Free Grandparent Contact Agreement Template

GRANDPARENT CONTACT AGREEMENT

Voluntary Family Arrangement  ·  England And Wales  ·  Children Act 1989

This Grandparent Contact Agreement (this "Agreement") is entered into on 1 April 2026 between Margaret Thompson and Robert Thompson (the "Grandparent(s)") and Sarah Thompson and David Thompson (the "Parent(s)", who hold parental responsibility for the child within the meaning of section 3 of the Children Act 1989). This Agreement is a voluntary family arrangement and is not intended to create legally binding obligations enforceable by the court. It is made in the best interests of the child, whose welfare is the paramount consideration under section 1(1) of the Children Act 1989. The parties record that, under section 10(9) of the Children Act 1989, a grandparent wishing to apply for a child arrangements order under section 8 must first obtain the leave of the court (see Re J (Leave to issue: grandparents) [2003] 1 FLR 114); the purpose of this Agreement is to reduce the likelihood of any such application being necessary.

The purpose of this Agreement is to set out arrangements for the Grandparent(s) to have meaningful contact with the child, supporting continuity of family relationships and emotional wellbeing. All parties agree that: (a) the welfare of the child shall be the paramount consideration in every matter arising under this Agreement (Children Act 1989 s.1(1)); (b) in deciding any matter the parties shall have regard to the welfare checklist in s.1(3) of the Act, including the child's ascertainable wishes and feelings (considered in light of age and understanding), physical, emotional and educational needs, and any harm the child has suffered or is at risk of suffering; and (c) the parties accept the statutory presumption in section 1(2A) of the Act that, unless the contrary is shown, the involvement of each parent will further the welfare of the child, and that grandparent relationships similarly contribute to welfare unless shown otherwise.

This Agreement concerns the following child: Emily Thompson, born 15 March 2019. The Parent(s) named in this Agreement confirm that they hold parental responsibility for the child under section 3 of the Children Act 1989, and that no child arrangements order, care order or prohibited-steps order is currently in force that would prevent the contact contemplated by this Agreement.

The Parent(s) agree that the Grandparent(s) shall have contact with the child in the form of In-Person contact, taking place on a Fortnightly basis, with each contact lasting approximately Full day. Typical contact times shall be 10:00 to 16:00. Pick-up and drop-off shall take place at Child's home address. The parties undertake to act reasonably and cooperatively and to use their best endeavours to facilitate contact as set out above. Where contact cannot take place on an agreed date for good reason (illness, unavoidable commitments, the child's own wishes), the parties shall use reasonable endeavours to agree an alternative date within a reasonable period. Nothing in this clause obliges any party to act contrary to the welfare of the child.

All parties share responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of the child. The Grandparent(s) undertake: (a) to provide a safe and suitable environment during all contact periods, including appropriate car-seats, supervision and age-appropriate activities; (b) to comply with the Parent(s)' reasonable wishes in respect of routines, dietary requirements, allergies, medical needs and medication, screen-time and bedtime where overnight; (c) not to discuss adult or parental disputes with or in the presence of the child, or to speak disparagingly of any Parent or other family member; (d) to notify the Parent(s) promptly of any accident, illness, injury or other significant event affecting the child during a contact period; and (e) to comply with the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 in all communications. The Parent(s) undertake to support the Grandparent-grandchild relationship, to provide reasonable notice of any change to contact arrangements and to deal with concerns constructively.

In addition to the regular contact schedule in Clause 3, the parties agree as follows:

School holidays: One week during the summer school holidays (agreed by 1 May each year), plus alternating half-term weeks (e.g. February and October half-terms).

Special occasions: Christmas Day (alternating years), grandchild's birthday (tea at the grandparents' home), grandparent birthdays (optional visit).

Overnight stays: no overnight stays are included in this Agreement at this stage. The parties may agree overnight stays in writing at a later date.

Digital / remote contact: A weekly video call on Sunday evenings (approximately 19:00-19:20) facilitated by Parent 1, in addition to scheduled in-person contact.

Emily has a nut allergy — no nuts or nut-containing products to be offered. EpiPen carried by Parent and used in accordance with the action plan from the GP.

The parties agree to communicate openly, respectfully and in good faith regarding all matters concerning the child. Proposed changes to the contact schedule shall be discussed with reasonable notice and recorded in writing (text message or email is sufficient). The parties shall maintain a single shared channel of communication (for example, a messaging thread dedicated to arrangements for the child) so that decisions are properly recorded.

In the event of a dispute, the parties agree to attempt resolution through family mediation before considering any court application. Under section 10 of the Children and Families Act 2014, before issuing most private-law applications concerning children a party must attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM), save where a recognised MIAM exemption applies (for example, evidenced domestic abuse, urgency, or previous MIAM attendance). A grandparent wishing to apply for a child arrangements order must also obtain leave of the court under section 10(9) of the Children Act 1989.

Preferred mediator: Bristol Family Mediation Service. The parties agree to attend a MIAM within 21 days of any unresolved dispute.

A list of authorised mediators is maintained at www.familymediationcouncil.org.uk. In cases involving domestic abuse or urgency a MIAM exemption may apply (FPR 2010 PD 3A).

The parties agree to review this Agreement every 6 months (and in any event on any significant change of circumstances) to ensure that the contact arrangements continue to serve the welfare of the child. Either party may terminate this Agreement by giving not less than 28 days written notice to the other. This Agreement shall terminate automatically when the child reaches the age of 18, or earlier if: (a) the child's settled wishes and feelings justify termination; (b) a child arrangements order of the Family Court makes different provision; or (c) the welfare of the child otherwise requires.

No photographs of the child to be posted on social media by the Grandparent(s) without the Parent(s)' prior written consent. No discussion of parental disputes in the child's presence.

This Agreement shall be read in accordance with the law of England and Wales. The welfare of the child shall be the paramount consideration in any matter arising under this Agreement (Children Act 1989 s.1). This Agreement does not constitute a child arrangements order under section 8 of the Children Act 1989, is not enforceable as such, and does not restrict either party's right to apply to the court (subject to the leave requirement in s.10(9) for persons without parental responsibility) or to request Cafcass involvement. No term of this Agreement shall be construed as surrendering parental responsibility held by the Parent(s).

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date indicated.