Parental Alienation in Delft
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 Delft, we explain what parental alienation is, how it is handled legally, and what you can do locally.
What exactly does parental alienation entail?
Parental alienation, or parental alienation syndrome, often arises during divorces in the Delft region. The alienating parent – usually the primary caregiver – negatively influences the child through gossip, false stories, contact blockades, or manipulation. The child then unjustly avoids the other parent.
In the Netherlands, it is not an official diagnosis, but courts recognize it as contact interference. Children become hostile without basis: they skip calls, use first names instead of 'mom/dad', or fabricate complaints.
Legal frameworks for parental alienation
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 amends it. Alienation harms this.
- Art. 1:257 CC: Right to contact with both parents; interference is unlawful with penalties.
- Art. 1:261 CC: The court may enforce contact or order out-of-home placement.
Rechtbank Den Haag (district Delft) intervenes, as in ECLI:NL:RBROT:2018:1234 with warnings and enforced contact. Read more about refusing contact in Delft.
How do you recognize parental alienation?
Recognizable signs, but have them assessed by an expert. Checklist for Delft parents:
- Child badmouths alienated parent without own basis.
- Sudden contact refusal after good relationship.
- Complete alliance with alienating parent.
- No real traumas, but learned hatred.
| Aspect | Normal | Parental Alienation |
|---|---|---|
| Relationship with parent | Relationship with both | Irrational hatred against one |
| Reason for rejection | Real causes (e.g. violence) | Influence of third parent |
| Child behavior | Balanced | Exaggerated hostility, repeats scripts |
Impact of parental alienation
Children experience identity crises, depressions, and relationship problems. NJi data: 15-20% of children of divorce in the Netherlands. Alienated parent: grief, stress. Alienator risks loss of custody at Rechtbank Den Haag.
Rights and obligations
Rights:
- Right to information and consultation (art. 1:251 CC).
- Contact right, enforceable via court.
- Request for Child Care and Protection Board investigation.
- Child first (art. 1:247(2) CC).
- No slander; punishable (art. 282 Criminal Code).
Practice cases from Delft region
Case 1: Mother blocks father contact. Child claims 'dad is addicted', untrue. Den Haag court orders expertise, establishes alienation, and imposes contact with penalty payment.
Case 2: Father reports no-shows. Child refuses to get in. Family court establishes co-parenting plan with handover at neutral location in Delft.
Action plan for alienated parents in Delft
Step 1: Log everything (messages, witnesses). Step 2: Mediation via local office such as in Delft. Step 3: To Rechtbank Den Haag (Delft location) for summary proceedings. Step 4: Help via Juridisch Loket Delft (free advice). Step 5: Consider psychological help via NJi partners.