As there are often grandparents coming to this site about their "rights" I present the following material as published by the Department of Justice for their benefit:
Grandparent-Grandchild Access: A Legal Analysis
Table of contents - Grandparent-Grandchild Access: A Legal Analysis (2003-FCY-15E)
I also remind them of the following view from social science literature:
A full read of this material is recommended to any grandparent prior to bringing forward an Application for access to their children's children.
Good Luck!
Tayken
Grandparent-Grandchild Access: A Legal Analysis
Table of contents - Grandparent-Grandchild Access: A Legal Analysis (2003-FCY-15E)
I also remind them of the following view from social science literature:
On the negative side, grandparents have been perceived by clinicians as focussed on their own needs, perhaps to fill their empty nests; as making reparation for their own past perceived failures; as impeding the gaining of autonomy and independence in their own children; and as remaining enmeshed and overinvolved with these children through their grandchildren. Grandparents have been viewed as interfering, indulgent, overprotective, demeaning of the parents and sabotaging their efforts at discipline, competing with their children and wanting to assume former, rewarding roles, tinged with power and control.
Corinne Wilks and Catherine Melville, Grandparents in Custody and Access Disputes (1990) 13 (3): Journal of Divorce, 1 at 3-4.
Corinne Wilks and Catherine Melville, Grandparents in Custody and Access Disputes (1990) 13 (3): Journal of Divorce, 1 at 3-4.
Good Luck!
Tayken