Sadly, where family relationships have broken down, especially when parents separate, it is not uncommon for grandparents to find themselves in a situation where they are denied any contact with their grandchildren. Below we look briefly at the law in this area, outlining the legal rights for grandparents around spending time with their grandchildren. 

Do grandparents have automatic rights over grandchildren?

Even for those grandparents who have previously had regular caring responsibilities for their grandchildren, or the emotional bond is otherwise strong, the law does not grant an automatic right to a relationship. This essentially means that if a dispute arises over contact with a child, for example, where the parents separate and one set of grandparents become estranged, a grandparent cannot assert an automatic right to spend time with a grandchild.

Grandparents also do not have an automatic right to apply to the court for what is known as a child arrangements order. This is an order typically used by separated parents to decide the issue of custody and contact, but can also be used to determine the nature and extent of any contact with wider family members. However, the good news is that it is open to grandparents to apply to the court for leave. This simply means that they first need to ask the court for permission to be heard about the issue of contact.

Provided permission is granted, the court can then go on to consider whether or not contact between a grandparent and grandchild is in the best interests of that child. There are various factors that the court will take into account when deciding the issue of contact with grandchildren, including the nature and strength of the existing relationship between a grandparent and grandchild. However, ultimately, the child’s welfare will always be of paramount importance, with reference to the following welfare checklist:

•   the ascertainable wishes and feelings of the grandchild in the light of their age and understanding at the date of the application

•   the grandchild’s physical, emotion and educational needs

•   the likely effect on the grandchild if circumstances change as a result of any order

•   the grandchild’s age, sex, background and any other relevant characteristics

•   any harm the grandchild has suffered or may be at risk of suffering

•   the capability of the grandparent(s) in meeting the grandchild’s needs. 

Needless to say, grandparents can often find the prospect of court proceedings daunting, where the grandparent-grandchild relationship will inevitably come under close scrutiny. However, with the right advice and representation, it is possible to re-establish regular contact with a grandchild. This can also often be achieved with recourse to the courts.

How can contact disputes over grandchildren be best resolved?

In circumstances where family relationships have broken down, and agreement cannot be reached around grandparents spending time with their grandchildren, mediation is often used as an alternative to court proceedings. Before applying for a child arrangements order, an applicant must first show that they have attended a mediation meeting in any event.

However, mediation is not simply a box-ticking exercise, but can be a productive way of getting the parties to talk about what is best for the child and finding some common ground. With the help of a mediator, this can give the parents and grandparents the opportunity to amicably reach an agreement about contact without recourse to the courts. 

Legal disclaimer

The matters contained herein are intended to be for general information purposes only. This blog does not constitute legal advice, nor is it a complete or authoritative statement of the law in England and Wales and should not be treated as such. Whilst every effort is made to ensure that the information is correct, no warranty, either express or implied, is given as to its’ accuracy, and no liability is accepted for any errors or omissions. Before acting on any of the information contained herein, expert advice should be sought.