Do grandparents have the right to spend time with their grandchildren?

This week, in the Family by Law segment, partner Stéfanie Luz and trainee lawyer Mariana Souto Simões explain whether grandparents are legally entitled to spend time with their grandchildren.
Articles 26/01/2026

Portuguese law recognizes the importance of the relationship between grandparents and grandchildren and assumes that this relationship is beneficial for the child. For this reason, parents cannot unjustifiably prevent this contact, and grandparents can turn to the courts to assert their rights.

When deciding on the existence of such visitation, the court takes into account several factors, including the child’s wishes, the existing relationship with the grandparents, and the benefits of this contact for the child’s development.

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The content of this information does not constitute any specific legal advice; the latter can only be given when faced with a specific case. Please contact us for any further clarification or information deemed necessary in what concerns the application of the law.

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Practice Areas

  • Family and Inheritance

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