At Brindley Twist Tafft & James, our grandparents’ rights solicitors understand the importance of the relationship between grandparents and their grandchildren. When family circumstances change, whether through separation, divorce, or other disputes, it can be upsetting to find contact affected or cut off altogether.
If you find yourself in such a situation, you need clear, practical advice from professionals who will take the time to understand your circumstances. Our experienced and approachable team provides sensitive support to grandparents seeking to maintain or re-establish contact with their grandchildren. We will explain your legal rights in straightforward terms, outline the options available to you, and help you take the most appropriate next steps.
Where possible, we aim to resolve matters constructively through discussion or mediation. However, if court proceedings become necessary, we will represent your interests firmly and effectively. Our priority is always to protect your relationship with your family while minimising stress and conflict wherever possible.
Contact our grandparents’ rights solicitors in Coventry, Warwick and Southam
Our grandparents’ rights lawyers can help and guide you through a wide range of matters, including making child arrangements.
If you require supportive advice or guidance, then please get in touch with one of our offices in Coventry, Warwick, Southam and Balsall Common, or email one of our solicitors below to see how we can help.
Our grandparents’ rights services
Our grandparents’ rights service is designed to support those who wish to preserve an important and valued relationship with their grandchildren.
We recognise that changes in family circumstances can sometimes lead to contact being reduced or prevented, leaving grandparents feeling uncertain about their options.
Our experienced grandparents’ rights solicitors provide clear, practical guidance tailored to your individual situation. We will take the time to understand your concerns, explain your legal position in straightforward terms, and advise you on the steps available, whether that involves informal discussions, mediation, or making an application to the court for a Child Arrangements Order.
Wherever possible, we encourage constructive solutions that prioritise the wellbeing of the child and minimise conflict.
If court proceedings are required, you can rely on us to represent you with professionalism, sensitivity and a firm commitment to achieving the best possible outcome for you and your family.
Frequently asked questions about grandparents’ rights
Do grandparents have rights to see their grandchildren?
In England and Wales, grandparents do not have an automatic legal right to see their grandchildren.
However, that does not mean contact cannot be secured. Where contact has broken down, a grandparent can apply to the court for permission (known as “leave”) to make an application for a Child Arrangements Order.
The court will consider factors such as the nature of the existing relationship, the reasons for the application, and whether it may disrupt the child’s life. In many cases, if there has been a meaningful and positive relationship, permission is granted, and contact arrangements can then be considered in more detail.
If a parent denies contact, what is the first legal step a grandparent should take?
If contact is stopped, it is often best to try to resolve matters amicably in the first instance. Open and constructive communication can sometimes prevent further conflict and preserve important family relationships.
Where direct discussion is difficult, mediation is usually recommended before court proceedings are considered. A Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) is generally required before making a court application.
Mediation provides an opportunity to explore practical solutions in a less adversarial setting. If this approach is unsuccessful, a grandparent can then consider applying to the court for permission to seek a formal Child Arrangements Order.
How much does it cost to get grandparents’ rights?
The cost of pursuing grandparent access rights will depend on the complexity of the case and whether it can be resolved by agreement or requires court proceedings.
There is a court fee payable when making an application, and additional legal costs may arise if representation is required at hearings.
We believe in providing clear and transparent information about fees from the outset, so you can make informed decisions about how you wish to proceed.
Can a parent legally stop a grandparent’s visit?
A parent who has parental responsibility is generally entitled to decide who a child spends time with and may lawfully prevent contact unless a court order is in place.
This can be distressing for grandparents, particularly where there has previously been a close and loving relationship. However, the court has the power to intervene if it considers that ongoing contact would be in the child’s best interests.
If an order is made regulating contact, both parties are expected to comply with its terms. Breaching a court order without good reason can have legal consequences.
What does the court mean by the “child’s best interest”?
When determining any application relating to children, the court’s paramount consideration is the child’s welfare.
The court applies a statutory checklist which includes factors such as the child’s wishes and feelings (depending on age and understanding), their physical and emotional needs, the likely effect of any change in circumstances, and any risk of harm.
The court will also consider the nature of the child’s relationship with the grandparent. The focus is always on promoting stability, safety and the child’s long-term wellbeing.
Do the rights change if the parents are divorced?
The legal position regarding grandparents remains the same whether parents are married, separated or divorced.
You do not acquire rights as a grandparent as a result of divorce. However, family breakdown can sometimes make arrangements for extended family contact more complex.
Where grandparents have played a consistent and supportive role in a child’s life, the court will take that history into account.
Each case is considered on its individual facts, with the child’s welfare remaining the priority.
In what situations can grandparents be granted full legal custody of their grandchild?
It is relatively uncommon for grandparents to be granted full-time care of a grandchild, but it can occur where parents are unable to provide safe or appropriate care.
This may arise due to serious welfare concerns, illness, substance misuse, or other significant difficulties affecting the parents’ ability to meet the child’s needs.
In such circumstances, a grandparent may apply for a Child Arrangements Order specifying that the child lives with them, or in some cases, seek a Special Guardianship Order.
The court will carefully assess whether this arrangement best promotes the child’s stability and long-term welfare.
How long does a grandparent contact case typically take to resolve?
The timescale for resolving a contact dispute varies depending on the complexity of the issues and whether agreement can be reached.
Where matters are settled through discussion or mediation, arrangements can sometimes be agreed within a matter of weeks.
If a court application is required, the process may take several months, particularly if multiple hearings are needed.
The court will usually list an initial hearing within a few weeks of the application, but final resolution depends on the circumstances of the case. Our aim is always to seek a constructive and timely outcome wherever possible.
Contact our grandparents’ rights solicitors in Coventry, Warwick and Southam
Our lawyers for grandparents’ rights can help and guide you through a wide range of matters, including making child arrangements.
If you require supportive advice or guidance, then please get in touch with one of our offices in Coventry, Warwick, Southam and Balsall Common, or email one of our solicitors below to see how we can help.