Jurisdiction(s):
United Kingdom
Related legal acts
Key definition
Parent definition

What does Parent mean? In legal practice, parent describes the person(s) recognised by law as a child’s legal mother, father or second legal parent. Legal parenthood is set by legislation and case law, not by day‑to‑day care. Across England & Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, parentage may arise through birth, adoption, donor conception and surrogacy. The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Acts 1990/2008 define who is a mother or other parent after assisted reproduction and provide for parental orders in surrogacy. In Ireland, donor‑assisted reproduction and adoption are principally governed by the Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 and the Adoption Act 2010. Being a parent...

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Advising grandparents on contact: MIAM, permission to apply, Child Arrangements Orders and court process (England and Wales)

Published by a LexisNexis Family expert
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This note offers general guidance for grandparents on applying for a Child Arrangements Order that sets out contact with grandchildren. Your family solicitor can give advice specific to your situation.

What can I do if I am not allowed to spend time with my grandchildren?

If the parents’ relationship breaks down, it is hoped arrangements can still be agreed so the children keep spending time with their grandparents. In such circumstances, grandparents often play a vital part in their grandchildren’s lives.

Sometimes issues can be settled through mediation or other out-of-court resolution. Mediation may avoid costly legal proceedings, which can be very stressful.

Before applying for an order to spend time with your grandchildren (a child arrangements order, or CAO), the rules require you to attend a meeting with a mediator to assess whether mediation is suitable instead of court. This is called a mediation information and assessment meeting (a MIAM)...

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Web page updated on 22/05/2026

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