Divorcees should consider grandparents

When a couple gets divorced they should consider the affect their permanent separation will have on the members of their family, particularly their children's grandparents.

That's according to family lawyer Karen Reynolds, who notes that at present there is no law which says that grandparents should automatically be allowed visitation rights to their grandchildren following a divorce.

Speaking to the Birmingham Post, she said that although most former couples are aware that their children will want to see their grandparents and are accommodating, some people deny their former spouse's parents access. This means that some grandparents have to apply for contact under the Children Act, a process that can often be difficult.

Ms Reynolds said: "In the majority of divorces involving children the grandparent will continue to have contact when the child is seeing the relevant parent. Unfortunately, there are still a significant number of cases where for a variety of reasons the grandparent loses contact with their grandchildren as the parent with care objects.

"The court would look at what is in the best interest of the children. The court has power to [give] orders setting out how frequently and on what terms they may have contact.

"However, many cases can be resolved by negotiation before court proceedings are commenced or by mediation if both parties are willing to participate."