Rights of Grandparents

[busybusy10]

Hi

I am separating from my husband and the one thing worrying me is the contact with grandparents. His mum is an alcoholic and over the years has been banned from seeing the children due to her drinking resulting in drink driving offences and also a prison sentence (not related to drinking). She has also been hospitalised because of drinking. She is currently sober but only has been for a short time and I think will start drinking. My question is whether she will have a right to see the children? My husband has put up with this for 30 odd years and thinks I am overreacting but I am worried.

Many thanks

No.

Hi bittapitta

What would happen if my children were with their father and I wasn't around, would they be allowed to see the children through him?

Many thanks

If your husband wishes to take his children to see his parents then you can't stop it from happening, no.

Grandparents have no legal rights as such, but their father can not be stopped to take them to see his won parents.

Hi

Thanks for your answers. That what's worries me as he seems to accept the grandparents behaviour:(

Thanks again

How old are your dc and are you planning to petition for divorce in the near future?

Although you cannot prevent your h taking the dc to see his mother, I would suggest you consult a solicitor who is experienced in divorce and family law with a view to obtaining a prohibited steps order which will prohibit him from leaving the dc in her sole care at any time.

The basic law is that what happens when he has contact is up to him BUT there are things you can do like the prohibited steps order. Grandparents don't have an automatic right to contact in law.

Given there are safeguarding issues I think getting a solicitor who is experienced in this type of issue would be best (not all divorce/family lawyers are the same). Word of mouth recommendations are best. Sometimes it's possible to see reviews online, Google solicitors to see what they're most experienced in.