Tel Aviv Court Suspends Father's Visitation Rights Over Teenage Sons' Refusal
A Tel Aviv family court ruled to suspend visitation between a divorced father and his teenage sons due to their strong refusal to meet. The judge adopted welfare recommendations, citing that forcing contact could cause further harm.
A family court in Tel Aviv has ruled that visitation rights between a divorced father and his two teenage sons will not take place at this time, as the boys adamantly refuse to meet him. Judge Sagit Ofek adopted the welfare services' recommendation not to force therapy or contact upon the children after all efforts to restore the relationship met with severe resistance.
Background of the Family Dispute
The parents divorced about a decade ago, and the sons lived with their mother while meeting their father mid-week and on alternating weekends. However, in February 2024, the boys severed ties after accusing him of violence, an allegation the father has consistently denied. Following the incident, a social worker filed a police complaint and a child investigation was conducted. The social worker stated that a police response regarding the complaint's status is still pending, while the father's counsel claimed the file was closed due to lack of evidence.
In July 2024, the mother filed a lawsuit requesting that all visitations be held under supervision. She claimed that after the estrangement, the sons revealed additional historical incidents of violence and that professional intervention was needed. Conversely, the father argued that the children were subjected to brainwashing and daily incitement by his ex-wife, who he claims excludes him from educational and medical decisions. He rejected supervised visits, proposing independent emotional or family therapy instead.
Court Findings and Legal Decision
Welfare services initially recommended a gradual resumption of contact within a therapeutic setting. Although both parents cooperated with therapy, their mutual stances remained strictly polarized, and attempts to incorporate the teenage boys failed despite the mother's encouragement. Judge Ofek determined that the responsibility for the estrangement largely falls on the father, noting that the social worker's assessment indicated the children's descriptions reflected authentic and difficult experiences rather than memorized scripts.
"I see no alternative but to leave the family and the children alone, lest greater harm be caused to the minors," Judge Ofek wrote.
Ultimately, the court ruled that visitation rights will remain suspended for the time being. If conditions mature and the parties wish to resume contact in the future, it can be renewed without further legal proceedings. Due to the sensitive nature of the case, each party will bear its own legal costs.
