Latest news and stories about family law in Portugal for expats and residents.
They never lived with their parents who, according to the court, failed to acquire the desired parenting skills despite support from several teams: the decision is for a total severance.
The article discusses how parental alienation, while not a recognised clinical diagnosis, represents a real and damaging dynamic in high-conflict custody cases. It highlights the need to distinguish between the lack of a formal medical label and the observable, harmful behaviours—such as manipulation and emotional blackmail—that can alienate a child from a parent. The author advocates for rigorous professional assessment, the use of early family mediation, and a swifter judicial system to protect children from being caught in adult conflicts, ensuring their right to maintain healthy bonds with both parents.
A report on how legislative delays in Portugal are creating conflict and hardship for families waiting for legal resolution.
A report on how legislative delays in Portugal are creating conflict and hardship for families waiting for legal resolution.
Would you be willing to wait 10 years to have a child? This is what is happening to many families in Portugal, where the law on surrogacy is slow to be implemented. In desperation, and feeling abandoned by the Portuguese state, these families sacrifice a great deal to make their dream come true abroad - even in the middle of a war. Report by Wilson Ledo, with sound design by Teresa Almeida.
REPORT || Children of Hope || Would you be willing to wait 10 years to have a child? This is what is happening to many families in Portugal, where the law on surrogacy is slow to be implemented. In desperation, and feeling abandoned by the Portuguese state, many sacrifice a great deal to achieve their dream abroad, even in the middle of a war.
Difficult separations can turn into long-lasting conflicts, especially when children are used as instruments between parents. So-called parental alienation can have lifelong consequences, as psychologist Cátia Serra explains.
The testimony of Artur, an alienated father (VII)
This is one of the most common situations in co-parenting. The “game” has a name in the literature: the asymmetry of rules between households. How can this “game” be defused without putting the child in the middle?
In this text, we continue the story of Artur, an alienated father, whom we have been following over the last few weeks. We follow, step by step, the different stages of his experience.
In this text, we continue the story of Artur, an alienated father, whom we have been following over the last few weeks.
The Government has kept the rule in the new version of the “return package” that facilitates the deportation of immigrants with minor children in national territory. The text specifies that the current protection against expulsion only applies if the child is a legal resident. The new wording of Article 135 of the law, concerning “limits to expulsion,” states that this applies to those who “have minor children, nationals of a third state, who are legal residents in Portuguese territory, for whom they effectively assume parental responsibilities and ensure their support and education.” The full text was released this Monday, March 30, following its submission to Parliament. Despite concerns raised by advisors and during public consultation regarding the protection of children, the executive has disregarded these inputs. Another change requires at least five years of residency in the country to benefit from this non-deportation rule, whereas currently, the length of residency is not a factor when minor children are involved.
Contact with mutual aid groups and specialised support can be a turning point in experiencing a process of parental alienation.
One of the first tasks in legal consultations regarding these matters is to demystify the belief that infidelity guarantees an advantage in divorce proceedings.
Artur's testimony shows how, in situations of parental alienation, the search for a child can become a journey marked by obstacles, tension, and deep suffering.
Considering the case law of the Court of Justice, anyone against raising the rainbow flag is also lowering the EU flag. Because families in the EU still have equal rights. Opinion by Sérgio Maia Tavares Marques.
Many parents endure the devastating experience of being unjustly alienated from their children through false accusations and distorted narratives. This silent violence, often invisible to outsiders, causes profound emotional distress. However, experts argue that persistence is vital; when a child rejects a parent due to manipulation or loyalty conflicts, giving up only reinforces the false narrative that the parent did not fight for them. Maintaining a consistent, stable presence serves as a beacon for the child, and while these legal battles are often long and painful, persistence remains the most powerful way to protect the child's right to both parents and ensure that the truth eventually emerges.
This is the story of Artur, an alienated father. In this and upcoming articles, we will continue to follow his experience, step by step.
There is something poetically cruel about January. While we pack away the Christmas lights and promise to return to the gym, some people are preparing a different resolution — less Instagrammable, but profoundly transformative: divorce.
The aim is to assess how domestic violence is dealt with at the various stages of the criminal process and how the Public Prosecution coordinates with the Family and Children's jurisdiction and external bodies.
This article is based on the testimony of a mother who fell victim to parental alienation and was gradually pushed away from her own daughter, despite never having stopped loving or caring for her.
