In a dramatic legal battle that has captured headlines across Germany and Denmark, Christina Block, the heiress of the Block House steakhouse chain, has lost custody of her two children, Theodor and Klara. A family court in Sønderborg, Denmark, ruled on May 1, 2025, granting sole custody to her ex-husband, Stephan Hensel, who had previously held only temporary custody.
The court's decision comes after a tumultuous series of events, including an alleged abduction of the children on New Year's Eve 2023. The court justified its ruling based on the children's expressed desire to live with their father, attributing this preference to their experiences in their mother's household.
Christina Block's attorney, Elisabeth Unger, confirmed the ruling and expressed her client's deep distress, describing the decision as "blanker Hohn," which translates to "absolute mockery." Unger argued that the children had been wrongfully influenced by their father, claiming that the son had clung to his mother just months prior, indicating a strong bond that was later undermined.
According to Unger, the court's ruling lacked a solid foundation, as it was made without an expert opinion. She stated, "The son did not want to leave his mother in early January, and now, while in his father's custody, he claims the opposite. This is a clear sign of deliberate alienation!"
Adding to the complexity of the situation, Christina Block faces criminal charges in Germany related to the alleged abduction. The Hamburg public prosecutor's office announced on April 25, 2025, that charges had been filed against her and six other defendants for their roles in the purported kidnapping of the children from Denmark.
Details surrounding the alleged abduction are troubling. Christina Block is accused of conspiring with a 62-year-old German man to forcibly remove her children from their father's custody. The children, who have been living with their father in Gravenstein, Denmark, since the summer of 2021, were reportedly taken without legal authorization.
The custody battle has been fraught with accusations and legal maneuvers. The Hamburg Higher Regional Court previously determined that German courts no longer had jurisdiction over the case, as the children had established their primary residence in Denmark. This ruling forced Christina Block to return her children to their father after a brief period of custody that followed the alleged abduction.
In the midst of these legal challenges, the Danish court noted that there was no evidence of alienation between the children and their mother, a point that has been hotly contested by Block's legal team. They argue that the children's statements about their living situation were influenced by their father's actions.
Unger emphasized the importance of the children's well-being, stating, "The decision sends a false signal to society that court rulings can be ignored." This sentiment reflects broader concerns about the implications of custody decisions on family dynamics and the potential for parental alienation.
The court's decision to revoke Christina Block's visitation rights means she is no longer allowed to see her children, a situation that has left her devastated. Unger has not disclosed whether they plan to appeal the ruling, as Danish courts typically do not comment publicly on custody cases.
As this case continues to unfold, it raises significant questions about parental rights, the influence of family courts in custody disputes, and the psychological impact of such decisions on children. Observers are keenly watching how this situation develops, particularly given the high-profile nature of the parties involved.
Christina Block, who is 52 years old, is the daughter of Eugen Block, the founder of the Block House chain, which has been a staple in the German dining scene. Her background adds another layer of complexity to the public's interest in the case, as it intertwines issues of family, business, and legal ethics.
In summary, the custody battle between Christina Block and her ex-husband has highlighted the challenges and emotional turmoil that can arise from family law disputes. With serious allegations of abduction and the revocation of visitation rights, this case serves as a stark reminder of the stakes involved in custody arrangements and the profound effects these decisions can have on children's lives.
As the legal proceedings continue, the outcomes may set precedents for future custody cases, particularly those involving allegations of abduction and parental alienation. The court's decisions will likely resonate beyond the immediate parties, influencing how similar cases are handled in the future.
