Global News: Understanding Grandparents' Rights - Featuring Laura Paris, Shulman & Partners

In an interview with Global News, Laura Paris, Associate Lawyer at Shulman & Partners LLP, discussed a growing issue affecting many separated families: the rights of grandparents seeking access to their grandchildren. The segment explored why these disputes are becoming more common, particularly as extended family members often play significant roles in children’s lives and as families navigate post-separation tensions. Laura explained how Ontario’s legal framework approaches these situations, emphasizing that decisions are always rooted in the best interests of the child rather than the preferences of any adult involved. Her insights helped clarify when courts may intervene, what factors judges consider, and why the history of each family relationship matters. The conversation offered timely guidance for parents and grandparents seeking clarity during emotionally charged circumstances.

“Children benefit from having relationships not only with both of their parents but also with their extended family. When a parent makes a decision to limit that, it brings into question their decision making.”
— Laura Paris, Associate Lawyer, Shulman & Partners LLP

The conversation began with a viral TikTok video in which a mother claimed she had been ordered to give her parents access to her children despite alleging a troubled history. Laura explained that both the federal Divorce Act and Ontario’s Children’s Law Reform Act were amended in recent years to explicitly allow grandparents and other extended family members to seek contact or parenting orders. However, these rights are not automatic and do not override parental authority without cause.

Laura emphasized that all decisions relating to children are grounded in one standard: the best interests of the child. Courts assess this by considering the child’s existing relationship with the grandparent, the strength of family bonds, the child’s wishes depending on their age and maturity, and any safety concerns such as exposure to conflict or past abuse. A single allegation from a parent would not be enough to end a child-grandparent relationship without further evidence, just as a grandparent cannot gain access without demonstrating that involvement is beneficial.

A key point she highlighted is that courts generally trust parents to make appropriate decisions about their children’s relationships. In cases where both parents jointly oppose grandparent access, grandparents face a higher burden: they must show that the parents' decision is not aligned with the child’s well-being. But where a grandparent has had an established, positive relationship with the child, and a parent attempts to sever that contact without reasonable justification, the court may step in.

Laura also clarified that children do not testify directly. Instead, the Office of the Children’s Lawyer may be appointed to communicate the child’s views in a neutral and supportive environment. This ensures that their perspectives are included without exposing them to the stress of a courtroom.

While more grandparents are now pursuing their rights, she noted that many issues can be resolved with early legal guidance and proactive planning, especially around holidays and travel. Courts remain a last resort, and families are encouraged to negotiate parenting arrangements that reflect the realities and needs of everyone involved.

Listen to the full Global News segment here. 

This media appearance is part of Shulman & Partners LLP’s ongoing contributions to Canadian family law discussions. Explore more of our media features in our In the Media  archive.