Grandparents Rights post a parent separation

Divorce is a very traumatic time for a family and it affects everyone – the couple, the children, family friends, and of course, the grandparents. Grandparents can provide a haven for children to feel comforted and supported in the entire divorce swirl. Although their role in the grandchildren’s life is important, it is too often ignored when it comes to contact rights after a separation between the parents.

The courts uphold the importance of children maintaining contact with as much of their wider family as possible and of growing up feeling part of an extended and supportive family group. Therefore, Grandparents do have legal rights. Whilst you do not have an automatic right to spend time with your grandchildren, you do have the right to approach the courts for orders that you be allowed to spend time with your grandchildren.

It is up to the court to decide what should happen, based on what it thinks is in the child’s best interests. An order may enable you to have some visits, or communicate with your grandchild, perhaps by phone or email. If there is a proven relationship between you and your grandchildren prior to the separation, the chances that contact rights will be granted by the court are higher.

You can also apply for your grandchildren to live or spend time with you whether their parents are together or separated. You will not need a certificate of dispute resolution if there is a fear of violence or the matter is urgent, or a party can’t take part in mediation because of a disability.