Grandparents Rights

Grandparents’ Rights & Contact

Compassionate, practical support for grandparents seeking fair contact and meaningful relationships with their grandchildren.

At The McKenzie Friend, we regularly help grandparents who’ve been cut off from grandchildren after separation, family conflict, or safeguarding concerns. We guide you through the correct legal route, help you prepare clear, respectful statements, and support you in court so your voice is heard and the child’s best interests remain central.

Understanding Your Legal Position

Grandparents don’t have automatic parental responsibility, but you can apply to the Family Court for permission (known as “leave to apply”) and then for a Child Arrangements Order for direct or indirect contact. The court’s starting point is the child’s welfare — we help you demonstrate the value and stability your relationship provides.

How We Help Grandparents

• Advice on whether mediation is appropriate and how to approach it constructively.
• Help completing the C2 (permission) and C100 (contact) applications.
• Drafting clear, evidence-based witness/position statements that remain child-centred and respectful.
• Guidance for CAFCASS and court etiquette so you feel confident and prepared.
• Quiet support in hearings (subject to the judge’s permission) and practical help with bundles and timelines.

Situations We Commonly Support

• Contact stopped after a parental separation or new partner.
• Indirect contact only (letters/video calls) and seeking to move to direct contact.
• Concerns about a parent’s reliability or conflict between parents affecting the child.
• Applications linked to Special Guardianship or to support a wider family plan.

Our Process

1. Free 30-minute consultation – we review your history with the child and realistic outcomes.
2. Applications & statements – we help you prepare forms and a balanced, child-focused narrative.
3. Mediation or first hearing preparation – what to expect and how to present your case calmly.
4. Ongoing support – help responding to CAFCASS, directions, and any further hearings.

What the Court Considers

• The strength and history of the child–grandparent relationship.
• The likely impact on the child of resuming or refusing contact.
• Any safeguarding issues and the views of those with parental responsibility.
• Proposals that are practical, consistent, and child-centred (e.g., times, handovers, supervision if needed).

Why Choose The McKenzie Friend

• Calm, compassionate guidance tailored to grandparents’ cases.
• Fixed, transparent fees and nationwide remote support.
• Clear paperwork and preparation that reduces stress and delay.