Utrecht introduces free weekly support for families facing separation or divorce
Starting March 16, Utrecht residents in Leidsche Rijn, Vleuten, and De Meern can access free weekly consultations for relationship and divorce support. The service aims to ease the emotional and practical challenges of separation, helping parents and children navigate this difficult transition.
| Key Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Service | Relationship and divorce consultation hours |
| Start Date | March 16, 2026 |
| Location | Library in Leidsche Rijn |
| Days & Hours | Every Monday, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM |
| Target Group | Residents of Leidsche Rijn, Vleuten, and De Meern (primarily parents) |
| Support Offered | Advice on communication, co-parenting, finances, and legal matters |
| Goal | Smoother separations, fewer negative impacts on children |
| Future Expansion | Possible rollout to other Utrecht districts if successful |
The municipality of Utrecht plays a key role in supporting families during major life transitions, such as divorce. By offering accessible consultation hours, Utrecht aims to reduce the emotional and practical burdens on parents and children, aligning with its broader youth and family welfare policies.
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Utrecht launches first relationship and divorce consultation hours
Starting Monday, March 16, residents of Leidsche Rijn, Vleuten, and De Meern can visit the weekly relationship and divorce consultation hours. The consultation hours are for residents who need information, advice, and support regarding relationship issues and divorces. For example, on communicating with your (ex-)partner or how to co-parent after a divorce. You can also receive information about finances and legal matters.
Dennis de Vries, alderman for Youth: “Divorce is a major and emotional event for many people. In a short time, you face a lot: from practical matters like housing and finances to organizing childcare properly. It’s good that we, as the municipality, are standing alongside families. By helping parents to manage everything as well as possible, we prevent a relationship breakdown from escalating. For children, a parental separation is already very impactful, let alone when tensions and conflicts escalate. We often see that children then require youth assistance. With the relationship and divorce consultation hours, we aim to ensure that children are affected as little as possible by a separation.”
To support residents during a separation, the municipality of Utrecht is launching a relationship and divorce consultation hour starting March 16. The launch of the consultation hours is part of a broader effort to address relationship and divorce issues, implementing agreements made in Utrecht’s coalition agreement.
Parents can visit the consultation hours for accessible information, advice, and support on a wide range of issues related to relationship problems and divorces. Professionals will take a broad view of what is needed and which support is appropriate. Together, they will explore what can help to separate as smoothly and respectfully as possible, so that parents can continue to fulfill their roles and children experience as few negative consequences as possible from the separation. In complex divorces, children often suffer later consequences, such as anxiety, stress, and behavioral issues. With the relationship and divorce consultation hours, the municipality helps parents in an accessible way to make the process smoother.
The consultation hours will take place every Monday from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the library in Leidsche Rijn. Initially, the consultation hours are intended for people from Leidsche Rijn, Vleuten, and De Meern. If the consultation hours prove successful, the municipality will expand them to other parts of the city. The consultation hours are primarily aimed at people with children, but those without children who need help with their separation or relationship issues can also attend.
Later in 2026
The relationship and divorce consultation hours are part of a broader effort to address relationship and divorce issues. In 2026, the divorce team will also introduce a consultation function, where professionals can seek support for stuck cases.
Additionally, there are various projects aimed at strengthening relationships. For example, the Stichting Al Amal organizes meetings to prepare residents for marriage and help them better manage relationship issues. Young parents can also make free use of the online course offered by OudersInc.
More information about the full range of services in Utrecht can be found here: https://www.utrecht.nl/zorg-en-onderwijs/jeugd-en-gezin