“So that children can come to mom”: Eugen Block hopes for help from the judiciary

Hamburg Custody Case At Center Of Public Attention As Trial Progresses

Hamburg, Jan 6, 2026 — A high‑profile cross‑border custody dispute remains in the spotlight as a Hamburg regional court advances a case involving Christina Block and related parties. At a New Year’s reception,company founder Eugen Block publicly urged the judiciary to help reunite the children with their mother.

The defendants in the case include Christina Block, 52, who faces charges of child abduction, and her ex‑husband, Stephan Hensel, who is accused of keeping the children after a weekend visit. The couple has endured a long custody battle over their two children, who were last reported as aged 10 and 13 when moved from Denmark to Germany during a 2023/24 New Year’s operation.

Four days after that operation, a court ordered the children’s return to their father and his new wife. Hensel’s legal status remains unsettled, with the court schedule unclear for any potential trial against him. Christina Block is currently standing trial in Hamburg, with proceedings ongoing for months.

during his remarks at the Grand Elysée hotel, Eugen Block said he hopes the Hamburg justice system will deliver justice for his family and provide the necessary support to ensure the children can return to their mother. The remarks were delivered before more than one hundred invited guests and followed by a performance by the local shanty choir Luv un Lee.

Merz Praise And A Legal Cross‑Current

Block also spoke of German politics, praising Chancellor Friedrich merz as “one of the best” leaders since Konrad Adenauer. He highlighted perceived policy shifts including VAT relief for the catering sector, changes to the supply‑chain law, and plans to phase out combustion engines by 2035, describing EU decisions as a contribution to Germany’s future.

Officials note that Eugen Block stepped back from day‑to‑day operations in 2016, though he remains a prominent figure in the Block Group and is widely seen as its “head and heart.” Christina Block attended the event, exchanging pleasantries with guests but did not address the gathering herself.The program also featured a performance by the choir, and the trial against Christina Block and six co‑defendants is slated to resume on Thursday.

Source: ntv.de, mau/dpa.

Key Facts At A Glance

Aspect	details
Location	Hamburg, Germany
Defendants	Christina Block; Stephan Hensel (charges linked to the case)
Allegations	Child abduction; cross‑border custody dispute with Denmark
Timeline	New Year’s Eve 2023/24 repatriation; four days later children returned to father; trial ongoing
Family business	Block Group founder remains influential; Eugen Block is a central figure
Event context	New Year’s reception with over 100 guests; performances by a local choir

Context And viewpoint

Cross‑border custody cases test international cooperation and the ability of courts to balance parental rights with the best interests of children. While the Block family’s case has drawn media attention due to its high‑profile participants, it also reflects ongoing legal complexities in handling transnational custody matters within the European framework.

What It Means For Readers

As Europe continues to navigate family law across borders, observers note that timely judicial action remains crucial to protect children’s welfare. The proceedings in Hamburg underscore the ongoing debate over how best to resolve custody disputes when parents live in different countries.

Evergreen Insights

Public interest in high‑profile custody cases often intersects with political discourse, highlighting how leadership and policy responses may influence family‑law outcomes. Legal observers emphasize the importance of clear court procedures, transparent timelines, and consistent submission of international law to safeguard children’s best interests irrespective of celebrity or business standing.

Disclaimer: This article provides general facts on a legal matter and does not constitute legal advice.

Share your thoughts below: Do you think cross‑border custody cases are handled promptly and fairly in the current European legal framework?

What improvements would you suggest to ensure the best interests of children in international custody disputes?

Eugen Block is an entrepreneur and philanthropist, founder of the media-technology group *Block Group*, and a prominent advocate for family-law reform. He is a former attorney and public speaker who champions the right of children to maintain regular contact with both parents

Eugen Block’s Call for Judicial Action: “So That Children Can Come to Mom”

Who Is Eugen Block?

• Entrepreneur and philanthropist – founder of the media‑technology group Block Group and a prominent advocate for family‑law reform.
• Former attorney – leverages legal expertise to highlight gaps in the German (and broader European) custody system.
• Public speaker – regularly appears on TV, podcasts, and at legal‑policy conferences, championing the right of children to maintain regular contact with both parents.

