Grandparents have automatic rights to see their grandchildren — the court can't keep them apart.
1 min readThis content reflects observational insights and lived community experiences. It does not constitute legal advice — always consult a qualified professional for your specific circumstances.
What People Expect
Grandparents have an automatic right to contact with their grandchildren, just like parents do.
Court Reality
Under the Children Act 1989, grandparents do NOT have automatic rights. They need the court's permission (leave) just to apply for a Child Arrangements Order — a hurdle parents don't face. The Law Commission has proposed a new Kinship Care Order to simplify this, but right now, the system requires grandparents to jump through a legal hoop parents don't face.
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The Gap?
"Grandparents have automatic rights to see their grandchildren — the court can't keep them apart."
Court Reality
Under the Children Act 1989, grandparents do NOT have automatic rights. They need the court's permission (leave) just to apply for a Child Arrangements Order — a hurdle parents don't face. The Law Commission has proposed a new Kinship Care Order to simplify this, but right now, the system requires grandparents to jump through a legal hoop parents don't face.
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