Can parents keep their children away from grandparents?
Under theย Childrenโs Act 1989, grandparents do not have specific legal rights regarding their grandchildren. This means grandparents do not have automatic rights for visitation or access. However, if you are a grandparent who has been denied contact with your grandchildren, there are steps you can take.
The first step is to try to reach an informal agreement with the childโs parents. If that does not work, the next step is to attend mediation.
Mediation is when an independent, impartial mediator works with you and your family to help you to reach an agreement between yourselves. If mediation fails, you can apply to the court for a Child Arrangements Order to gain access to your grandchildren. However, you cannot apply to the court unless you have attended a โmediation information and assessment meetingโ (MIAM) first.