Do grandparents have legal rights to see grandchildren?
The law focuses on the child's right to maintain meaningful relationships with people significant to their welfare — which expressly includes grandparents. Grandparents can apply for orders to spend time with grandchildren, but mediation is almost always the better first step: it's less adversarial and far easier on the children.
When does grandparent mediation help?
- After a parental separation that has cut off contact
- When a family conflict has damaged relationships
- Where a parent has passed away and contact is at risk
- When grandparents are providing significant care and need certainty
The children come first — always
Mediation keeps the focus where it belongs: on what's best for the children, not on adult grievances. That child-centred approach is exactly why it works where confrontation fails.
Why mediate rather than litigate?
Court action against your own children or their former partners can permanently fracture a family. Mediation rebuilds communication instead of destroying it — giving you the best chance of a lasting relationship with your grandchildren. Arrangements can be included in a parenting plan.