Grandparent Contact Specialists

Grandparents' Rights — Getting Contact with Your Grandchildren

Being denied contact with your grandchildren is devastating. While grandparents do not have automatic legal rights, the courts recognise the importance of grandparent relationships — and we can help you assert yours.

PDA Law advises grandparents across Chester CH1/CH2, Ellesmere Port CH65, Wrexham LL11–LL14, Mold CH7, Northwich CW9 and Crewe CW1/CW2.

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Options for Grandparents

Mediation

The first step is usually to try to resolve the dispute through mediation. A mediator can help facilitate discussions between grandparents and parents to reach an agreement about contact.

Cost-effective, quicker than court, preserves family relationships

Child Arrangements Order

If mediation fails, grandparents can apply to the court for a child arrangements order specifying contact. Permission (leave) from the court is required first. The court considers the child's welfare as paramount.

Legally binding, enforceable, court-supervised

Special Guardianship Order

Where a child cannot live with their parents, grandparents can apply for a special guardianship order — giving them parental responsibility and the ability to make day-to-day decisions for the child.

Stronger than a child arrangements order, avoids adoption

The Court Process for Grandparents

Attempt Mediation

Before applying to court, you must attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM). We can help you prepare for mediation and advise on what to expect.

Apply for Permission (Leave)

Grandparents must apply to the court for permission to make a child arrangements order application. The court considers whether the application has a reasonable prospect of success.

First Hearing Dispute Resolution Appointment (FHDRA)

The first court hearing where the judge considers the issues and whether the matter can be resolved without a full hearing. CAFCASS may be asked to prepare a report.

CAFCASS Report

The Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (CAFCASS) may prepare a report on the child's welfare and make recommendations to the court.

Final Hearing

If the matter cannot be resolved, the court holds a final hearing and makes a child arrangements order. The child's welfare is the paramount consideration.

Funding Your Legal Fees

Own a property? You may not need savings to fund your case.

If you jointly own the matrimonial home, a Sears Tooth agreement allows us to secure our fees against your share of the property — meaning no upfront payment is required. Fees are deducted when the property is sold or transferred. This option is particularly suited to non-working spouses or those with limited income.

Explore all funding options

We do not accept legal aid cases. PDA Law is a private client practice. All family law matters are funded privately — through direct fees, payment plans, or a Sears Tooth agreement where applicable.

Grandparents' Rights — FAQs

Do grandparents have legal rights to see their grandchildren?

Grandparents do not have automatic legal rights to see their grandchildren in England and Wales. However, the courts recognise that contact with grandparents is usually in a child's best interests. If a parent refuses contact, grandparents can apply to the court for a child arrangements order — but they must first seek permission (leave) from the court to make the application.

How do grandparents apply for contact with grandchildren?

Grandparents must first apply for permission (leave) from the Family Court to make a child arrangements order application. The court considers whether the application has a reasonable prospect of success and whether it is in the child's interests. If permission is granted, the court then considers the substantive application for contact.

What is a child arrangements order for grandparents?

A child arrangements order can specify that a child should spend time with their grandparents — setting out the frequency, duration and nature of contact. The court's paramount consideration is always the welfare of the child.

Can grandparents apply for a special guardianship order?

Yes. A special guardianship order (SGO) gives grandparents parental responsibility for a grandchild, without ending the parents' parental responsibility. It is often used where a child cannot live with their parents but the family want to avoid adoption. We have specialist expertise in SGO applications.

What if the parents are going through a divorce?

Parental divorce or separation can disrupt grandparent contact. If one parent is preventing contact, grandparents can apply for a child arrangements order. Courts generally take a positive view of maintaining grandparent relationships, particularly where there has been a close bond.

Do you advise grandparents in Chester, Wrexham and Ellesmere Port?

Yes. PDA Law advises grandparents on contact and special guardianship applications across Chester CH1/CH2, Ellesmere Port CH65, Wrexham LL11–LL14, Mold CH7, Northwich CW9 and Crewe CW1/CW2.

Client Testimonials

What Our Clients Say

“Martin and the team at PDA Law made an incredibly difficult time much more manageable. Their advice was always clear, compassionate, and practical. I felt fully supported throughout.”

Rebecca H.

Family law client, Chester

* Names changed to protect client confidentiality. Testimonials reflect genuine client experiences.

Your Family Law Specialist

Martin Dias

Family Law Executive

Divorce · Financial Settlements · Children MattersAlmost 30 Years' ExperienceFinancial Remedy & Pension Sharing Specialist

Martin brings almost 30 years of specialist family law experience to every case — divorce, separation, financial settlements and children matters. Clients value his straight-talking honesty, patience, and genuine emotional support throughout what is often a very difficult time.

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Get Grandparent Contact Advice

We understand how important your relationship with your grandchildren is. We advise clients across Chester CH1/CH2, Ellesmere Port CH65, Wrexham LL11–LL14 and throughout Cheshire and North Wales.