Old 50:50 CAO — how do courts deal with it when teenagers refuse contact?

[browncoffeeuk]

Has anyone had a 50:50 Child Arrangements Order (CAO) in the UK enforced through the courts, with Cafcass involvement, where the children are now teenagers and refuse to live with their other parent?

The order is nearly a decade old, but the relationship with their other parent has broken down, and they have not lived with him for a few months.

I’m interested in personal experiences of how the courts approach enforcement with older children, how much weight is given to teenagers’ wishes, and what enforcement looked like in practice.

Not looking for legal advice, just experiences. Thanks

How old are the teens? Usually if they are deemed Gillick competent then a Judge wouldn't force them to go

13.5 & 15.5 years old. Will look up Gillick competence. Thanks

At that age the judge will say they have a right to choose so if he takes you back to court, it’s pretty pointless. These kind of orders are really only enforceable until around 12. You can’t force teens to live half the week elsewhere if they don’t want to.

That's really reassuring. Thank you.

Strange to be back here - nearly 10 years later! I can't force them (and don't intend to) and don't see how the court could.🤷🏻‍♀️

No, the court will allow them to decide at that age.