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Grandparent’s rights lawyers
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If you have been denied contact with your grandchildren, our experienced solicitors can help you make an application for a Child Arrangements Order that would allow you contact.
Do you have any Rights as a Grandparent to have access to your grandchildren?
In an acrimonious breakdown of a relationship often grandparents are denied contact with their grandchildren.
Even though you may previously have spent time caring for your grandchildren whilst their parents were at work, as a grandparent you have no automatic right to contact with your grandchildren.
Fortunately, the Family Court recognises the valuable part you play in your grandchildren’s lives and it is very rare that the court would refuse you contact with them unless there is evidence of abuse or violence.
Can you apply to the Family Court to have contact with your Grandchildren?
The simple answer is no, because you do not have parental responsibility.
However, you can apply to the court for permission to make an application for a Child Arrangement Order that would if granted allow you contact.
Firstly, the Court will hear your application for permission to make the Child Arrangement order application and if granted will then move on to the main application. The Court will consider the following to decide whether to grant permission:
- Your connection with the child;
- The nature of your application for contact; and
- Whether your application might be potentially harmful to the child’s well-being in any way.
If one or both parents raise objections, you are likely to have to attend a full hearing in which both parties can put forward their evidence. It is essential that you receive good legal advice at this stage because you will need to persuade the court that you have a meaningful and on-going relationship with your grandchildren, which significantly benefits their lives.
The court will always consider all the child’s circumstances and must only make an order where they consider it better for the child than making no order at all. For example, they might have to weigh up whether your continuing contact with the child might have a negative impact on the rest of the family relationships, again it is only in extreme circumstance that a court will refuse access to grandchildren.
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Grandparents’ Rights in Child Custody
Are you a concerned grandparent seeking child custody in the UK? At Winrow Solicitors, we understand the importance of maintaining strong family bonds and ensuring the well-being of your grandchildren. Our experienced family law attorneys are here to guide you through the legal process and help you understand your rights as a grandparent.
In the United Kingdom, grandparents do have legal rights when it comes to seeking child custody or visitation with their grandchildren. However, obtaining custody as a grandparent is not automatic and requires a comprehensive understanding of family law statutes and a compelling case to demonstrate that custody with the grandparents is in the best interests of the child.
Factors Considered by the Court
The court will consider several factors when deciding whether to grant child custody to grandparents. These factors include:
- The child’s best interests: The court’s primary concern is the well-being and best interests of the child. Grandparents must demonstrate that they can provide a stable and loving environment.
- Parental consent: Ideally, both parents should consent to the grandparent’s custody arrangement. However, if one or both parents object, the court will need to assess the reasons for their objection.
- Previous relationship: The strength and nature of the grandparent-grandchild relationship will be considered. Grandparents who have played a significant role in the child’s life may have a stronger case.
- Parental ability: The court will assess the parents’ ability to provide a stable and safe environment for the child. If the parents are deemed unfit or incapable, this may weigh in favor of granting custody to grandparents.
How Winrow Solicitors Can Assist You
Our dedicated family lawyers at Winrow Solicitors have extensive experience in handling grandparent child custody cases. We are here to assist you by:
- Assessing your case: We will evaluate your unique circumstances and provide you with an honest assessment of your chances of obtaining custody.
- Developing a strong legal strategy: We will work closely with you to create a compelling case that demonstrates the child’s best interests are served by being in your care.
- Negotiating and mediating: Whenever possible, we will aim to reach an amicable solution through negotiation or mediation to minimize stress and conflict for all parties involved.
- Litigating when necessary: If a resolution cannot be reached through negotiation or mediation, our skilled attorneys are prepared to vigorously advocate for your rights in court.
We can assist you with the legal process with the aim of persuading the court that you have a meaningful and on-going relationship with your grandchildren which significantly benefits their lives.
Please get in contact with us and we can help arrange a consultation to discuss further.
Ian Winrow
Founder & Experienced Solicitor
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Speak to our Grandparent’s Rights Solicitors for Bangor (Gwynedd), Anglesey, Conway & Caernarfon Today
Contact our experienced family solicitors today to arrange a consultation where we will advise you on the next steps.
Grandparents rights are quite limited when it comes to custody or visitation of a child. If you want to apply for a Contact Order for your grandchildren, we serve clients in Caernarfon and the North Wales area and can offer you expert legal advice.
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