Family relationships are diverse, and situations involving children can be complex – especially following separation or changes in family structure.
At TWM Solicitors, our experienced Family Law team helps parents, grandparents, step-parents, and guardians understand their legal rights and responsibilities. We provide sensitive, practical advice to protect the wellbeing of children and maintain important family connections.
How we can help
We can offer advice and help you to analyse the best course of action for your family. No two families are the same and it is important to take a holistic view and ensure a child is supported and cared for.
I am not seeing my grandchildren, what can I do?
Grandparents have no immediate legal rights to a relationship with their grandchildren. However, they can seek the court’s permission to apply to spend time with them if an agreement cannot be reached directly or through non court dispute resolution (NCDR), such as mediation.
My grandchildren live with me; how can I formalise the arrangement?
Grandparents have increasingly taken on a more important role in a child’s life. It is possible to formalise an arrangement either via:
- A Child Arrangements Order
- A Special Guardianship Order, following a Local Authority viability assessment.
Either type of order would grant the grandparent(s) parental responsibility.
Step-parents – how can I be involved?
If you are a step-parent and wish to take on more responsibility, there are several ways to do so legally. Adoption is not always the right solution for a step-parent, particularly as any surviving biological parent must consent to the adoption. Parental responsibility may be a suitable alternative and can allow you to make key decisions about your stepchild’s education, health and welfare. If adoption or a parental responsibility agreement is agreed, any application must be served to the other biological parent.
Why choose TWM Solicitors
Our family solicitors are experts in complex family law and child-related matters. If you are a parent, grandparent or step-parent seeking to protect your relationship with a child, we can help you find a practical and supportive solution. Call our team today to arrange a confidential consultation.