A v B, C, D and the Local Authority

A v B, C, D and the Local Authority

It is premature to order unsupervised contact between the mother and E given the absence of an existing relationship, the child's lack of knowledge of the mother, and the need for gradual reintroduction and risk assessments. The Special Guardianship order to the aunt and uncle is approved as proportionate and in E's best interests.

Parties
Applicant Father: A; Paternal Aunt: B; Paternal Uncle: C; Mother: D; Third Respondent: Local Authority; Child: E
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
01 December 2026
Procedural Posture
Family / Final Judgment on Special Guardianship and Contact Arrangements
Outcome
Special Guardianship order granted to aunt and uncle; mother's request for unsupervised contact denied; contact arrangements approved as per support plan with amendments.
Legal Topics
Special Guardianship, Child Arrangements, Care Order Discharge, Contact With Parent, Parental Responsibility
Family Law Special Guardianship Child Arrangements Care Order Discharge Contact With Parent Parental Responsibility

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Parties

A

Applicant Father

B

Paternal Aunt

C

Paternal Uncle

D

Mother

Local Authority

Third Respondent

E

Child

Procedural Posture

Family / Final Judgment on Special Guardianship and Contact Arrangements

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Should a Special Guardianship order be made to the aunt and uncle in respect of E?
  2. 2 What are the appropriate contact arrangements for the mother, including whether unsupervised direct contact should be ordered?
  3. 3 Should a child arrangements order be made and on what terms?

Ratio Decidendi

It is premature to order unsupervised contact between the mother and E given the absence of an existing relationship, the child's lack of knowledge of the mother, and the need for gradual reintroduction and risk assessments. The Special Guardianship order to the aunt and uncle is approved as proportionate and in E's best interests.

Court Disposition

Special Guardianship order granted to aunt and uncle; mother's request for unsupervised contact denied; contact arrangements approved as per support plan with amendments.

Orders

  • Special Guardianship order made to aunt and uncle for E.
  • Contact arrangements for father: unsupervised weekly contact for minimum six hours.