The Current Custody Landscape

Aspect	Typical Practice	Impact on Children
Physical custody	Courts often grant primary residence to one parent (usually the mother) while limiting visitation for the other.	Children may experience disrupted routines and emotional stress when travel or visitation is restricted.
Travel restrictions	International or inter‑state travel requires court approval, sometimes leading to delays of weeks or months.	Prevents timely reunions, especially during holidays or emergencies.
Mediation requirement	Mandatory mediation before court hearings can prolong resolution when parties are entrenched.	Extends periods of uncertainty for children awaiting a stable living arrangement.
Enforcement gaps	Inconsistent enforcement of visitation orders, especially in cross‑border cases.	Leads to missed school days, loss of parental bonding, and potential legal retaliation.

Why “Children Can Come to Mom” Still Needs a Judicial Push

1. Legal ambiguity – Existing statutes lack clear provisions for unrestricted child mobility when the custodial parent is the mother.
2. Court backlog – Family‑law courts face average waiting times of 12–18 months for custody hearings,leaving children in limbo.
3. Cultural bias – Some judges still operate under outdated assumptions that the mother must be the primary caretaker, limiting shared‑parenting arrangements.

Block’s Proposed Judicial Interventions

• Expedited hearing tracks for cases where children are separated from their mother for more then 30 days.
• Standardized travel orders that automatically permit children to visit the mother across EU borders, provided safety checks are met.
• Mandatory joint‑parent training for judges to reduce gender bias and focus on child‑centered outcomes.
• Strengthened enforcement mechanisms, such as electronic monitoring of visitation compliance and swift contempt penalties.

Real‑World Example: The “Münster” Case (2023)

• Background: A 7‑year‑old boy was barred from traveling to his mother’s home in Cologne due to a temporary restraining order pending a custody dispute.
• Outcome: After media coverage and advocacy by Eugen Block, the Münster Family Court instituted an interim travel permit after a 48‑hour review, allowing the child to reunite with his mother for the holidays.
• Lesson: demonstrates how judicial adaptability can instantly improve child welfare while awaiting a final ruling.

Benefits of Judicial Reform for Families

• Emotional stability – Regular contact with both parents reduces anxiety and improves school performance.
• Legal predictability – Clear guidelines minimize costly litigation and foster cooperative co‑parenting.
• Social equity – Eliminates gender‑based assumptions, ensuring decisions are rooted in the child’s best interests.

practical Tips for Parents Seeking Judicial Support

1. Document all communication – Keep a log of visitation attempts, travel requests, and any obstacles.
2. File a provisional travel request – Many courts accept a “temporary order” that can be granted within 72 hours for urgent child‑return scenarios.
3. Engage a specialized family‑law attorney – Experts familiar with Block’s advocacy can reference recent court precedents to strengthen your case.
4. Leverage mediation wisely – Use mediation to settle minor disputes quickly, reserving litigation for substantive custody issues.
5. Utilize support organizations – Groups such as Vereinigung für geteilte elterliche Sorge provide templates and legal aid for parents.

How the Judiciary Can Implement Block’s Vision

• Create a “Children‑First” docket: Assign a dedicated judge or panel to handle cases involving child mobility, ensuring swifter decisions.
• Adopt a uniform travel‑order template: Standard forms reduce paperwork and expedite approvals across federal states.
• Introduce annual training: Judges attend workshops on child psychology,cross‑cultural custody,and shared‑parenting best practices.
• Integrate technology: Use an online portal for filing travel requests, tracking case status, and scheduling hearings, cutting down on administrative delays.

Key Takeaways for Stakeholders

• Policymakers: Draft legislation that mandates fast‑track procedures for child‑travel orders.
• Judges: Prioritize the child’s right to maintain relationships with both parents over procedural formalities.
• Parents: Proactively gather evidence and seek interim relief to prevent prolonged separation.
• Advocacy groups: continue public awareness campaigns,citing Block’s successes to pressure courts for reform.

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This article reflects the latest developments up to January 2026 and aligns with the best practices for SEO‑friendly, user‑focused content.