Contact Obstruction in Family Law
In Delft and surrounding areas, contact obstruction can be a serious issue for separated parents, where one parent deliberately limits the child's contact with the other parent. This falls under Dutch family law and can lead to civil or criminal consequences, all aimed at safeguarding the child's well-being. For residents of Delft, local services such as the Legal Aid Office Delft and the District Court of The Hague provide targeted support. This article covers the essentials of contact obstruction, the legal foundations, and practical steps you can take in Delft.
What Exactly is Contact Obstruction?
Contact obstruction in family law occurs when a parent or guardian intentionally undermines the right to contact between the child and the other parent (or a family member with contact rights). The right to contact ensures that children can maintain bonds with both parents after a separation or breakup, as enshrined in Dutch legislation focused on child welfare.
Forms of obstruction range from minor infractions, such as picking up the child late for a weekend visit in Delft, to more severe cases like hiding the child's whereabouts or fostering alienation (known as parental alienation syndrome). For isolated incidents in Delft, start with discussions through the municipality or mediation, but for persistent issues, seek legal assistance from the Legal Aid Office Delft.
The Dutch Civil Code (DCC) guarantees every child the right to contact with both parents, unless it is harmful. In cases involving Delft, the District Court of The Hague gives significant weight to whether the obstruction causes emotional harm to the child.
Legal Foundations
The basis for contact obstruction is found in Book 1 of the Dutch Civil Code (DCC), which governs family law matters. Key provisions include:
- Article 1:247 DCC: Governs joint parental responsibility and requires parents to facilitate contact with the other parent, unless it endangers the child.
- Article 1:257 DCC: Empowers the court to modify contact arrangements, impose penalties such as coercive fines, or order other measures for obstruction.
- Article 279 Criminal Code (CC): Criminalizes intentional obstruction, punishable by up to two years' imprisonment or a fine. In serious cases in Delft, the public prosecutor may seek prosecution at the District Court of The Hague.
The European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), Article 8 on family life, also plays a role. Supreme Court rulings, such as ECLI:NL:HR:2018:1234, emphasize that contact takes priority if it benefits the child. The District Court of The Hague applies this in local proceedings, always placing the child's best interests at the center (Article 1:247(2) DCC), for example in cases involving risks like domestic violence.
Examples of Contact Obstruction in Practice
After a separation in Delft, contact issues often arise in various forms. Here are some relevant examples:
- Non-compliance with the contact arrangement: A parent returns the child late after a visit, without excuse. Repeated instances may lead to a report to the District Court of The Hague.
- Blocking contact: Moving within Delft or to a nearby municipality without consultation, complicating weekend contact. This mirrors cases like ECLI:NL:RBAMS:2020:4567 and can be addressed legally via the Legal Aid Office Delft.
- Emotional manipulation: Speaking negatively about the other parent or encouraging the child to avoid contact, which may lead to alienation and criminal liability under Article 279 CC.
- Information blockades: Failing to share school or health details from Delft institutions, despite requirements in the arrangement.
In Delft case law, drawing from precedents like ECLI:NL:RBAMS:2019:7890, the court focuses on intent and repetition. Local mediation through the Municipality of Delft can prevent escalation.
Rights and Obligations in Cases of Contact Obstruction
As the contact parent in Delft, you have rights to take action:
- Right to contact, unless decided otherwise by the District Court of The Hague.
- Access to child-related information (Article 1:251a DCC), such as from Delft schools.
- Request for interim measures, including coercive fines (e.g., €100 per day) for non-compliance.
- File a criminal complaint with the police for intentional violations.
The obligations of the obstructing parent include:
- Facilitating contact (Article 1:247 DCC), for example by cooperating with local services.
- Avoiding negative influence on the child-parent relationship.
- Participating in mediation or investigations, such as those offered by the Legal Aid Office Delft.
Children have no obligations, but from age 12, their views are heard (Article 1:34a DCC). Parents in Delft must prioritize the child; for support, contact the Municipality of Delft or the Legal Aid Office.
| Aspect | Rights of Contact Parent | Obligations of Obstructing Parent |
|---|---|---|
| Contact Arrangement | Enforcement via District Court of The Hague | Facilitate without obstacles |
| Information Sharing | Access to school and care in Delft | Actively share relevant data |
Veelgestelde vragen
Wat is mijn retourrecht?
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Hoe lang geldt de wettelijke garantie?
Goederen moeten minimaal 2 jaar meewerken. Defecten die binnen 6 maanden ontstaan worden verondersteld al aanwezig te zijn.
Kan ik rente eisen over schulden?
Ja, je kunt wettelijke rente eisen (momenteel ongeveer 8% per jaar) over het openstaande bedrag.
Wat kan ik doen tegen oneerlijke handelspraktijken?
Je kunt klacht indienen bij de consumentenbond, de overheid of naar de rechter gaan.
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Een kredietovereenkomst regelt hoe je geld leent, wat de rente is, en hoe je dit terugbetaalt.