There have been consent orders in place for my two teenage children (13 and 15) for the last 5 years. On my part, these orders were followed as written until about three months ago. In the summer holidays the children and their father had a very aggressive argument which resulted in the children leaving and returning home. There was no contact from the father following the incident until three weeks later when I informed him that the children were refusing all visits with him.
He has emailed them, called them, turned up at the school, had a meeting with their school counsellor, approached them on the streets but they are adamant that they do not wish to communicate with him.
I am sympathetic with them and will not be forcing them into any visits...mindful of their age and also not wanting to alienate them from both parents I am now stuck between their father threatening court action and the children threatening to run away.
What are my options legally and does the father actually have grounds for any legal action under family law?
He has emailed them, called them, turned up at the school, had a meeting with their school counsellor, approached them on the streets but they are adamant that they do not wish to communicate with him.
I am sympathetic with them and will not be forcing them into any visits...mindful of their age and also not wanting to alienate them from both parents I am now stuck between their father threatening court action and the children threatening to run away.
What are my options legally and does the father actually have grounds for any legal action under family law?