Court access arrangements older children

[schoolofconfusion]

Just a quick question really for a friend. She has two children age fourteen. Friends husband has by his own choice not been involved in their life's since they were seven. Not paid, not visited, no presents, said he couldn't cope with it, he wasn't well, but I he couldn't afford it (Facebook full of nights out!). Children now teens and in his opinion now 'easier' and and suddenly he is interested. Kids remember the constant let down and things which upset them and don't want to know. At 14 will they need to go to court and cafcass etc?