In a dramatic turn of events, Hamburg entrepreneur Christina Block has lost custody of her two children to her ex-husband, Stephan Hensel, following a ruling by a Danish family court. On May 1, 2025, the court in Sonderburg granted Hensel sole custody of their 11-year-old son, Theodor, and 14-year-old daughter, Klara, effectively stripping Block of her parental rights and the ability to see her children for several years.
According to reports from the Hamburger Abendblatt, the court's decision was influenced by the ongoing custody battle that has been unfolding since 2021, when Hensel took the children to Denmark and did not return them. The ruling not only affects custody but also prohibits Block from contacting her children until they reach adulthood, unless they choose to initiate contact themselves.
Block's attorney, Elisabeth Unger, expressed her client's devastation over the ruling, stating, "She is heartbroken, incredibly sad, and deeply shaken." Unger described the situation as "almost the worst thing that can happen to a mother," highlighting the emotional toll this decision has taken on Block.
This custody dispute has been marked by serious allegations and legal complexities. In a separate but related case, the Hamburg public prosecutor's office announced on April 25, 2025, that Block and six others have been charged with the alleged kidnapping of the children from Denmark on New Year's Eve 2023/2024. Prosecutors claim that Block conspired with a 62-year-old German man to forcibly remove her children from their father's custody.
In the aftermath of the kidnapping incident, which made headlines nationwide, the children were found in Hamburg shortly after their removal from Denmark. However, a German court later ruled that the children should be returned to their father, emphasizing that the children had been living with him and his new wife since August 2021.
As the legal battles continued, the Danish court found that there was no evidence of "estrangement" between the children and their father, despite Block's claims that Hensel was manipulating them. The court ruled that it was in the children's best interest to remain with their father for the time being, citing a need for stability and a pause from contact with their mother.
Unger has indicated that Block may consider appealing the court's decision, but the path forward remains uncertain. She stated that discussions with Danish lawyers would determine the next steps in the legal process. The ongoing custody battle has drawn significant public attention, not only due to the high-profile nature of the individuals involved but also because of the serious allegations surrounding the kidnapping case.
In the context of the custody dispute, Block's ex-husband, Hensel, had previously held only temporary custody of the children until the recent court ruling. The family dynamic has been further complicated by the fact that Block is the daughter of Eugen Block, the founder of the popular steakhouse chain, Block House.
The legal turmoil has also raised questions about jurisdiction, as the Hamburg Family Court ultimately ruled that it could no longer adjudicate the custody case due to the children's established residence in Denmark. This ruling reflects a broader issue regarding international custody disputes within the European Union, particularly as Denmark does not recognize custody decisions made by courts in other EU member states.
As the case unfolds, public sentiment appears divided. Some sympathize with Block, viewing her as a mother fighting for her children, while others argue that the court's decision reflects a commitment to the children's welfare and stability. The complexity of the situation underscores the difficulties faced by families entangled in cross-border legal disputes.
In the wake of the court's decision, Block's future relationship with her children remains uncertain. The ruling has not only severed her legal rights but also cast a shadow over her ability to maintain a personal connection with her children during their formative years.
As the legal proceedings continue, both Block and Hensel will likely face intense scrutiny from the public and media alike. The case serves as a stark reminder of the challenges many families face in custody disputes, particularly when they involve allegations of abduction and manipulation.
In conclusion, Christina Block's loss of custody marks a significant and painful chapter in her ongoing battle for her children's welfare. With serious legal challenges ahead and the emotional weight of the situation bearing down on her, the coming months will be critical in determining the future for Block and her family.
