Grandparents and extended family often play an important role in children’s lives. When separation or family conflict puts that at risk, we help you understand your options.
Start with a free 20-minute discovery call. Meetings across Australia, in person or online.
Children benefit from strong relationships with the people who love them. That includes grandparents, aunts, uncles and others who have been part of their lives.
The law recognises the importance of these relationships. Grandparents and others concerned with a child’s care, welfare or development can apply for parenting orders.
We help grandparents and extended family find ways to maintain relationships, ideally through agreement.
Keeping families connected
Conflict between adults can cut children off from people who matter to them. Often the best outcome is reached through careful, respectful conversation.
Where it would help, we coordinate family support through Florens Psychology & Wellbeing to rebuild relationships.
Mediation is generally required before applying to the Court.
Formalise agreement
Record arrangements as a parenting plan or consent orders.
Apply to the Court
Grandparents can apply for parenting orders.
The Court decides
Based on the child’s best interests.
“Highly recommend. From our very first discussion I felt supported and confident in the firm’s ability. The experience and commitment throughout this very stressful process was amazing. Everything was explained clearly and handled with respect.”
Do grandparents have rights to see their grandchildren?
There is no automatic right, but the law recognises the importance of these relationships. Grandparents can apply for parenting orders.
Do we need to try mediation first?
Generally, yes. Family dispute resolution is usually required before applying to the Court.
Can the children live with their grandparents?
Grandparents can apply for orders for children to live with them where that is in the children’s best interests.
What if the parents will not let us see the grandchildren?
Try to resolve it through conversation or mediation first. If that fails, you can apply to the Court.
Can grandparents be involved in decision-making?
Yes, where they are caring for the children, orders can give them parental responsibility.
What does the Court consider?
The child’s best interests, including the benefit of the relationship with grandparents, safety and the child’s views.
What does it cost?
Your first step is a free 20-minute discovery call, where we listen, explain your options and outline what working with us could look like. If you go ahead, we explain costs clearly at the outset.
This is general information, not legal advice for your situation.
