Should grandparents have rights?

Millions of grandparents are being torn out of their beloved grandchildren’s lives

Being spoilt by Grandma and Grandad is part of growing up, and most grandparents cherish this bond and the chance to offer a supply of unending love and support – over five million UK grandparents provide childcare while parents work. Yet more than one million are denied access to their grandkids after a divorce or separation.

Grandparents have no automatic legal rights, so many are going through traumatic and costly court proceedings to secure access to their grandchildren.

Experts are calling for a change to the Children Act, which would champion a child’s right to a relationship with close family members, including grandparents. When the issue was debated in the Commons, MP Nigel Huddleston cited stories of grandparents accused of harassment for sending birthday cards and gifts.

‘Divorce can take an emotional toll on all involved, but the family dynamic that’s often overlooked is that between grandparents and grandchildren,’ he said.

The Ministry of Justice is now considering potential reforms but, for many grandparents, the changes can’t come fast enough. We speak to one grandmother desperate to be reunited with her little granddaughter.

‘I was stunned to discover that I have no rights’