southgate solicitors

Family issues, Legal solutions.

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Family issues, Legal solutions.

We're here to help you

Send your details to us and we will call you back to take further information about your matter.

If you are looking for help with grandparents rights our specialist solicitors can help you. In addition to office meetings, we offer remote meetings by telephone or video if preferred. To discuss your options call us 24/7 on 0208 004 0065 or email us at hello@southgate.co.uk 

Grandparents Rights

In recent years, there has been growing recognition of the vital role grandparents play in the upbringing and welfare of their grandchildren. However, despite this recognition, grandparents may find themselves facing obstacles when seeking contact or custody arrangements, especially in situations of family breakdown or disputes. 

While grandparents do not have an automatic right to contact with their grandchildren, they have legal avenues available to seek contact arrangements through negotiation, mediation, or court proceedings. The best interests of the child are paramount in any decisions made by the court regarding contact arrangements, and grandparents can seek legal advice to understand their rights and options under English law. At our firm, we understand the invaluable role grandparents play in the lives of their grandchildren and the importance of preserving these relationships, even in challenging circumstances. 

What can we do

At southgate solicitors, we offer comprehensive assistance tailored to your needs for your rights as grandparents. Our team of experienced professionals understand the intricacies of family law and are dedicated to providing you with the expertise and support you need during what can be a daunting and highly emotional time.  We have Resolution members and also hold Law Society Family Law Advanced Panel Accreditation which demonstrates our knowledge, skill and expertise in this area of law. 

If you wish to read more about this area of law we have some frequently asked questions at the end of this page – feel free to scroll down to read more.

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How we work with you

Step 1 how it works southgate solicitors

Contact Us

You can either call us 24/7 on 0208 004 0065, email us at hello@southgate.co.uk or fill out our contact form below.

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Initial Call

Our client services team will discuss details of your case during a no-obligation call to ensure that it is something we can help you with.

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Strategy Meeting

A specialist solicitor will meet with you to go through your matter in detail and advise on a strategy and options.

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What our clients say

FAQs

No, grandparents do not have an automatic legal right to contact with their grandchildren. However, they can seek to establish contact through various legal avenues if informal arrangements are not possible. 

Grandparents are encouraged to first attempt to resolve any disputes through negotiation or mediation. If this is unsuccessful, they can apply to the court for permission (leave) to make an application for a Child Arrangements Order, which determines contact arrangements. 

The court considers the best interests of the child as the paramount consideration. This includes factors such as the child’s welfare, their relationship with their grandparents, any risk of harm, and the ability of the grandparents to meet the child’s needs. 

While grandparents do not automatically have parental responsibility, they can obtain it through various means, such as being named as a guardian in a parent’s will, obtaining a Special Guardianship Order, or being appointed as a guardian by the court. 

Grandparents can seek legal advice from a qualified family law solicitor who can assess their individual circumstances and provide guidance on the most appropriate course of action, including negotiation, mediation, or court proceedings. 

Mediation provides a structured and neutral environment for grandparents and other family members to discuss their concerns and reach mutually agreeable solutions outside of court. It can help facilitate open communication and preserve family relationships. 

Yes, in some cases, grandparents may consider applying for a Special Guardianship Order if they believe it is in the best interests of the child to live with them on a long-term basis. This order grants the special guardian parental responsibility for the child. 

The duration of the legal process can vary depending on the complexity of the case and whether the parties are able to reach agreements outside of court. It’s advisable to seek legal advice to understand the specific timeline for your situation. 

We're here to help you

Send your details to us and we will call you back to take further information about your matter, or you can click the number below.

We're here to help you

Send your details to us and we will call you back to take further information about your matter, or you can click the number below.