Grandparents’ Rights Solicitors

Not automatically. Under UK law, only parents or people with parental responsibility can apply directly for a Child Arrangements Order. Grandparents need to ask the court for permission to apply first. Despite this, many grandparents play a vital role in a child’s life, and the court takes that seriously once permission is granted.

“Visitation” isn’t a UK legal term – here, we talk about “contact”. Grandparents don’t have an automatic right to contact, but can apply to the court for permission to seek a Child Arrangements Order that sets out time spent with a grandchild, whether regular contact or attendance at specific occasions.

The court looks at your connection with the child, the nature of what you’re asking for, and whether the application could be harmful to the child’s wellbeing in any way. Permission to apply is usually granted, particularly where a grandparent doesn’t already have a natural opportunity to see the child through a parent’s own time with them.

You’ll usually need to show you’ve explored alternatives first, such as family mediation, before asking the court for permission. Once permission is granted, the same welfare checklist applies as it would for any parent’s application – the child’s welfare is always the court’s paramount consideration.

Yes, in circumstances where a grandparent is caring for a grandchild and needs a more permanent legal footing than a Child Arrangements Order provides. A Special Guardianship Order gives you enhanced parental responsibility for the child, though it doesn’t remove the parents’ own parental responsibility entirely. This is a bigger step than a contact order, so it’s worth taking specific advice on whether it’s the right route for your situation.

Costs vary depending on whether your situation can be resolved through mediation or needs a court application, and how straightforward or contested it is. We’ll always give you clear, honest advice on likely costs before you commit to anything.