Grandparents’ Rights

Anxious about not being allowed to see your grandchildren?

Being a grandparent can be one of the most rewarding experiences. Yet if your child’s relationship breaks down – through no fault of yours – it can be difficult to maintain a loving, close relationship with your grandchildren.

Understanding your grandparents’ rights will help you with the process of being able to stay in contact, and at Harrogate Family Law, we will guide you every step of the way with our expert team of family solicitors.

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To speak to a family law solicitor about grandparents’ rights, call us today for free on

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Do Grandparents Have Rights?

The short answer is, no – by law grandparents themselves do not have automatic rights. But your grandchild does have a right to see you. Sadly, very often, grandparents are overlooked when there are divorce proceedings. The end result could be that your grandchildren move away with one parent and you can’t see them, which can be deeply distressing for both the grandparents and the grandchildren.

Under the Children Act 1989, grandparents can apply to court to see their grandchildren. Depending on your specific situation, it may be that you should apply for a court order. This could include a Child Arrangements Order or Special Guardianship Order. At Harrogate Family Law, our solicitors will listen to your situation and advise on the best way to help you see your grandchildren. Although we can’t make up for lost time, we will always aim for the best possible outcome, with your family’s needs as our number one priority.

Local Solicitors in Harrogate, Yorkshire

Our team of family law solicitors is based in Harrogate and we help clients across Yorkshire with their, often complex, family law matters. Grandparents’ rights can be a sensitive issue and we take the time to listen, respond and act accordingly to your wishes.

We are ranked joint No.1 for divorce and family law in North Yorkshire by Chambers UK and Legal 500.

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Our Expertise

Chambers 2025 - Andrew Meehan copy
Legal 500 2025 - Leading Law Firm

We are ranked joint No.1 for divorce and family law in North Yorkshire by Chambers UK and Legal 500.

With a leading team of solicitors, we focus on delivering an exceptional client service through the hardest of times.

Why you need Harrogate Family Law

Get a fair deal

We aim to get you everything you’re entitled to, delivering the best deal for your situation.

Keep out of court

95% of our cases are agreed out of court which saves you time, money and stress.

Avoid costly mistakes

We spot and avoid problems before they happen.

Save money

With our expert solicitors, you’ll get a better outcome and save money.

The Harrogate Family Law team know how to negotiate professionally

On your side

We are caring and compassionate and will look after you.

The team uses time very economically and efficiently and the advice is very good. I am very impressed and would recommend them wholeheartedly.

Client comment in Chambers 2022 edition

They made me feel my legal matters were in safe hands and displayed a sense that they were working for me in a supportive and constructive way.

Client comment in Chambers 2022 edition

The small and dedicated team genuinely cares about its clients and the issues affecting them. It pays huge attention to detail, offers high-quality advice and an enormous amount of support”.

- Legal 500 in its 2020 edition

Extremely client-focused – I really felt like they had my best interests at heart. Their attention to detail and their ability to remember every bit of the case was astonishing.

- Client comment in Chambers 2019 edition

Their documents are detailed and thorough and their preparation for court is excellent, with sensible advice given to clients.

- Barrister comment in Chambers 2019 edition

Clients single out the firm’s diligence in ‘leaving no stone unturned; its very quick response times, detailed knowledge and thorough approach amounts to a first-rate level of service.

- Legal 500 2017 edition

I could not have found a more supportive representative than you. Your choice of barrister was perfect. I could not have asked for a better outcome.

– DS