The legal rights of many elderly people would be increased under new proposals from the Conservative party.
David Willetts, shadow secretary for Innovation, Universities and Skills, told the Daily Mail that the relationship between grandparents and grandchildren would be given greater recognition under UK law if a Tory government is elected.
Possible future reforms could include prioritising grandparents for gaining custody if the children are taken away from their parents.
However, an increase in childcare costs that comes as a consequence of these rule changes could lead to a bigger financial burden being faced by elderly Britons.
Therefore, takeup of income-boosting equity release plans could rise in future if the reforms are implemented.
Mr Willetts added: "We must improve the rights of grandparents to have access to children.
"The courts should at least have to consider whether there should be continuing legal rights to access in the event of family breakdown."
A general election is scheduled to be called in the UK by the middle of 2010.
