Grandparents: Can a Parent Prohibit Them from Seeing the Child?

Many of my clients ask me about this point: Can a parent prohibit access to a grandparent? Family conflicts sometimes lead a parent to sever relationships between their child and their own parents or those of their ex-spouse. In such cases, does the parent hold absolute authority?

In principle, yes. A parent can restrict or deny contact between their child and a grandparent. However, the law recognizes a specific legal remedy for grandparents: they can petition the Family Affairs Judge to request visitation and staying access rights (DVH).

The judge will render a decision strictly based on the best interests of the child. If the bond with the grandparents is considered beneficial and no serious ground justifies a severance, visitation rights may be granted. On the other hand, if the request is driven solely by personal animosity or a vengeful motive, it will be dismissed.

Grandparents therefore do not possess an automatic right, but rather a judicial option supervised by the court, which prioritizes above all the child's well-being.