Advice for Grandparents.
Concerned about losing contact with your grandchildren or seeking legal custody? Our expert team is here to protect your role in their lives.
Being separated from your grandchildren, or feeling uncertain about your place in their lives, can be extremely upsetting.
At Lanyon Bowdler, we understand just how important the relationship between grandparents and grandchildren can be, particularly where you have been closely involved in their upbringing and day-to-day lives. When family circumstances change, it can leave you feeling excluded, worried, and unsure of what you can do next. Our specialist family law solicitors are here to listen carefully to your concerns, provide reassurance, and guide you through the options available to you with clarity and sensitivity.
Although grandparents do not have automatic legal rights to see their grandchildren, there are often constructive steps that can be taken to restore or maintain contact. We offer legal advice for grandparents on matters such as applying to the court for permission to seek contact, agreeing arrangements outside of court, or exploring options such as special guardianship where appropriate. Every family situation is different, so we take the time to understand your circumstances fully, always keeping the best interests of your grandchildren at the heart of any advice we provide.
Our family law team is recognised by leading legal directories including The Legal 500 and Chambers UK, and many of our solicitors are members of Resolution and accredited by the Law Society for Family Law. This combination of recognised expertise and a genuinely caring, supportive approach means you can feel confident that you are in safe hands during what can be a very emotional and uncertain time.
Contact Lanyon Bowdler today to learn how we can help you and your grandchild.
Aside from our expertise as legal specialists, we understand the importance of a family. The special bond that exists between a grandparent and their grandchild is unique and something to treasure, which is why we want to utilise our expertise and experience in family law to help you maintain this relationship for the many years to come.
We place great emphasis on dialogue and discussion with the child’s parents to agree a way forward, which will ultimately help avoid court action, keep costs down and minimise the stress and anxiety for everyone involved. Working in the best interests of the children is at the centre of all that we do and we have an excellent track record of success when it comes to negotiation.
Where this route does not bring about a resolution however, then we are able to represent you effectively at any court hearings. We will be meticulous and thorough in our preparation of your case to persuade the court of the invaluable role you play in your grandchild’s life and that you should have an ongoing and meaningful relationship with them to significantly benefit you both.
The relationship between you and your grandchild is incredibly special so if you have been prevented from seeing them for any reason, the pain and upset caused can be utterly devastating.
Although as a grandparent you have no automatic legal right to contact with your grandchild, the courts recognise the importance of this key relationship and, unless there is a background of violence or abuse, they will be sympathetic to your situation. If the issue cannot be resolved through negotiation with the child’s parents, access can be granted by the court through a Child Arrangement Order.
A Child Arrangement Order is issued by the court detailing the living and contact arrangements for the child involved. They are usually required after a family breakdown, when the parents or those with parental responsibility, cannot agree where their child should live and how often they should see the non-resident parent or other family members.
Most cases are resolved through discussion and mediation without the need for court proceedings but, in the event a solution cannot be agreed upon, the court will make the final decision, which is legally binding until the child is 16.
As a grandparent, before you can apply for a court order to see your grandchild, you will first need permission from the court, which is normally given. Once permission is granted you will then proceed with your application for an order with the aim of securing visitation rights.
The court will weigh up all the evidence presented and will make a Child Arrangement Order, if they consider that is in the best interest of the child involved.
If you wish to secure residency for your grandchild so that they can live with you, the process is largely the same as if you were seeking contact, and you will need to obtain a Child Arrangement Order.
Although grandparents are not automatically entitled to apply for a Child Arrangement Order and will need permission from the court to do so, if you are applying for residency, the following exceptions apply:
If the parents of your grandchild are unable to look after them property or if care proceedings have been issued, you can potentially be appointed as a Special Guardian for your grandchild through a Special Guardianship Order issued by the court.
As a Special Guardian you will be granted parental responsibility for your grandchild until they are 16.
In order to be granted Special Guardianship you will need to take the following steps:
We can support you throughout all these stages and are able to help you prepare the documentation and information required for your application.
We are completely transparent and upfront about our prices and offer a number of different payment options to suit all budgets so don’t hesitate contact us for more detailed information.
In some situations, grandparents do not need the court’s permission (known as ‘leave’) to apply for a Child Arrangements Order. For example, if you already have a ‘lives with’ or previous residence order in place, or if your grandchild has been living with you continuously for more than three years, you may be entitled to apply directly.
