In the event of parental separation, grandparents do not have an automatic right of access to their grandchildren. Depending on the circumstance, however, it may be possible to apply for a section 8 order, including a:
Child arrangements order: as explained above
Prohibited steps order (PSO): PSOs are used to prevent specific actions from being taken by a person with parental responsibility, such as taking the child out of the country
Specific issue order (SIO): SIOs are used if the court is asked to make a specific decision in relation to a child