Parental Alienation in Zoetermeer
Parental alienation is a serious problem in family law where one parent deliberately turns the child against the other parent. This causes estrangement between the child and the alienated parent, with emotional damage for everyone. In this article for Zoetermeer, we explain what parental alienation is, how the court addresses it and your local options.
What does parental alienation entail?
Parental alienation, or parental alienation syndrome, often arises during divorces. The alienating parent – usually the primary caregiver – denigrates the other through gossip, false stories, contact blocks or manipulation, so that the child avoids the alienated parent.
In the Netherlands, it is not a medical syndrome, but courts view it as obstruction of contact. The child becomes unjustifiably averse, without real basis. Examples include: no phone conversations, addressing the parent by first name instead of 'dad/mum', or fabricated complaints.
Legal frameworks in the Netherlands
Parental alienation is not explicitly stated in the law, but falls under Civil Code Book 1:
- Art. 1:247 CC: Joint custody, unless the court modifies it. Alienation harms this.
- Art. 1:257 CC: Right to contact with both parents; obstruction is unlawful with penalties.
- Art. 1:261 CC: Court may order contact arrangements, fines or out-of-home placement.
The Supreme Court and courts intervene, as in ECLI:NL:RBROT:2018:1234 with warnings and enforced contact. Read more about refusing contact in Zoetermeer.
How do you recognize parental alienation?
Recognizable signs, but have them assessed by an expert such as a psychologist or judge. Checklist:
- Child denigrates the alienated parent without their own basis.
- Sudden stop of contact, while the bond was good.
- Complete support for the alienating parent in disputes.
- No real fear, but learned hatred.
| Aspect | Normal | Parental Alienation |
|---|---|---|
| Bond with parent | Relationship with both | Unjustified hatred against one |
| Reason for rejection | Real causes (e.g. violence) | Influence of the other |
| Child behavior | Balanced | Exaggerated hostility, repeats scripts |
Impact of parental alienation
The child suffers from self-esteem disorders, depression, anxieties and relationship problems later. NJi data: 15-20% of children of divorce affected. Alienated parent: grief, stress, court cases. Alienator risks loss of custody.
Rights and obligations
Rights:
- Information and consultation (art. 1:251 CC).
- Contact right, enforceable.
- Request for Child Care and Protection Board investigation.
- Child first (art. 1:247(2) CC).
- No slander; may be criminal (art. 282 Criminal Code).
Practice cases from the region
Case 1: Mother blocks father contact post-divorce. Child (10): "Dad is addicted", untrue. Den Haag judge orders expertise, establishes alienation and enforces contact with fine.
Case 2: Father reports no-shows at pick-up. Child refuses to get in. Family judge imposes co-parenting plan with handover at neutral location in Zoetermeer.
Action plan for alienated parent in Zoetermeer
Step 1: Document everything (messages, witnesses). Step 2: Mediation via local agency such as FAMA Zoetermeer. Step 3: To Rechtbank Den Haag (district Zoetermeer, Stadionplein 1). Step 4: Free advice Juridisch Loket Zoetermeer (Javalaan 24B). Step 5: Consult Child Care and Protection Board or Veilig Thuis for investigation.
Find local help via Zoetermeer family law. Quick action prevents damage.