News release

Amendments Support Grandparents' Access Applications

Justice

Grandparents seeking access to their grandchildren will have a simpler court process under legislation introduced today, April 7.

Sometimes grandparents need the court's help to see their grandchildren, especially when parents separate or divorce. Amendments to the Maintenance and Custody Act will remove a step for grandparents seeking access, and add more considerations to determine the best interests of the child.

"Grandparents often play a key role in children's lives," said Justice Minister Lena Diab. "They can provide love and stability, which is especially important for children going through difficult situations such as family separations.

"These changes stress the importance of grandparents and provide them with direct access to the court when needed to stay involved in their grandchildren's lives."

Currently, grandparents seeking access have to ask the court's permission for standing before they can proceed to a hearing. The amendments remove this initial step, so courts will proceed directly to considering the grandparents' request for contact.

"These are changes we have requested for a very long time," said Pauline Glenn, president of the Grandparents' Rights for Nova Scotia Association. "We have so much to offer our grandchildren and their parents, and we want to play an important role in their lives."

Other clauses in the amendments ensure that when grandparents apply for access, the courts will consider including contact with grandparents as a factor to determine what is in the best interests of a child.