Grandparents rights (Whitehall report)

This is an extension from the previous post concerning the reorganisation of family justice as discussed in the Whitehall report. 

Grandparents rights when families divorce has always been a hot topic that has fell foul to much media criticism and pushes for reform. Currently grandparents don’t have an automatic right to contact with grandchildren. There only path to gaining contact, if the direct approach and mediation have failed, is to apply to the court for leave (permission) to apply for a Contact Order. The courts will then consider a certain set criteria and if successful the grandparent can then apply to the courts for a Contact Order. A long-winded, expensive, stressful and complicated procedure. 

The Whitehall report has stated a number of areas where their rights will be improved, if only slightly at this stage;

• with the courts permission, arrangements concerning childcare should be available to grandparents and the wider family.
• There will be a push for parenting agreements to recognise the needs for children to keep in contact with grandparents after divorce. 

In March, earlier this year there was a first push at obtaining grandparents more rights after parents divorce. It seems that after this second push and much larger re-organisation in general, a step forward might finally be made.