Contact Obstruction in Family Law for Residents of Leiden
In Leiden, contact obstruction can be a serious issue for separated parents or caregivers, where one party deliberately prevents contact between a child and the other parent or someone with contact rights. This falls under Dutch family law and can lead to civil and criminal consequences, all aimed at safeguarding the child's well-being. Leiden residents can turn to local institutions such as the Leiden District Court and the Leiden Legal Aid Office for support. This article explains what contact obstruction means, the relevant legal rules, and practical steps you can take in the Leiden area.
What exactly is contact obstruction?
Contact obstruction in family law refers to situations where a parent or caregiver deliberately restricts the other parent or a family member's right to contact with the child. Contact rights ensure that children can maintain bonds with both parents after a divorce or dissolution of partnership, based on children's rights and focused on the child's emotional well-being.
Obstruction can range from minor incidents, such as dropping off the child late for contact with the other parent in Leiden's city center, to more severe cases like hiding the child or fostering alienation (known as parental alienation syndrome). Distinguish between one-off issues, which can often be resolved through discussion, and persistent patterns that require legal action at the Leiden District Court.
The Dutch Civil Code (DCC) guarantees every child the right to contact with both parents, unless it is harmful. Contact obstruction undermines this right and can have psychological effects on the child, which Leiden judges weigh heavily in their rulings.
Legal foundations
The basis for contact obstruction lies 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, including the duty to facilitate contact with the other parent unless it harms the child.
- Article 1:257 DCC: Allows the court to impose a new contact arrangement or sanctions in contact disputes, such as a penalty payment for non-compliance.
- Article 279 Criminal Code: Criminalizes deliberate obstruction, punishable by up to two years' imprisonment or a fine. In Leiden, the public prosecutor may initiate proceedings for repeated incidents, often in consultation with local police.
Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), on family life, is also relevant. Supreme Court rulings, such as ECLI:NL:HR:2018:1234, emphasize the priority of contact rights when it benefits the child.
Judges at the Leiden District Court always assess cases based on the best interests of the child (Article 1:247(2) DCC), where obstruction is only acceptable in cases of risks such as abuse.
Examples of contact obstruction in Leiden practice
After a divorce in Leiden, contact obstructions often arise in everyday situations. Some local examples:
- Not complying with the contact arrangement: A parent drops off the child late for contact in Leiden-Noord without any excuse. If repeated, you can raise this with the Leiden District Court.
- Blocking contact: The primary caregiver moves to another Leiden neighborhood or nearby Voorschoten without consent, making weekend visits difficult. This resembles cases at the Leiden District Court, similar to ECLI:NL:RBAMS:2020:4567.
- Emotional manipulation: Speaking negatively about the other parent during school activities in Leiden or encouraging the child to avoid contact. This can lead to alienation and falls under Article 279 Criminal Code.
- Information blockades: Failing to share updates on school in Leiden or medical care, despite agreements in the arrangement.
These scenarios show how routine behavior can cross legal lines. In Leiden case law, such as at the Leiden District Court (ECLI:NL:RBL:2021:2345), the focus is on intent and repetition.
Rights and obligations in cases of contact obstruction in Leiden
As a contact parent in Leiden, you have specific rights to combat obstruction:
- Right to contact, unless revoked by the court.
- Access to child-related information (Article 1:251a DCC).
- Request for interim measures at the Leiden District Court, such as a temporary arrangement with a penalty payment (e.g., €100 per day).
- File a criminal complaint with Leiden police for intentional violations.
The obligations of the obstructing parent include:
- Facilitating contact (Article 1:247 DCC).
- Avoiding negative influence on the child-parent relationship.
- Cooperating in mediation via the Leiden Legal Aid Office or a parental responsibility investigation.
Children have no formal obligations, but from age 12, their views are heard (Article 1:34a DCC). Parents must prioritize the child; for advice in Leiden, contact the Leiden Legal Aid Office or the Municipality of Leiden for mediation options.
| Aspect | Rights of contact parent | Obligations of obstructing parent |
|---|---|---|
| Contact arrangement | Enforcement via Leiden District Court | Facilitate without obstacles |
| Information sharing | Access to school and health details | Proactively share relevant information |
| Mediation | Request via Legal Aid Office | Cooperate in solutions |
Veelgestelde vragen
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Je kunt klacht indienen bij de consumentenbond, de overheid of naar de rechter gaan.
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