In other cases, permission from the court may be required before making an application. We can advise you on your eligibility and guide you through the process, ensuring your relationship with your grandchild is protected and legally recognised where appropriate.
Pet ownership dispute – very professional, factual and honest. Swift responses & really supportive but also keep you informed of all possibilities.
At what was a challenging time for me, I was guided calmly through a process I knew nothing of.
Staci has been fantastic in dealing with my divorce and financial matter. She was approachable and supportive throughout a personally challenging time, and her communication and clarity was always excellent. I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending Staci, or Lanyon Bowdler.
I found the service and advice given regarding my matter to be professional and appropriate and my matter was brought to a very swift and satisfactory conclusion. I always felt my Solicitor really had my best interests at heart, I had every confidence.
From the first contact, the team at Lanyon Bowdler gave a fast & efficient service. They were very friendly & gave me the confidence that I had found the right solicitors. The advice given & the fast responses were beyond my expectations. The matter was resolved in no time at all.
After the solicitor firm I was using for my divorce couldn’t get it settled in two years, I transferred to Lanyon Bowdler. Within seven months they got it completely finished and over with. They proactively pushed to get my case closed and were supportive throughout. Absolutely worthy to be called the best.
Lanyon Bowdler managed my case very professionally and were very helpful during a difficult and challenging case both in a professional and personal capacity. I would highly recommend Lanyon Bowdler for all legal matters and would definitely engage in the future if the need arises.
I would not hesitate to recommend LB Solicitors to anyone needing guidance and representation for family law or divorce proceedings. My solicitor was thorough and diligent, balancing professional rigour with fairness, reasonableness and sensitivity. I feel this approach helped me to obtain a satisfactory settlement avoiding costly and unnecessary conflict.
Since dealing with Lanyon Bowdler they have been diligent, efficient and at all times very helpful along with being structured in dealing with matters, fees and clarity on all levels. Thank you.
I was clearly informed of progress step by step. The service you provided was very good.
All work carried out effectively and efficiently.
An excellent service with solicitors that you can talk to and who give you a clear understanding of all necessary legal implications and interpretations.
From start to finish we had excellent service. Friendly, approachable and professional.
Used Lanyon Bowdler for conveyancing and for legal advice – both solicitors I worked with were effective and professional. Law firm was fast and responsive to queries and clear pricing.
Very clear, concise advice and guidance, easy to understand.
Good service provided throughout with clear communication throughout with all options explored.
I was impressed with the forensic approach to identifying, securing, assessing and presenting evidence over the two years that it took to finally resolve the issue.
I can thoroughly recommend the highly professional and supportive service received over the last few months.
Responsive, supportive, approachable, clear and empathetic.
Professional and prompt communication. Supportive and client focused.
Whenever I have had need to contact Lanyon Bowdler I have always received a fast, concise and friendly response.
Definitely would use Lanyon Bowdler again if I need the use of a solicitor.
Smooth and efficient service from very professional firm.
We were particularly impressed with the quality of work, the speed and excellent communication.
Very friendly and approachable. Very good advice
Great Service; Lanyon Bowdler were excellent from the outset. Straightforward and easy process. I just sat back and waited.
Everything has been professional, efficient and courteous throughout and we are very pleased, both with the service and with the eventual outcome of our case. Everything was first class and exceeded our expectations. Thank you again for providing such splendid service. It is really appreciated.
Everything has been dealt with very efficiently in a very kind and professional manner.
By choosing Lanyon Bowdler, you can rest assured that you have the best legal expertise no matter what the situation. Our family law solicitors have vast experience in all areas of family law and we are committed to providing exceptional levels of client care. Our Child Custody Lawyers always act with the utmost discretion and you will be treated with sensitivity and understanding, as we work closely with you to find the best outcome for everyone involved.
We have offices in Shrewsbury, Bromyard, Conwy, Hereford, Ludlow, Oswestry and Telford, regularly acting on behalf of clients across Shropshire, Herefordshire, Mid and North Wales and throughout the Midlands. Our experience makes us the ideal firm to give Legal Advice to Grandparents in Birmingham, Wolverhampton, and Worcester.
As a leading full-service law firm in Wales, we provide legal services to clients throughout England and Wales, so for friendly and professional advice contact us today by phone or complete the online enquiry form.
Blog
Blog
Blog
Blog
Podcast
Parental Responsibility in Family Law – Staci Robinson
Blog
"*" indicates required fields
Back
