CAO advice post 16

[Justworkingitout]

How can I word an email to the ex to explain the contact arrangements in the CAO are no longer legally binding and the 16 year old can make his own arrangements?

There you've done it Exactly that !

Dear ex

As the contact arrangements in the CAO are no longer legally binding and a 16 year old can make his own arrangements it would now be best if you make direct arrangements with xxx . as I am no longer required to facilitate this

So I’m right with my wording (legally)? I’m just confused as I’ve read conflicting things. The CAO doesn’t stipulate its binding till18.

That's because it would be pointless to say so.

I think even the courts recognised that parents can't 'make' a 16 year old do something. It's also that weird legal grey area age wise - where they can do some very adult things and not others..!

For example :
Mum : Hey Joe don't forget you are at dads this weekend .

Joe : Sorry Mum - it's not happening. I'll be at home with my wife for the weekend..

Just Opt out of arrangements. Stop facilitating it and giving it head space . Just tell your dc that one of the benefits of growing up is that mum can butt out of your social arrangements and going forward it is entirely between him and his dad
I presume they both have phones and each others numbers .

If he kicks off it's him who has to take it to court but he will get nowhere and waste a lot of money .

Great example! Yep being 16 is a minefield! DC does make his own arrangements with dad and visa versa then ex screeches ‘breach’ and still refers to ‘his weekends’ etc.

An order that specifies who a child lives with lasts until 18. All other CAOs expire at 16.