No, grandparents and other members of the family do not have automatic rights to see the child. However, there are steps grandparents and other family members can take to get access and can try to see their grandchild through:
An informal, family-based arrangement with both parents
Mediation
Grandparents and other family members can apply to the Courts for permission to spend time with the child, this is usually given unless it’s not in the best interest of the child.
To apply for a Contact Order, the Courts will consider the following:
The applicant’s connection with the child
The nature of the application for contact
Whether the application might be potentially harmful to the child’s well-being in any way
If one or both parents raise objections then you are likely to have to attend a full hearing in which both parties can then put forward their evidence.