SA Grandparents Rights - Family Law Court to Obtain Contact with Children?

[Rodney Welch]

If the child is under the Guardianship of the Minister (an order through the Youth Court of South Australia), is the Family Law Court able to hear a case as the grandmother is seeking contact with her grandchildren, and Families SA are making decisions to reduce and remove grandmother's contact.

The child was placed with the grandmother for 6 years whilst under the Guardianship Board and then removed. There have been issues raised in regards to the children's safety, though no known investigation has confirmed any risks.

What grandparents rights does the grandmother have to seek contact and a relationship with her grandchild? And can she do this through the Family Law Court to have and maintain the relationship?

 

[Lance]

Grandparents are specifically referred to in the Family Law act as people who can apply for orders to spend time with their grandchildren. So an application can be made through the Family Law Court.

 

[Dordy]

My son and his ex have seperated. My son was awarded sole custody. Due to some allegations the children are living with the mother in the interim. I tried numerous times to have contact with my grand children. PI note that the children lived with me with mu son for some time and we were quite close. I pleaded with her to allow contact, but she flatly refused with no reason. I was forced to go down the legal avenue to see them. SoI applied to be made a 2nd respondant in the case between my son and his ex. Both my son and his ex are getting legalaid. I am having to fork out so much and so far still havent been given even a call. Its so traumatic for me. It appears that what I am looking for wont get addressed until the time of the son and his ex's trial. And it appears that the ICL has made it clear that she is on the side of the mother, without looking into the situation prior,that warranted the sole custody to my son in that instance. I fear that I will go broke before this all comes to an end. Im scared I wont get to see my grandbabies. How does everyone cope while waiting?