Our son had a relationship with a girl some years ago, which produced our only granddaughter, who is now seven. The couple split up, and our son has been paying maintenance. We now discover that the mother has married and is planning to emigrate. We thought our son’s consent would be required for his daughter to be taken abroad?
It’s possible your son won’t have “parental responsibility” for his daughter unless he’s taken steps to acquire it. He could apply for parental responsibility now and object to the move, but unless he’s been an important part of her life it’s likely the court would grant permission for your granddaughter to be taken abroad. However it would probably impose conditions to allow your son a continuing relationship by contact, whether indirect or direct or both. Discuss this further with a solicitor specialising in family matters.