Grandparents’ Rights
Legal Advice and Support
Grandparents play an important role in the lives of children, but in many family disputes, they find themselves excluded. If you are being prevented from seeing your grandchildren, or you believe a child is at risk and needs your care, we can help you understand your legal options.
Grandparents play an important role in the lives of children, but in many family disputes, they find themselves excluded. If you are being prevented from seeing your grandchildren, or you believe a child is at risk and needs your care, we can help you understand your legal options.
At Rashid Solicitors, we provide clear, supportive advice to grandparents who want to maintain contact with a grandchild or apply to the court for more formal arrangements. We understand these matters are sensitive and emotionally difficult. Our role is to guide you calmly, professionally, and with a focus on the child’s best interests.
Do grandparents have legal rights?
Under current UK law, grandparents do not have an automatic right to contact or custody. However, the family courts recognise the valuable contribution grandparents often make to a child’s upbringing and may grant contact or care if it is in the child’s best interests.
Grandparents must first apply for permission (known as “leave”) before applying for a formal contact order. In many cases, permission is granted unless there are clear reasons not to proceed.
We advise on
- Maintaining relationships with grandchildren after divorce or family breakdown
- Applying for permission and then for a Child Arrangements Order
- Seeking special guardianship or residence if the parents cannot provide safe care
- Responding to social services concerns or court proceedings involving grandchildren
Fixed fee for legal advice
Service
Legal Advice for Grandparents
(Contact or Care Issues)
What’s included
Solicitor consultation, legal options review, written advice
Fixed fee
£300
(No VAT)
Included
- Consultation with a qualified solicitor
- Review of your situation and family history
-
Advice on the likelihood of court permission
being granted - Outline of your legal options and next steps
- Written summary of guidance provided
Not included
- Preparing or submitting court applications
-
Ongoing representation at hearings
or case management -
Disputes with the local authority
or foster care providers - Urgent or emergency orders (quoted separately)
If further action is needed, we will provide a fixed quote in advance and confirm all costs in writing before proceeding.
Disbursements and additional costs
These are known as disbursements and are not included in our fixed legal fee.
Common disbursements include
- Court fees for contact or guardianship applications
- Interpreter or translation services
- Process server fees (if notice must be formally given)
- Statutory declarations or certified documents
We will confirm all costs in writing before any payment is made. You will remain in full control of your decisions.
When to seek legal advice
You should speak to a solicitor if
- You are being stopped from seeing your grandchildren
- Your relationship with the child’s parent or carer has broken down
- The child is being looked after by social services or foster care
- You believe the child would be safer or better off in your care
- You are being asked to step in, but do not know your rights
We help you understand what the law allows, what the court will consider, and how to act in a way that protects the child while respecting everyone involved.
Who will handle your case
Your case will be handled or supervised by a qualified solicitor. You will receive a written client care letter confirming the scope of the work, who will support you, and what to expect next.
Language support
We offer legal support in Bengali, Sylheti, Urdu, Hindi, Punjabi, Arabic, Somali and other languages. If you need help understanding your financial disclosure or consent order, we will ensure you receive support in the language you prefer.
how we work
Free 15 Min Consultation
24/7 Access for Urgent cases
Fixed Fees No hidden charges
Frequently asked question
Not automatically. But the court recognises the importance of family connections and may grant contact if it is in the child’s best interests.
Yes, but you must first apply for permission. If the court is satisfied that your relationship is significant and your intentions are in good faith, permission is usually granted.
If the child’s parents are unable to care for them safely, you can apply for a Child Arrangements Order or Special Guardianship. We will explain the process and your eligibility.
The court considers the child’s welfare above all else. It does not favour grandparents but does value their role. We help you present a clear, respectful case.
We can advise you on how to engage with the local authority and explore your rights to care for the child or apply for a guardianship arrangement.
No, but you will need the court’s permission to apply for an order unless exceptional circumstances apply. We explain the full process before you decide.
Yes. You may be eligible to apply for legal recognition and financial support. We can help you formalise your role through the court.
Yes. We will never contact other parties or authorities without your consent. All appointments and communications are handled with care and confidentiality.
Book your free 15-minute consultation
If you are a grandparent facing barriers to contact or care, speak to a solicitor today. We offer a free consultation to explain your options and help you decide what steps are right for you and your grandchild.
Call now or book your consultation online.
