Narcissistic sister-in-law wants visitation rights with my children

Questioner

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Lawyer

First of all, my condolences regarding your husband. As for your relationship with your in-laws, this must be a very difficult time for you. The access rights of family members other than parents is a complex area in the Netherlands that is carefully assessed by the judge in individual cases. Article 1:377a of the Civil Code regulates the right of access for parents and others who have a close personal relationship with the child. For these persons, the judge can impose an access arrangement. However, for your sister-in-law to be able to claim a visitation arrangement, she must be able to demonstrate that there is (has been) a close personal relationship between her and the children. The judge will also take into account the wishes of the children themselves, depending on their age and level of understanding. The fact that your sister-in-law claims that you went on holiday together regularly, when this was not the case, may be a factor that the judge may consider when assessing the credibility of her request. If the contrary is shown, this may undermine her request. Your statements about your feelings towards her may be discussed in the proceedings, but will probably not be the decisive factor. The welfare of the child is the primary interest. In your situation, it may be wise to consult a lawyer or attorney who has experience in family and inheritance law. They can help you defend your rights and achieve the best possible outcome for you and your children. It may also be useful to contact agencies such as Veilig Thuis, which specialize in protecting children and their parents in situations of conflict and stress. Please note that my advice is exploratory and it is advisable to communicate about this with a professional who is fully aware of your situation. ---------------- Stichting Rechtswinkel.nl is a national organization with students and volunteers. The above advice is based on limited information and may be incomplete or even incorrect for your situation. Always consult a lawyer or attorney for your further steps. Read disclaimer: https://rechtswinkel.nl/disclaimer I would like to invite you to rate the above answer so that we can learn from your response. Can we help you free of charge or refer you to the Divorce Shop? Call us during office hours on 040 2350422