When concerns arise about a child’s welfare, family members often play a crucial role in ensuring their safety and stability. This case study highlights how the Tees Family Law team supported grandparents in complex Children Act 1989 proceedings, ultimately helping to secure a positive outcome for their grandson.
The matter involved serious safeguarding issues, multi-agency evidence, and evolving legal positions, as the grandparents initially sought for the child to live with them before supporting the father’s application for a Child Arrangements Order. It demonstrates the importance of a clear legal strategy, effective communication, and a child-focused approach in high-conflict family law disputes.
Background: grandparents instruct Tees in complex children act proceedings
An existing court order was in place specifying that Jake should live with his mother and spend alternate weekends and half of the school holidays with his father. However, in light of emerging safeguarding issues, Jake’s grandparents initially applied for him to live with them. As the case developed, their application was amended to support Jake’s father in seeking for the child to relocate and live with him in the Midlands.
The matter quickly became complex, involving evidence from multiple local authorities, police forces, and medical professionals. The mother, who acted in person throughout, routinely failed to comply with court directions or provide evidence, which created further delay and difficulty.
Interim arrangements: court grants temporary care to grandparents
In response to an interim local authority report, the court made temporary arrangements for Jake to live with his grandparents during the school week—providing much-needed stability while longer-term decisions were considered.
Throughout the case, the Tees team focused on maintaining a cooperative, child-focused approach. While the grandparents’ position had evolved, our lawyers ensured that their case was consistently presented in a way that prioritised Jake’s best interests. Managing communication with unrepresented parties required particular care to avoid any confusion around legal responsibilities or representation.
Final outcome: child arrangement order relocates child to father’s care
The case concluded in winter 2023 after a two-day final hearing. The court overturned the existing order, ruling that Jake should move to the Midlands to live with his father at the start of the new school term. In the meantime, and during the Christmas holiday period, Jake would remain in the care of his grandparents.
This outcome provided a clear and positive way forward for the child and reflected the strength of the evidence and the consistent, measured approach taken by Tees throughout the proceedings.
Expert family law advice for complex child arrangement disputes
If you need some advice and support around complex family law issues, please contact Bethany Lodge or any of the Family team at Tees.
*Names have been changed to protect the privacy of those involved.