Grandparent Visitation & Residence Rights

Grandparent spending time with their grandchildren

If a grandparent worries about losing contact with their grandchildren, the first step is to talk to the parent that the child lives with. Explain that no matter what the problems are between the parents, you do not intend to take sides but only wish to maintain a relationship with your grandchild.

Unfortunately, sometimes these assurances can fall upon deaf ears and this is when legal advice regarding your rights to spend time with your grandchildren and even grandparent's residence rights is needed.

The first thing to try is mediation. This involves using an independent trained mediator to help everyone discuss what is in the best interests of the child and whether a compromise can be reached. If this doesn't work, it may be necessary to make an application to the court.

In the vast majority of cases where solicitors are involved a compromise is reached and therefore court proceedings are rare and only as a last resort.

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