Do grandparents have special parental rights?

With regard to parental responsibility, grandparents are treated the same as any other person seeking to have a relationship with the child. They do not have any special grandparents’ rights.

If grandparents are caring for a grandchild, it is advisable to obtain either a residence order or a special guardianship order, because if either of these orders are granted, the person who has the order will automatically obtain parental responsibility. This will allow the grandparents to get involved in matters concerning the upbringing of the child.

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