Lijfsdwang

Coercive detention is an enforcement measure in Dutch civil law that is deployed when other coercive instruments have proved insufficiently effective. The measure restricts the personal liberty of the person concerned and serves as a means of pressure to compel compliance with a judgment.

The measure is governed by Articles 585 et seq. of the Dutch Code of Civil Procedure and may only be applied in respect of orders to perform or refrain from performing an act. In practice, coercive detention is applied primarily in family law matters, such as non-payment of maintenance.

Although effective, coercive detention is an intrusive measure that may be applied only under strict conditions and subject to judicial authorisation.