Should grandparents have automatic legal rights?

At present grandparents do not have automatic legal rights if they are prevented from seeing their grandchildren. If they wish to apply for a Child Arrangements Order, they must first seek permission from the court to make the application.

In deciding whether to grant permission a court will consider the grandparents connection and history of involvement with the child, and the childs best interests.

It is argued the existing legal framework balances the ability of grandparents to seek legal recourse, against the rights and responsibilities of parents.