Families come in all shapes and sizes, and in some cases,
grandparents play a central role in raising grandchildren. Whether
a grandparent is already caring for a grandchild, spends regular
time with a grandchild or has been prevented from spending time
with their grandchild, the Family Law Act 1975
(Act) can provide avenues to formalise and protect
these important relationships.
Under the Act, grandparents are recognised as significant people
in a child's life and hence, can apply for parenting orders.
These orders can cover the person with whom a child lives, spends
time, or a person or persons who share responsibility for making
major long-term decisions affecting the child. This depends on the
circumstances of each case and, particularly, the best interests of
the child.
