Do grandparents have a legal right to see their grandchildren in the UK?

No. UK grandparents do not have an automatic legal right to contact in England and Wales. They can apply to the British court for leave to seek a Child Arrangements Order, but must first show sufficient connection to the child.

Is this agreement legally binding?

A private agreement is not legally binding. To make it enforceable, you would need to apply to the family court for a consent order. However, a written agreement demonstrates commitment and can help prevent disputes.

What if the parents refuse to follow the agreement?

If a parent stops honouring the agreement, the grandparent may need to apply to the court for a Child Arrangements Order. Mediation is recommended as a first step before court proceedings.

Can this agreement be used in court?

While not binding, a written agreement can be presented to the court as evidence of the existing contact arrangements and the grandparent’s relationship with the child.

Should grandparents attend mediation before going to court?

Mediation is strongly encouraged and may be required before a court application. A Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) is a prerequisite for most family court applications.

Can this template be used for step-grandparents?

Yes. The template can be adapted for step-grandparents or other extended family members. The legal position regarding court applications may differ depending on the relationship with the child.

How often should grandparents see their grandchildren?

There is no set rule. The frequency should be based on what is practical and in the child’s best interests. Common arrangements range from weekly visits to monthly contact, depending on distance and family circumstances.

What if the grandchild does not want to see their grandparent?

A child’s wishes and feelings are an important consideration under UK law, particularly as they get older. If a child is reluctant, it may be appropriate to adjust the arrangements gradually and consider family therapy or mediation. English courts in the United Kingdom give increasing weight to the views of children as they mature when assessing contact disputes.

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Free Grandparent Contact Agreement Template

A grandparent contact agreement records the arrangements for grandchildren to spend time with their grandparents. Use our free UK template to set out a clear contact schedule that supports the child’s relationship with their extended family.

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GRANDPARENT CONTACT AGREEMENT

Voluntary Family Arrangement · England And Wales · Children Act 1989

GRANDPARENT(S)

Margaret Thompson and Robert Thompson

12 Elm Close, Bristol, BS1 4QR · 07700 900456

PARENT(S) / GUARDIAN(S) WITH PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITY

Sarah Thompson and David Thompson

45 Oakwood Drive, Bristol, BS3 2HN

Child: Emily Thompson (born 15 March 2019)

In-Person · Fortnightly · 1 April 2026

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.

PURPOSE AND WELFARE PRINCIPLE

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.

THE CHILD

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.

CONTACT ARRANGEMENTS

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.

SAFEGUARDING AND CONDUCT

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.

HOLIDAYS, SPECIAL OCCASIONS AND OVERNIGHT STAYS

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.

ADDITIONAL SAFEGUARDING ARRANGEMENTS

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.

COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE PARTIES

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.

DISPUTE RESOLUTION

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.

MIAM AND MEDIATOR DETAILS

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).

10.

REVIEW AND TERMINATION

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.

11.

ADDITIONAL CONDITIONS

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.

12.

GOVERNING LAW AND STATUS

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 Effective Date first written above.

GRANDPARENT(S)

Margaret Thompson and Robert Thompson

Date: ____________________

PARENT(S) / GUARDIAN(S)

Sarah Thompson and David Thompson

Date: ____________________

What Is a Grandparent Contact Agreement?

A grandparent contact agreement is a written arrangement between parents and grandparents setting out when and how grandchildren will spend time with their grandparents. It covers visits, overnight stays, phone calls and other forms of contact.

In England and Wales, grandparents do not have an automatic legal right to contact with their grandchildren. However, the courts recognise the importance of the extended family in a child’s life, and a private agreement can help maintain these relationships without the need for court proceedings.

If parents and grandparents in the United Kingdom cannot agree on contact arrangements, grandparents may apply to the court for leave to seek a Child Arrangements Order under Section 8 of the UK Children Act 1989. A written British agreement can help prevent disputes from reaching that stage.

What's Covered in This Template

Our grandparent contact agreement template covers all essential aspects of maintaining the grandparent-grandchild relationship.

Party Details

Full names and addresses of the parents and grandparents entering into the agreement.

Child Details

Names, dates of birth and any special needs or considerations for each grandchild.

Regular Contact Schedule

The agreed pattern for visits, including frequency, days, times and duration.

Overnight Stays

Arrangements for the child staying overnight with grandparents, including frequency and conditions.

Holiday Contact

How school holidays, bank holidays and special occasions will be shared with grandparents.

Phone and Video Calls

Agreed schedule for telephone, video and other remote communication between grandparents and grandchildren.

Transport Arrangements

Who will be responsible for collecting and returning the child for each contact session.

Health and Safety

Any medical information, dietary requirements or safety considerations the grandparents need to know.

Review Mechanism

How and when the agreement will be reviewed and updated as the child grows and circumstances change.

Dispute Resolution

Steps to resolve disagreements, including mediation, before considering court proceedings.

How to Create a Grandparent Contact Agreement

Follow these steps to create an agreement that benefits the whole family.

1
Enter Family Details
Provide the names and details of the parents, grandparents and each grandchild covered by the agreement.
2
Set the Contact Schedule
Agree on regular visit times, overnight stays and how holidays and special occasions will be shared.
3
Address Communication
Establish a schedule for phone and video calls between the grandparents and grandchildren.
4
Cover Practical Matters
Record transport arrangements, health information and any specific rules or expectations for contact sessions.
5
Review and Sign
All parties should read the agreement carefully, sign it and agree on a date for the first review.

Legal Considerations

Understanding the legal position of grandparents in England and Wales helps manage expectations.

This template is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified solicitor for advice specific to your situation.

Reviewed for England & Wales law

No Automatic Right to Contact

Under English law, UK grandparents do not have an automatic legal right to see their grandchildren. The UK Children Act 1989 does not give British grandparents the same status as parents. However, courts in England and Wales recognise the value of extended family relationships for children’s welfare.

Applying for a Court Order

If contact is denied, UK grandparents must first obtain the British court’s permission (leave) before applying for a Child Arrangements Order under Section 8 of the Children Act 1989. The court considers the grandparent’s connection with the child, the nature of the application and the risk of disruption under English family law.

Enforceability

A private UK grandparent contact agreement is not enforceable as a court order. If a parent breaches the British agreement, the grandparent’s remedy is to apply to the court in England and Wales. A consent order approved by the UK court would provide enforceable terms.

Welfare of the Child

In all decisions about contact in the United Kingdom, the welfare of the child is the paramount consideration under Section 1 of the UK Children Act 1989. The British court will consider the child’s wishes and feelings, their physical and emotional needs and the likely effect of any change in circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions

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