Grandparent alienation

Grandparents can gain an enormous amount of pleasure from their grandchildren, but when those relationships are restricted, it can cause terrible heartache. We take a look at a new report urging the Government to take more steps to grant greater rights to grandparents

- Sandra Smith and Sarah Rodi

In an ideal world, the role of a grandparent is one of eagerly anticipated happiness followed by well intentioned indulgence. But that’s not all. Advantages extend across generations, so that grandchildren benefit from the time and wisdom of their elders while new parents also value practical help and advice. That, at least, is the theory. For some grandparents, however, family relationship breakdowns have such a detrimental effect, the impact on any connection with their sons or daughters and their offspring leads to acrimony which, in extreme cases, means access to their grandchildren is limited or even denied.

New research commissioned by IBB Solicitors and conducted by independent research agency Atomik Research reveals that on average, 15% of grandparents in the UK have restricted access to their grandchildren.

Two thirds of respondents cited the reasons for restricted access were that their sons, daughters or spouses were intentionally difficult. Nearly a quarter (22%) believed divorce or separation was the precipitating factor and a further 7% stated they had been victims of grandparental alienation by their own sons, daughters and/or spouses.

More than a fifth of all grandparents in the UK also admitted that restricted grandparent access has occurred amongst their friends or social circle.

Vicky Preece, a Consultant with IBB Solicitor’s family practice, says: “The research clearly highlights that behind the scenes, family relations have or are breaking down across the UK. In many parts of the world, grandparents are seen as an integral part of the family unit and yet in certain regions of the UK, the research shows a stark contrast with a significant percentage of the grandparents being restricted from spending any time with their grandchildren, or are aware of friends and social circles that have also been affected.