How we help
Personal Support Across Every Area of Child Custody
Disagreements over a specific situation are rarely a one-off. They often impact how you co-parent day-to-day. At McKenzie Picave, we have more than 25,000 court room hours behind us and deliver specific issue guidance that looks at your whole situation, not just the issue in front of the judge.
Child Arrangement Order
A child arrangement order outlines where a child lives and who they spend time with. At McKenzie Picave, we will support you through this process.
Parental Alienation
Is the other parent deliberately undermining your child’s relationship with you? We can help you to understand what steps to take and how to raise it with the court.
Prohibited Steps Order
These are used to stop the other parent from taking a specific action, without agreement or a court order allowing it. This may include moving your child abroad or changing their school.
Cafcass Guide
Our guide discusses what Cafcass does, what a safeguarding call or interview involves and how to prepare, ensuring you are in the best position to clearly explain your circumstances.
Parental Responsibility
Outlining what parental responsibility actually means in law, who automatically has it and how to apply for it if you don’t.
Specific Issue Order
These orders are for when you and the other parent are unable to agree on a decision related to your child’s upbringing. These decisions may include schooling or medical treatment.
Understanding Grandparents’ Rights
Many people believe there is a law that guarantees grandparents contact with their grandchildren. In reality, the court’s priority is always the welfare of the child.
When considering an application, the court looks at the individual circumstances of the family and whether ongoing contact would be in the child’s best interests. This includes the relationship you’ve already built with your grandchild and the reasons why contact has broken down.
Every situation is different, which is why understanding the process from the outset is so important.
Grandparents’ Rights to See Grandchildren
If you’re searching for grandparents’ rights to see grandchildren, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common questions grandparents ask after family relationships change.
While there isn’t an automatic right to contact, many grandparents successfully rebuild relationships through agreement, mediation or, where necessary, the Family Court. Knowing which option is most appropriate depends on your individual circumstances.
McKenzie Friend Support
How McKenzie Picave Can Support You
Applying to the Family Court can feel daunting, particularly if you’ve never been involved in legal proceedings before. Many grandparents find themselves trying to navigate the process at an already emotional time, often without knowing what to expect or where to begin.
At McKenzie Picave, we provide practical McKenzie Friend support throughout your case. We can help you understand the court process, prepare the documents you need, organise evidence that demonstrates your relationship with your grandchildren and explain what to expect before each hearing. Our aim is to help you feel informed and prepared as you work towards maintaining or rebuilding those important family relationships.
We don’t replace a solicitor. Instead, we offer experienced support for grandparents representing themselves in the Family Court, providing guidance every step of the way.
Contact Us
Confidential, no-obligation consultation
For more information or to request a callback, please fill in the form below. A member of our team will respond shortly.
Tell us what’s happening and what you need.
We help you organise documents, write statements and know what to expect.
We are by your side for every hearing and every step after.
FAQs
Do grandparents have rights to see their grandchildren?
Grandparents do not have an automatic legal right to see their grandchildren in England and Wales. However, if contact has broken down, it may be possible to ask the Family Court for permission to apply for a Child Arrangements Order where this is in the child’s best interests.
Can grandparents apply for a Child Arrangements Order?
Yes. Grandparents can apply for a Child Arrangements Order, although they usually need the court’s permission before the application can proceed. The court will consider the circumstances of each case and whether the application is in the child’s best interests.
Can a McKenzie Friend help grandparents in family court?
Yes. A McKenzie Friend can provide practical support before and during family court proceedings. This may include explaining the process, helping prepare documents and offering guidance throughout your case.
Do grandparents have to attend mediation?
In many cases, mediation should be considered before making an application to the Family Court. If mediation isn’t suitable or doesn’t resolve the issue, court proceedings may then be appropriate.
Recent articles
Stay informed with the latest insights, updates, and guidance from the team at McKenzie Picave. Our recent articles cover topics across family court proceedings, legal support, mediation, and real-life issues affecting individuals and families today.
UK Family Court Delays
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“It could happen…”
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McKenzie Friend v Solicitor
McKenzie Friend vs Solicitor: What Is the Difference in the Family Court? The difference between a McKenzie Friend and a solicitor in the family court is significant. A solicitor is a legally qualified ...