Short answer
Grandparents should prepare the family history, contact pattern, relationship evidence, proposed arrangements, safeguarding information, MIAM position, permission-to-apply issue, court papers and any existing orders before asking whether a family barrister may help.
Quick checklist
Start with these
Explain The Relationship And History
A barrister will usually need to understand the child's connection with the grandparent and why contact has changed. Keep the chronology factual and focused on the child's routine and welfare.
- Names and ages of the child or children.
- Relationship to the child and who has parental responsibility.
- Previous contact pattern, including overnight stays or holidays.
- Messages, photographs, cards, school involvement or other relationship evidence.
- When contact stopped or changed and what explanation was given.
Prepare The Court And MIAM Position
The enquiry should say whether any application has been made, whether permission to apply is needed and whether a MIAM has taken place or an exemption is being relied on.
- C100, C2 or other family court forms if started.
- Existing child arrangements, prohibited steps, specific issue or care orders.
- MIAM certificate, exemption evidence or mediation correspondence.
- Court directions, hearing notices and Cafcass correspondence.
- Any application or permission-to-apply deadline.
Keep Safeguarding And Proposals Clear
Family contact evidence should be practical and child-focused. A barrister may ask for more information where safeguarding, domestic abuse, relocation, care proceedings or parental conflict affects the route.
- Proposed contact arrangements and how handovers would work.
- Any safeguarding, domestic abuse or child protection concerns.
- School, health, SEN or routine information if relevant.
- What each parent or carer says about the proposal.
- Whether urgent advice, drafting or hearing representation is requested.
Important Cautions
This guide is general preparation information only, not advice about whether an application should be made or what order the court may consider.
A quote request does not pause family court deadlines, safeguarding steps or existing court directions.
Source/review note: checked against GOV.UK/HMCTS child arrangements and family court guidance in September 2026. Permission to apply, MIAM exemptions, safeguarding and welfare issues need family barrister or compliance review before publication.
Claim and official-source ledger
- HMCTS guidance explains who may apply directly and that some applicants must first obtain the court's permission.
- Making an application: children and the family courts — GOV.UK.
- Form C100 is used for child arrangements, prohibited steps and specific issue applications, and the GOV.UK page explains MIAM requirements and permission issues.
- Apply for a court order to make arrangements for a child or resolve a dispute about their upbringing: Form C100 — GOV.UK.
Editorial status: Review required. Sources support the identified claims only. General information; not legal advice.
Grandparent Contact Barrister Evidence Guide FAQs
Can grandparents apply for a child arrangements order?
Some applicants need the court's permission before making a child arrangements application. The correct route depends on the family relationship, existing orders and the facts.
What evidence shows the relationship with the child?
Contact history, messages, photographs, school or activity involvement, holiday arrangements and statements from people who know the family may help explain the relationship.
Does mediation need to be considered first?
A MIAM is often required before a family court application unless a valid exemption applies. The current form and guidance should be checked.
Ask For A Barrister Quote
Barristers4U helps clients request a quote from a suitable Direct Access barrister. The information on this page is general information only, not legal advice about your individual circumstances.
If your matter is urgent, include hearing dates, court deadlines, orders and any documents you already have when you submit your enquiry.
