A lawyer has warned of the potential harm to both grandparents and grandchildren who are separated as a consequence of divorce or separation.
Children matters specialist Amanda Adeola, of Macks Solicitors, was commenting on new figures showing seven grandparents a day turned to the courts to try to enable them to see their grandchildren last year.
Grandparents made a total of 2,517 applications for contact orders or child arrangement orders.
Research suggests grandparents often play an important role in their grandchildren’s lives, with 20 per cent regularly providing childcare.
After a divorce, however, they may find themselves suddenly isolated from their grandchildren – 18 per cent of grandparents reported rarely or never seeing their grandparents.
Our family team believe grandparents play a vital role in their grandchildren’s lives.
We believe the role of grandparents today should not be underestimated – many give up their time and use their retirement savings in order to care for their grandchildren.
To be suddenly denied contact to grandchildren they have often spent so much time caring for can be heartbreaking.
Grandparents may offer children stability at a time of uncertainty during their parents’ divorce or separation. If this relationship becomes severed, it will not only affect the children, but their grandparents as well.
Grandparents have no automatic right to see their grandchildren. However, in the event of a divorce or separation in their family, they can make an application to the court.
Grandparents’ rights campaigners want them to be given a legal right to see their grandchildren.
Obtaining a court order is a two-step process. Grandparents must first apply for permission to bring proceedings before the main application is considered.
Proceedings should be a last resort and parties should always try to utilise other methods of dispute resolution, such as mediation.
Leading family charity National Family Mediation believes the government is to blame for a lack of information and knowledge about alternatives to court in family disputes.
The charity says mediation is the best way for grandparents to resume contact with a child following a separation, as it can resolve family disputes at the root of the problem and restore lines of communication.
Macks family law solicitors in Darlington can provide expert advice if you are being refused contact with your grandchildren, explaining all the options available to you.
Our aim is to adopt a non-confrontational and pragmatic approach in all cases and we strive to keep disputes away from court when possible. Macks family law solicitors in Darlington can be contacted on 01325 389 800.
