Losing Access To Your Grandchildren
The courts now recognise the huge role grandparents have and the contribution they make, and we have helped many grandparents successfully achieve access to their grandchildren.
Over the past few years the profile of grandparents has been raised tremendously with many national organisations highlighting the asset that grandparents are to the family: and the courts have come to recognise that grandparents are an essential part of a child's life and should have access to their grandchildren.
Try not to take sides.
The breakdown of a marriage or long term partnership can be upsetting for all concerned. If you are worried about losing contact with your grandchildren, the first step is to approach either the mother or father and explain that you do not wish to take sides in the divorce but would like reassurance that you will be able to continue having regular access to the children.
If approached with sensitivity, many parents will respond to this reasonable request, but if this fails family mediation is an effective way in which to resolve contact issues and keep legal costs to a minimum. Mediation allows you to communicate with each other in the presence of a third party and reach decisions regarding access to grandchildren. However, it is not compulsory and both sides must agree to mediation for it to take place.
If you are worried about losing access to your grandchildren, it is essential that you obtain good legal advice as soon as possible.
If you have already lost access to your grandchildren, seeking legal advice can clarify what your options are and ensure any action you take to regain contact will be appropriate and not unsettle what is already a delicate situation.
