Parental Alienation in Rotterdam
Parental alienation is a serious problem in family law where one parent deliberately turns the child against the other parent. This causes estrangement between child and parent, with emotional damage for everyone. In this article, we explain what parental alienation is, how courts in Rotterdam address it and what steps you can take, including local institutions.
What exactly does parental alienation entail?
Parental alienation, or parental alienation syndrome, often arises during divorces. The alienating parent – usually the primary caregiver – undermines the bond through negative influence, such as gossip, false stories, contact blockades or manipulation so that the child avoids the other parent.
It is not a formal diagnosis in the Netherlands, but courts view it as visitation obstruction. The child becomes unnecessarily hostile, without real basis. Examples include: no phone conversations, addressing the parent by first name instead of 'dad' or 'mom', or fabricated 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 parental authority, unless the court modifies it. Alienation harms this.
- Art. 1:257 CC: Right to contact with both parents; obstruction is unlawful with possible penalties.
- Art. 1:261 CC: The court may intervene with contact arrangements or out-of-home placement.
Rechtbank Rotterdam recognizes this in judgments such as ECLI:NL:RBROT:2020:5678, where the alienating parent received sanctions and contact was imposed. Read more in our article about refusing contact.
How do you recognize parental alienation?
Recognition requires expert input from psychologists or the youth judge. Checklist:
- Child insults 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.
| Characteristic | Normal | Parental Alienation |
|---|---|---|
| Bond with parent | Relationship with both parents | Disproportionate hatred towards one |
| Reason for rejection | Factual causes (abuse) | Influence of the other |
| Child behavior | Balanced, mixed emotions | Exaggerated hostility, repeats scripts |
Impact of parental alienation
Children suffer from self-esteem disorders, depression, anxieties and relationship problems later in life. NJi data: 15-20% of children from divorces experience this. The alienated parent suffers grief, stress and lawsuits. The alienator risks loss of authority.
Rights and obligations
Rights:
- Right to information and consultation (art. 1:251 CC).
- Contact right, enforceable via court.
- Request for investigation by the Child Care and Protection Board.
- Put the child first (art. 1:247(2) CC).
- No slander; may be punishable (art. 282 Criminal Code).
Practice cases from Rotterdam
Case 1: Mother blocks father contact. Child (9 years) claims: "Dad is violent", untrue. Rechtbank Rotterdam orders expertise, establishes alienation and enforces contact with penalty payment.
Case 2: Father reports no-shows at pickups. Child does not get in. Family judge establishes co-parenting plan with handover at neutral location in Rotterdam.
Step-by-step plan for alienated parents in Rotterdam
1. Document evidence (messages, witnesses, logs).
2. Start mediation at recognized agency such as FOM via Rechtbank Rotterdam.
3. Go to court: Rechtbank Rotterdam, Wilhelminaplein 100-125.
4. Free advice: Juridisch Loket Rotterdam, Westblaak 180.
5. Involve Child Care and Protection Board or psychologist for investigation.
6. Remain calm and child-focused in communication.