The bond between a child and their family is truly special and unique. We understand the deep importance of maintaining these connections, especially after a relationship breakdown. We are here to help you maintain these precious relationships.
We’ve been successful in assisting grandparents and extended family members in preserving and nurturing their relationships during child custody proceedings.
Every family is different, and each situation is unique. Our specialist child law solicitors have extensive experience in helping family members who are facing challenges during child custody proceedings. We know how crucial grandparents and extended family are to children, offering love, support, advice, and experience.
Grandparents and extended families play a vital role in a child’s life, fostering a sense of wellbeing and belonging. Today, more than ever, grandparents and extended family members are providing significant childcare support and are an integral part of their loved ones’ lives.
Unfortunately, some children are deprived of the opportunity to maintain contact with their family members, losing those precious relationships. When this happens, seeking help from the Family Court might be necessary.
Our expert family mediation and grandparents rights solicitors are here to support you.
Grandparents rights and extended family rights
Grandparents and extended family members do not automatically have the legal right to maintain a relationship with their loved ones. Traditionally, case law has favoured absent parents in contact arrangements, often leaving extended family members feeling neglected and powerless. However, the courts’ approach is evolving, now recognising the significant role and contributions of wider family members.
Typically, only those with parental responsibility (usually the mother and father named on the child’s birth certificate) have an automatic say in matters concerning the child. However, this does not mean all legal avenues are closed to other family members. If maintaining this important relationship cannot be agreed upon, appealing to the court is an option.
Grandparents and extended family members do not automatically have the right to make such applications; they must first obtain the court’s permission. Once granted, your application will be considered.
We are here to help you
Dealing with legal proceedings concerning child custody can be challenging and involve complex laws. It’s essential to seek expert legal advice early to ensure you handle the issue effectively and avoid costly mistakes. At Ramsdens, our specialist child law solicitors are here to help you navigate these matters and guide you through the entire legal process.
If possible, try to discuss the situation with the parents or the local authority to reach an agreement regarding contact or care of your loved one. If an agreement cannot be made, consult with our child law specialist team for detailed advice. Getting early guidance will help you understand your options and act appropriately to avoid unsettling what can be a very delicate situation.
In cases where relations have broken down, a carefully drafted letter from your solicitor can be crucial. Such a letter can help defuse tension and clearly convey your perspective, potentially resolving the issue. If this approach does not work, other alternatives, including court applications, can be considered.
At Ramsdens, we are committed to promoting a non-confrontational approach to resolving family breakdown issues. We handle these situations with sensitivity, cost-effectiveness and most importantly care.
How else can grandparents and extended family seek parental responsibility?
While most issues arise from the loss of contact with their loved ones when relationships with the parents break down, grandparents and extended family members may also find themselves needing advice and assistance in various other situations.
This is particularly true when the local authority (often referred to as Children’s Services or Social Services) becomes involved. A child might be placed with foster carers or be subject to a Care Order due to challenging home circumstances. In such cases, grandparents and extended family members often wish to maintain contact with their loved one and may even want to step forward as the primary carer. This can be achieved through a Child Arrangements Order (with a “live with” provision) or Special Guardianship Order the latter of which would provide “enhanced” parental responsibility rights.
Grandparents and extended family members can also be assessed as potential carers and become involved in any existing proceedings initiated by the local authority. Independent expert legal advice is crucial if the local authority is involved, to understand both the legal implications and the practical and financial support that might be available. The local authority may fund some or all of the independent legal advice you need from us, and we can help you explore this option. We are here to help you.
