Grandparents Mediation
If you’re being kept from seeing your grandchildren, mediation can help you and the parents move from conflict to a workable, child-focused plan without the cost, delay, and stress of court.
What is grandparents Mediation?
Grandparents mediation is a structured conversation facilitated by an independent, trained mediator. The aim is to help you and the child’s parents (and, where appropriate, other family members) agree on practical arrangements that support the child’s wellbeing, such as contact, communication, and family boundaries, without a court imposing an outcome.
What mediation can cover:
- When and how the grandchildren spend time with you
- Phone/video calls, messages, cards, school events and birthdays
- Handovers and practicalities (including travel and routines)
- Reintroducing contact after a breakdown (step-by-step plans)
- How adults communicate and manage disagreements
- Child-focused boundaries (what is and isn’t discussed with children)
When mediation is the right approach
Mediation is often effective where:
• Contact has stopped after separation/divorce, a new relationship, or a family dispute
• You fear that conflict is harming the children
• There have been misunderstandings, loyalty conflicts, or “taking sides”
• You want to avoid court if possible, or you need a clear route forward
Cafcass also encourages families to try constructive approaches and focus on what is best for the child, recognising the stabilising role grandparents can play.
Is this the situation you’re dealing with?
There have been misunderstandings, loyalty conflicts
You want to avoid court if possible, or you need a clear route forward
Ongoing tension between you and the parents
You fear conflict is harming the children
Why families choose mediation
A calmer, child-focused route
Mediation promotes open communication and understanding, reducing conflict and the associated emotional stress.
Faster and more flexible
Mediation typically resolves disputes more quickly than court proceedings, allowing parties to move forward sooner.
Better Decision Making
Mediation empowers all parties to make decisions, leading to outcomes that are more likely to be mutually acceptable.
Improved Communication
Mediation can help to improve communication and cooperation between parties.
Significant Cost Saving
Mediation is typically less expensive than litigation, reducing the financial burden on parties.
Complete Control Over the Outcome
Mediation can enable the parties to have greater control by agreeing on the outcome of their issues, rather than having decisions imposed upon them by the tribunal.
How it works
Our approach to grandparents mediation is guided by principles of neutrality, confidentiality, and mutual respect. We facilitate open communication, helping parties to express their views and understand each other’s perspectives. Our goal is to help parties reach a mutually acceptable, cost-effective resolution.
Mediation may not be suitable if:
There are serious safeguarding risks, ongoing formal processes that prevent open participation, or where one party cannot safely engage.
If it’s not suitable, we’ll tell you early and suggest next steps.
Frequently asked questions
Do grandparents have legal rights to see their grandchildren?
In the UK, grandparents do not have an automatic legal right to contact. If agreement cannot be reached, court options may be available, typically starting with permission to apply
What if the parents refuse to take part?
Mediation is voluntary. If someone declines, you can still attend a MIAM to understand your options and obtain the appropriate confirmation for next steps, where relevant.
Can mediation be done without sitting in the same room?
Yes. Shuttle mediation can be arranged so parties are separate (in-person or online), with the mediator moving between you.
How long does it take?
Many families resolve issues in a small number of sessions, but it depends on complexity and willingness to negotiate.
Will you speak to my grandchildren?
Only where appropriate and with the right safeguards and permissions. The mediator will explain child-inclusive approaches where suitable.
Is mediation confidential?
Mediation is generally confidential, with standard legal and safeguarding exceptions the mediator will explain at the MIAM.
Do we have to try mediation before going to court?
In many children-related cases, the court expects people to have attended a MIAM before making an application—unless a valid exemption applies (for example, certain urgency or safety grounds).
Not sure if it’s suitable?
If you contact us, we’ll discuss the circumstances and advise on whether mediation is appropriate.
Our Mediators are registered with
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