How old for child's voice to be heard

[cedricdoris1]

My 2 DD's, aged 10 & 14, struggle with seeing their dad fortnightly for 4 hours, an arrangement which has been in place for 7 years. He has just been on the phone ranting that it's not enough and he will go to court and he will make them visit him fortnightly where he lives 2 hours drive away. Can anyone advise at what age children's voices are heard in court and also at what age children do not have to have contact? Thanks.

Family courts listen to children from the age of ten and contact can stop at age 16.

Why do your children struggle to see their dad for just 4 hours a fortnight? It’s not a lot of time.

The arrangement has been in place for 7 years and needs updating. I’d be expecting the children to spend more time with their dad not less.

Formal contact orders stop at 16. If this goes to court he will likely be given EOW and half the school holidays.

Do what you can to facilitate contact.

I am assuming this has a huge back story otherwise it wouldn't be 4 hours a fortnight..My ex was 2 hours a fortnight...

Have the concerns changed? What is it the children are struggling with contact?

My concern would be if there is no reason why it has been minimal would the court see it they haven't had chance to build a relationship with their Dad?