Working to Preserve Relationships
Grandparents are now recognised as playing an increasingly important role in family life, offering love, advice, experience and, in some cases, financial support to their families.
When relationships breakdown between parents, the grandparents may become side lined, resulting in them losing out financially and also having limited or no contact with their grandchildren.
At Rollingsons Solicitors Ltd, our London grandparents' rights solicitors represent grandparents who find themselves in difficult positions in which they feel sidelined. We have found that most children benefit greatly from a healthy relationship with their grandparents. We attempt to help our clients forge and preserve a strong bond with their grandchildren.
Protecting a Grandparents' Financial Contribution During a Relationship
Parents of couples are often called upon to assist their children financially when they purchase assets, in particular the family home. Such financial assistance is rarely documented legally, so when the relationship breaks down issues can arise as to whether this money can be returned. There are usually questions about whether the money was given as a gift or was instead a loan.
Our London family law solicitors represent parents who have made a significant contribution to their son's or daughter's family assets. We have successfully intervened in the financial proceedings between spouses to protect what is rightfully due to the grandparents. In addition, our solicitors advise grandparents in such situations on how to protect their financial assistance by preparing legally binding documents to evidence the purpose of the assistance.
Protecting a Grandparents' Right to Maintain Contact With Grandchildren
Historically, on a breakdown of a relationship, the Courts have favoured contact between parents and children, often leaving grandparents feeling marginalised and powerless. However, the Courts are now recognising the great contributions grandparents can make to a child's overall welfare.
As such, if an agreement cannot be reached on how the grandparent maintains contact with his or her grandchild, then the grandparent can make an application to the Court for an order setting out how his or her contact can be regulated with a grandchild. Our solicitors assist grandparents in applying for these orders. If the grandchild had a close relationship with the grandparent, and it is in the best interest of the grandchild for that relationship to continue, then the Court would grant this permission.
Contact Our London Family Law Firm
If you have questions about your rights as a grandparent, please contact one of our specialist family law solicitors on 0808 159 5250. Our solicitors offer a free initial consultation to all grandparents seeking legal assistance.
