The role of grandparents

One of the greatest tragedies of family fall-outs will always be the effect they have on the children involved.

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A recent High Court fight over a granny's attempts to have contact with her two grandchildren in the face of bitter opposition from their father confirms that what really counts is what's best for the grandchildren. Law firm Meyer, Van Sittert and Kropman explains.

Two boys, aged 9 and 13, are the innocent subjects of this legal wrangle. They live with their father in Makhanda.

Their mother, a professional nurse serving in the SANDF with the rank of captain, tragically died in a motor accident three years ago.

Their father, currently a High Court advocate, met their mother while a member of the SANDF's Special Forces Unit. They were never formally married but the two children were born of their union. He is described as a good father providing his boys with good care and a stable home and family life.