With National Grandparents Day (Sunday 03 October) just around the corner, a family law expert at Irwin Mitchell is stressing the importance of a child's relationship with their grandparents when their parents divorce. 

The relationship between a grandparent and grandchild can be extremely beneficial to a child's development, particularly during confusing and upsetting times like a divorce.  A grandparent can give reassurance and support to their grandchild and help when their relationship with their parents may be strained. 

With one in three marriages now ending in divorce, the welfare and support system of children at the heart of these separations should never be overlooked

Nicola Walker, a family law expert at Irwin Mitchell in Birmingham said: "When we think of the impact divorce can have on a family, our initial reaction is to think of the family as the wife, husband and their children.

"Those we don't often consider are the grandparents though the ripple effect of divorce conflict often extends to the wider family unit as well.   At present the law does not provide grandparents with automatic contact rights to their grandchild following a divorce. 

"Instead, they are encouraged to open up a dialogue with their son/daughter-in-law in order to try and reach a reasonable outcome.  The problem, of course, is that divorce is not always amicable. 

"There are a number of avenues and options available to grandparents who want to see their grandchild, for example through mediation or collaborative process. The key is to keep the channels of communication open. Court is also an option though leave of the court is required before an application can be brought. What is clear is that a child's relationship with their grandparent can prove extremely beneficial during difficult times of change and uncertainty."