News & Publications - Family & Matrimonial

The Rights of Grandparents

Grandparents are set to get sweeping legal rights as part of the Government plants to put "strong, stable and loving families" back at the heart of British life, according to Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg.

For years, grandparents have had to take extended legal steps to try and secure even minimum contact with their grandchildren when couples separate. Grandparents have no automatic right to spend time with their grandchildren. Sadly, almost half face being cut off completely.

Whilst there will inevitably be difficulties in making these arrangements, with skilled professionals being involved and perhaps an opportunity for mediation to come to the fore in arranging the practicalities on behalf of the children, it must be in the children's interest to have support from every quarter whilst their parents undertake the difficult business of separation and divorce.

For further information, please contact our Family Team on 0207 544 2424.