Solicitors for Grandparents Rights
Grandparents play a fundamental role in their grandchildren’s lives. Issues can arise when contact arrangements break down. We understand that this can be extremely distressing for all involved.
Contact can break down for several reasons. It can be a particularly fraught topic for parents who are in the middle of separation or divorce proceedings.
If you are having problems seeing your grandchildren, our experienced family solicitors can help you understand your legal rights and how you can take steps to see your grandchildren.
Do grandparents have legal rights to see their grandchildren?
Under English Law, grandparents do not have automatic legal rights to see their grandchildren per say.
This is contrary to parents where there is a presumption in law that it is in the child’s best interest to have a relationship with both parents.
It is, however, widely accepted that harvesting the grandparent-grandchild relationship is in a child’s best interests.
The family courts recognise grandparents' invaluable role in their grandchildren’s lives and the importance of children having a relationship with extended family members.
How We Can Help
Grandparents often play a vital role in their grandchildren's lives, and when contact arrangements break down, it can be distressing.
We are here to provide the support and guidance you need.
Our Services Include:
- Understanding Your Legal Rights: We will explain your legal rights and the steps you can take to maintain a relationship with your grandchildren.
- Mediation: We offer advice on mediation as a first step to resolving contact disputes and can refer you to trusted mediators. If mediation fails, we’ll help you secure a Mediation Information Assessment Meeting (MIAM) certificate to apply to court.
- Court Applications: If mediation doesn’t resolve the issue, we will guide you through applying for a Child Arrangements Order (CAO), assisting with permission from the court and understanding the factors considered in making a decision.
- Direct Applications: If your grandchild has lived with you for at least three years, we can help you apply for a Child Arrangements Order without court permission.
We are here to provide clear, compassionate support tailored to your unique situation.
Mediation
It is always best to try and agree on contact arrangements outside of court, if possible.
As a first step, we would advise that you consider mediation.
Mediation is a voluntary process, where an independent mediator will speak to you and other parties involved and try to come to a mutual arrangement about the contact arrangements moving forward.
If mediation breaks down, the mediator will provide you with a Mediation Information Assessment Meeting (MIAM) certificate, enabling you to issue a court application.
Mediation is usually the best way to resolve these issues, as court proceedings can be costly and stressful.
Our family team will strive to support you throughout the process and advise you on the right decisions for you and your family. We have relationships with excellent family mediators whom we can refer you to.
Permission from the courts
Where mediation is unsuccessful, an application may be made to the Family Court for a Child Arrangements Order.
A Child Arrangements Order is an order that regulates child arrangements.
The main guiding principle for any court decision relating to children is to advance their best interests. The court will make decisions per a child’s best interests, promoting their emotional, physical, and educational needs.
Generally, grandparents do not have an automatic entitlement to apply for a Child Arrangements Order, and they must obtain permission from the court before they can apply.
When considering an application for permission, the court will consider the following:
- The nature of the proposed application;
- The applicant's connection with the child;
- Any risk that there might be of the proposed application disrupting the child’s life to such an extent that they would be harmed by it;
- Where a local authority is looking after the child, what the authority’s plans for the child’s future care and the wishes and feelings of the parents;
If permission is granted, you can proceed with your application for a Child Arrangements Order.
If your grandchild has lived with you for at least three years, you can apply for a Child Arrangements Order without permission.
Why Work With Our Family Team?
- Our specialist family law solicitors are experts in complex, high-value divorce, and family disputes.
- Our family law solicitors are recognised by the Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners UK Guide.
- Our family team are all members of Resolution, the largest organisation of family lawyers in the UK, and are dedicated to dealing with matters in a non-confrontational and constructive way.
- Our team were shortlisted for the family law firm of the year (North) and financial remedies team of the year (National) at the Lexis Nexis Family Law Awards 2022.
- Our team work closely with other departments internally, including property, employment, corporate and commercial lawyers, to ensure that your financial needs are protected comprehensively.
- We provide a partner-led service to ensure you receive the very best legal advice and support for your family law issues.
- We have a large team of expert solicitors and can meet your deadlines.
- We are a full-service law firm operating from a one-site office, which means our teams communicate effectively and efficiently.
- We use the latest technology to ensure that we are working as efficiently. Geographical distance is no bar to us from providing excellent client service.
- We provide regular legal updates via our blogs, social media and local radio appearances.
- Look at the Myerson Promise for further benefits of working with us here.
- With our MSI Global Alliance Membership, we can connect you to trusted advisers in 100+ countries who can provide international legal advice for individuals and families.
- We assist families throughout England and Wales, with strong local expertise in Cheshire, Altrincham, and Manchester.
When you call our Family team, you will speak directly to a solicitor who can give you clear, informed advice from the outset. At Myerson, we pride ourselves on being accessible, approachable, and responsive, making sure you get the support you need when you need it most.
Testimonials
Mr P, Stretford
It’s been a pleasure working with you. Your approach has been a breath of fresh air.
Miss W, Altrincham
The Solicitors at Myerson were really helpful and dealt with my case really quickly. They kept me updated throughout and the whole process was very smooth, thank you!
Mr H, Bollington
I would strongly recommend Nichola to anyone needing legal advice and help and I cannot thank her enough for all of her help, support and assistance during this time. I have been working with her for nearly two years with my family court case and she has never been anything other than absolutely wonderful. She has always responded to any calls or emails very quickly and has always been incredibly professional.
Mr L
Did not have any issues that I had not thought had been dealt with efficiently or effectively. Would recommend to others.
Mr H, Manchester
Myerson are an extremely professional team.
Mrs A, Salisbury
A very prompt, considerate and professional service.
M A, Urmston
From start to finish everything done by Myerson was perfect. Nothing was any trouble, no matter how many times I contacted them over matters.
Mr J. Altrincham
Just a quick message to you and Jane to say thanks for your hard work and also representing me at court which was a tough day. We got a good outcome from a bad situation.
Meet Our Family Solicitors
Home-grown or recruited from national, regional or City firms. Our family lawyers are experts in their fields and respected by their peers.
Contact Our Child Law Solicitors
You can contact a member of our team using the contact form below or by phoning us on
0161 941 4000
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