearly half of all grandparents do not see their grandchildren again. The parent's of sons who separate or divorce are reported to fare the worst.

If you are not able to see your grandchildren, what can you do?

The first step is to talk to the parents and make it clear that you do not wish to take sides and simply have the best interests of your grandchildren at heart.

If this does not provide a satisfactory outcome, then speak to a specialist family solicitor such as ourselves. We have experience of handling these situations sensitively and may be able to reach an agreement for you.

Another alternative is to consider family mediation, however both parties would need to agree to participate in order to go down this route.

If all else fails, then the last resort is to consider going to court. The courts do recognise the importance of grandparents in family life and will always put the interests of the child first.

As grandparents, you do not have an automatic right to see your grandchildren, but this may change in the foreseeable future as the government is currently undertaking a sweeping review of the family justice regime and has proposed changes which will give grandparents explicit rights to see their grandchildren.

Contact us:

For further advice on family and matrimonial issues, please contact a member of our family team.

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Published:

24 June 2011