In New Zealand, grandparents do not have automatic legal rights to contact or day to day care of their grandchildren. However, the law recognises the importance of maintaining relationships between grandchildren and their wider family, including grandparents.
Grandparents maybe required to apply to the family court for orders seeking the care of their grandchildren in situations where their grandchildren’s safety is at risk. This care maybe for a short time or longer term depending on the situation. We can assist you in making these applications on either an urgent basis or through the on notice process depending on the situation.
Grandparents do have the right to apply for contact with their grandchild in the family court if your client, being the grandchild’s parent is deceased. The Family Court recognises in this situation the important link of grandparents to that side of the child’s family.
While it is always hoped that a grandparent can arrange contact with their grandchild with the parents directly. If you are unable to do so or if the situation is one where the child safety is at risk in the their current care arrangement please contact us to discuss the options available to you in the family court as a Grandparent.
