20 May 2026
When families separate or relationships break down, grandparents can suddenly find themselves cut off from contact, often with very little warning.
A question we hear regularly is: do grandparents have legal rights to see their grandchildren?
The short answer is no, grandparents in England and Wales do not have an automatic legal right to contact. However, that does not mean there are no options available.
Who Decides Who a Child Sees?
Under the Children Act 1989, decisions about a child’s upbringing are usually made by those with parental responsibility, typically the child’s parents.
Grandparents do not automatically have parental responsibility, which means they do not have the same legal authority to make decisions about contact arrangements.
That said, the courts do recognise the important role grandparents can play in a child’s life, and maintaining those relationships is often seen as beneficial for a child’s wellbeing.
Start with Communication
Court should usually be the last resort.
Where possible, it is often best to try to resolve matters through:
Mediation can be particularly helpful where communication has broken down following divorce, separation, or wider family disagreements.
A trained mediator helps families try to reach an agreement without going to court, which can save time, stress, and legal costs.
Can Grandparents Apply to Court?
Yes.
If mediation is unsuccessful, grandparents can apply to the Family Court for a Child Arrangements Order.
This is a court order that sets out:
However, unlike parents, grandparents usually need the court’s permission before making an application.
Will the Court Grant Permission?
In many cases, yes, particularly where there is already a strong relationship between the grandparent and grandchild.
When deciding whether to allow an application, the court will consider:
The court’s main priority is always the child’s welfare.
What Does the Court Consider?
If the case proceeds, the court focuses on one key question:
What is in the child’s best interests?
This includes considering:
Every family situation is different, and there is no one-size-fits-all outcome.
When Grandparents Become Full-Time Carers
In some situations, grandparents take on a much larger role because parents are unable to care for the child.
Where care arrangements are likely to be long term, a Special Guardianship Order (SGO) may be appropriate.
This gives grandparents parental responsibility and allows them to make important decisions about the child’s upbringing until they turn 18.
Practical Steps for Grandparents
If you are worried about losing contact with your grandchildren, there are some practical steps that can help:
Early advice can often help families resolve matters before positions become entrenched.
Losing contact with a grandchild can be incredibly painful, particularly where there has previously been a close relationship.
Although grandparents do not have automatic legal rights, the law does recognise the importance of family relationships and provides routes for grandparents to seek contact where appropriate.
The right advice at an early stage can make a significant difference.
How We Can Help
If you are concerned about contact with your grandchildren, or you are already caring for a grandchild and want to formalise arrangements, our family law team can help.
We regularly support families across Dorset, including Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch and Highcliffe, with clear, practical advice tailored to their circumstances.
Call us on 01202 294411, or contact us via our website to arrange a confidential consultation: Contact Us AB Solicitors For Your Legal Needs
