In recent weeks, the calls for the law to be changed to give grandparents greater legal status when applying for contact with their grandchildren have been getting louder.

At the moment family members who are not parents have to apply to the Court for permission to bring their application.  The law changes sought to prevent that from having to occur.  This would mean that grandparents, aunts, uncles and nephews and nieces would simply be able to lodge an application for contact to their relative without having to obtain permission from a Judge first.

At the moment, the Ministry of Justice has said that it is considering the proposal.  The pressure does appear to be mounting on the Government.  When David Cameron was Prime Minister, he made a pledge to increase grandparents rights, but there have been no law changes since.

Additionally, Legal Aid changes made in 2013 have made it very expensive for grandparents to make applications to Court.  The changes to Legal Aid affect parents and others similarly.  These changes have limited grandparents and other family members in making applications to Court to see their grandchildren.

The costs of bringing an application to Court can be large, depending on whether or not agreement can be obtained and quite often, the cases are fraught with emotion.

Watch this space and we will see what the changes are and will bring them to you when we can. You can also get in touch on 0800 8 60 62 65.

Vicky Medd Partner – Family & Matrimonial