A Practical Guide to the Rights of Grandparents in Children Proceedings – Second Edition

Grandparents have become more and more involved in the lives of their grandchildren, yet their legal position is still vague and uncertain. This useful new updated guide sets out what remedies are available and what action grandparents can take should they become caught up in family breakup or disharmony. The author has represented and advised grandparents in both private and public law proceedings over many years. Topics covered include:

• Grandparents – the current position;
• Orders available to grandparents in private and public law proceedings;
• Permission to file applications for court orders;
• Acquisition of Parental Responsibility;
• Contact with grandchildren in the care of the Local Authority
• Special Guardianship Orders including discharge and variation applications;
• The cases of Re J (2002), Re A (2015) & Re C (2009) Re M (2021) Re F&G (2021)
• Practical suggestions on advising grandparents on court applications.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Stuart Barlow is in the family team at Bhatia Best Solicitors. He has specialised in Family Law for over 40 years. His focus is now on representing Parents and other parties in Children Cases. He is a member of the Law Society Children Panel and Accredited Specialist with Resolution in Private Children and Cohabitation Law. He is the former Chief Assessor of the Law Society Family Law Panel and adjudicator for the Legal Aid Agency. He is a regular presenter of training courses for family lawyers throughout England and Wales and the author of several family law books.

CONTENTS

Introduction
Chapter One – Summary of the Current Position
Chapter Two – Common Situations Faced by Grandparents
Chapter Three – Orders Available to Grandparents
Chapter Four – Who Can Apply? – Section 10 Children Act 1989
Chapter Five – What if the Court’s Permission Is Required?
Chapter Six – Other Important Factors
Chapter Seven – Application for Party Status
Chapter Eight – The Court Process
Chapter Nine – Applications for Leave by the Child Concerned
Chapter Ten – Funding an Application to the Court
Chapter Eleven – Public Law Proceedings
Chapter Twelve – Grandparents’ Contact With Their Grandchildren in the Care of a Local Authority
Chapter Thirteen – Special Guardianship Orders
Chapter Fourteen – Special Guardianship Order Changes
Chapter Fifteen – Practical Suggestions When Advising Clients
Chapter Sixteen – Conclusion
Appendix A – Children Act 1989 Part III
Appendix B – Adoption and Children Act 2002
Appendix C – Part 18 Procedure for Other Applications in Proceedings