Parental Alienation in Rijswijk
Parental alienation is a serious issue within family law, where one parent deliberately turns the child against the other parent. This causes estrangement between the child and the excluded parent, with severe emotional scars for everyone involved. In this article, we delve into the meaning of parental alienation, the legal approach in the The Hague region (including Rijswijk), and practical steps if you are experiencing this.
What does parental alienation entail?
Parental alienation, or parental alienation syndrome, often arises after a divorce. The alienating parent – usually the primary caregiver – undermines the bond with the other parent through gossip, untruths, contact blockades, or psychological pressure. The child then unjustly avoids the parent.
In the Netherlands, there is no formal diagnosis, but courts recognize it as visitation obstruction. The child becomes unnecessarily hostile: no calls, 'do whatever you want' instead of daddy/mommy, or fabricated complaints. Particularly relevant in Rijswijk via the District Court of The Hague.
Legal basis in Rijswijk
Parental alienation is not explicitly stated in the law, but it falls under Dutch Civil Code Book 1:
- Art. 1:247 CC: Joint parental authority, 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: The court may intervene with arrangements or out-of-home placement.
The District Court of The Hague (for Rijswijk) intervenes, as in ECLI:NL:RBDHA:2020:5678 where alienation led to a warning and enforced contact. Read our article on refusing/obstructing contact.
Recognizing parental alienation
Signs are striking, but have them assessed by an expert. Checklist for Rijswijk parents:
- Child badmouths the alienated parent without their own basis.
- Sudden stop of visits, while the bond was good.
- Completely siding with the alienator.
- No real fear, but learned hatred.
| Characteristic | Normal | Parental Alienation |
|---|---|---|
| Bond with parent | Relationship with both | Unjustified hatred against one |
| Reason for rejection | Real causes (abuse) | Influence of the other |
| Child's behavior | Balanced | Exaggerated hostility, repeats lies |
Impact of parental alienation
The child suffers from self-esteem issues, depression, anxieties, and future relationship problems. NJi data: 15-20% in divorces. Alienated parent: grief, burnout, lawsuits. Alienator: risk of loss of authority at the District Court of The Hague.
Rights and obligations
Rights:
- Information and say (art. 1:251 CC).
- Enforce contact rights via the court.
- Request a child care investigation (RvdK).
- Child first (art. 1:247(2) CC).
- No slanderous talk; punishable (art. 282 Criminal Code).
Practice cases from the Rijswijk region
Case 1: Mother blocks father contact. Child (9): "Father hits". Untrue. The Hague court: expertise, alienation established, contact with penalty clause.
Case 2: Father reports no-shows. Child refuses to get in. Family court: co-parenting plan with neutral location in Rijswijk.
Action plan for alienated parent in Rijswijk
Step 1: Log everything (messages, witnesses). Step 2: Mediation via local office. Step 3: To the District Court of The Hague (Rijswijk district). Step 4: Help via Legal Aid Office Rijswijk for free advice. Stay calm and child-focused. ### Arslan & Arslan Advocaten **Arslan & Arslan Advocaten** provides professional legal guidance and support for your legal matters. - Website: [www.arslan.nl](https://arslan.nl) - Email: [info@arslan.nl](mailto:info@arslan.nl) - Free initial consultation