Non-parents

Although it may be difficult to understand, in the eyes of the law grandparents and step-parents do not have any automatic rights in relation to children. However, anyone who has an interest in a child can apply for Parental Responsibilities and Rights – such as residence or contact order.  They do not even need to be blood related. 

Consequently, if grandparents wish to see their grandchildren, there is nothing to stop them applying to the court for a contact order. A parent who couldn’t agree with the other parent would have to do the same thing. It has to be remembered that the court has to decide whether it is in the child’s best interests before granting such an order and if this is in opposition to one or both parents then the court has to weigh the benefit of that contact in relation to any difficulties that there may be with exercising the contact.