Background: A Complex Family Arrangement Under a Special Guardianship Order

Tim had not seen his son regularly since before the Covid-19 pandemic. Following a family court decision, his son had been placed under a Special Guardianship Order (SGO), granting legal guardianship to Tim’s father, Fred, and his stepmother, Sarah. The arrangement had been made in the child’s best interests — but it left Tim feeling disconnected, unsure how to re-establish contact, and anxious about how to approach his son after such a long gap.

Keen to rebuild the relationship at a pace that would support his son’s needs, Tim turned to The Family Mediation Trust for guidance.

The Approach: Co-Mediation for a Sensitive, Multi-Generational Case

Given the complex emotional and legal background, the case was assigned to co-mediation — a format where two trained mediators facilitate the sessions to ensure balance, emotional safety, and clear communication for all parties involved.

During the initial session, Tim, Fred, and Sarah all came to the table with different perspectives — but a shared interest in supporting the child’s wellbeing. With careful support from the mediators, the session focused on identifying safe and gradual steps to reintroduce regular contact.

The Process: Building Contact Through Small, Thoughtful Steps

The parties agreed to start with low-intensity contact methods that allowed the child to adjust at their own pace. These included:

• Tim receiving regular updates and school reports

• The child sending letters and cards as a way to begin re-establishing emotional connection

The group also agreed to return for a second session after a few months to review how things were progressing, assess emotional impact, and set longer-term goals.

The Outcome: A Steady and Child-Centred Path Forward

At the second mediation session, the feedback from both sides was positive. The early steps had gone well, and the child was responding positively to the renewed contact. The family used this second session to agree on a longer-term plan that would allow contact to grow gradually and safely over several months, including in-person meetings and more direct involvement from Tim in his son’s life.

The case has now formally closed, but all parties agreed they may return to mediation in the future as circumstances evolve — especially as the child progresses through the education system.

Sarah and Fred later commented:

“Would recommend, as we think it’s good to try and sort out issues with people who are not actually involved.”

Why This Case Matters

This case illustrates the powerful role that co-mediation and a structured, child-focused approach can play in rebuilding family relationships after long periods of separation. For families navigating Special Guardianship Orders, mediation offers a space where each voice can be heard and practical solutions can be found — without returning to court.