Does a lengthy period without contact hurt a grandparent's chances of a court granting an application later?

It can make the case harder, but it isn't necessarily fatal, and how much it matters depends heavily on why the gap happened and what the relationship looked like before it. A long gap that followed years of a close, meaningful relationship is treated differently than one where the relationship was always thin or nonexistent - courts look at whether there's a real, substantial connection worth restoring, and a documented history from before the gap can still support that, even if contact has been absent for some time since.

The reason for the gap also matters: a gap caused by circumstances outside the grandparent's control, such as being unfairly cut off despite wanting contact, is viewed differently than one where the grandparent had opportunities to maintain contact and didn't pursue them. A grandparent in this situation should be prepared to explain honestly why the gap happened, gather whatever evidence exists of the earlier relationship, such as old photos, cards, or records of past involvement, and show genuine, ongoing interest in reconnecting rather than just showing up after years of silence. A family lawyer can help assess realistically how a specific gap is likely to be viewed given the full history.