Best Child Custody Lawyers in Norway

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Barneadvokatene
Oslo, Norway

6 people in their team
English
Barneadvokatene specializes in matters that involve children, delivering legal work with a clear legal mind and a warm heart that define the firm's approach.Its caseload includes child welfare matters, visitation rights, and parental responsibility disputes, with a focus on safeguarding the child's...
Law firm Halvorsen & Co AS
Lillestrøm, Norway

Founded in 2003
English
Halvorsen & Co is a full-service Norwegian law firm with over 30 years of experience, headquartered in Lillestrøm with branch offices across Romerike and Follo. The firm provides expert guidance in commercial, private and compensation matters and aims to be a complete provider of legal advice for...

Founded in 1983
English
Preto Askevold Advokatfirma DA, established in 1983 and formerly known as Advokatfirma Alvheim og Hansen ANS, offers specialized legal services to businesses, public authorities, and private individuals. The firm provides expertise in various areas, including employment law, property law, contract...
Advokatfirma Skretting AS
Stavanger, Norway

Founded in 2007
5 people in their team
English
Advokatfirma Skretting AS is a Stavanger based law firm established in the summer of 2007. The firm has a long standing tradition of standing up for the little man against greater powers, with a focus on procedural work and conflict resolution for private clients.Driven by a philosophy of clear,...

2 people in their team
English
Advokatene Urrang Simonsen & Røthing Simonsen is a Haugesund based law partnership that delivers a broad range of legal services to private individuals and public bodies. Led by Halvor Urrang Simonsen and Dag Røthing Simonsen, the firm is anchored in long standing Norwegian legal experience....
Askø Advokatfirma AS
Drammen, Norway

Founded in 2014
English
Established in 2014, Askø Advokatfirma AS is a Norwegian law firm with offices in Oslo and Drammen. The firm offers comprehensive legal services to individuals and businesses, with a particular focus on property law, contract law, and corporate law. Committed to upholding legal security, Askø...
Law firm Torstrup AS
Stavanger, Norway

English
Law Firm Torstrup AS is recognized in Norway for its sophisticated legal expertise across multiple practice areas, including criminal justice, family law, labor relations, and real estate. The firm’s legal team brings together a wide range of experience, handling complex criminal defense cases,...

6 people in their team
English
Advokatfirmaet Advisio AS is a Norway-based boutique law firm specialising in matters linked to work, health, family and social security. The firm advises both private individuals and organisations and is recognised for concentrating its practice on complex welfare-law and family-law problems...
Advokat Mette Loe AS
Oslo, Norway

Founded in 2020
English
Advokat Mette Loe AS specializes in family and child law, including child custody, financial settlements at dissolution, and estate settlements. The firm delivers thorough case preparation and practical guidance, backed by extensive procedural experience to help families achieve stable outcomes...
Oslo, Norway

Founded in 2016
5 people in their team
English
Advokatfirmaet Shah AS is a litigation-oriented law firm based in Strømmen, Norway, founded and led by advokat Javeed H. Shah. The firm handles a range of matters with particular emphasis on criminal cases, immigration matters and family law, and it represents clients in district courts and...
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About Child Custody Law in Norway

Child custody law in Norway is primarily concerned with ensuring the best interests of the child in cases of parental separation. Custody arrangements can either be sole or joint, and decisions are made based on various factors including the well-being, safety, and the living conditions suitable for the child. Norwegian law prioritizes the child's right to maintain a relationship with both parents, provided that it supports the child's welfare. The parents can often agree on custody arrangements, but if disputes occur, the court intervention may become necessary.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

While many child custody arrangements are settled amicably between parents, there are situations that warrant the expertise of a lawyer. Some common scenarios include disagreements over custody arrangements, allegations of abuse or neglect, relocation issues, and challenges in modifying existing custody orders. A lawyer can provide legal advice, represent your interests in court, and ensure that the agreements comply with Norwegian law and serve the best interests of the child.

Local Laws Overview

Norwegian law regarding child custody is guided by the Children Act, which emphasizes the best interest of the child as the primary concern. Key aspects include:

  • The right of the child to be heard in matters affecting them if they are capable of forming their own views.
  • The preference for joint custody, allowing both parents to share decision-making responsibilities, unless it's not in the child's best interest.
  • Regulations regarding international child abduction, protecting children from unlawful removal from Norway.
  • Procedures for resolving disputes, which can involve mediation or court intervention.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between sole and joint custody?

Sole custody means one parent has the primary responsibility for the child's living arrangements and decisions. Joint custody allows both parents to share these responsibilities, often requiring mutual agreement on significant decisions.

How is custody determined in Norway?

Custody is determined based on the best interests of the child, considering factors such as the child’s relationship with each parent, the living situation, and the ability to meet the child’s needs.

Can custody arrangements be changed?

Yes, custody arrangements can be modified if there is a significant change in circumstances or if it is in the best interest of the child to do so.

At what age can a child decide which parent to live with?

While there is no specific age, the views of a child are given more weight as they grow older and more mature. Courts consider a child's opinion if they are capable of forming their own views.

What role does mediation play in custody disputes?

Mediation is used to help parents reach an agreement outside of court. It is often required as a first step before court intervention, aiming to avoid contentious legal battles.

How long does it take to resolve a custody case in court?

The duration varies depending on the complexity of the case and whether it requires a court hearing. Simple cases may resolve in months, while more complex ones can take longer.

What if one parent wants to move abroad with the child?

The relocating parent must obtain consent from the other parent or approval from the court. The decision will be made considering the child's best interests and the reasons for relocation.

Can grandparents seek custody or visitation rights?

Grandparents can seek visitation rights. However, custody would typically only be considered under exceptional circumstances, where it serves the child’s best interest.

Are there consequences for not complying with custody arrangements?

Non-compliance with custody orders can lead to legal consequences, including changes to custody arrangements or fines.

Is legal aid available for custody cases?

Yes, legal aid may be available for those who qualify based on income and the complexity of their case.

Additional Resources

For further assistance, consider contacting the following resources:

  • The Norwegian Directorate for Children, Youth and Family Affairs (Bufdir) for guidance on family-related issues.
  • The Mediation Service (Familievernkontor) for mediation support during disputes.
  • Legal Aid offices (Rettshjelpstiltak) which can provide free or low-cost legal advice.

Next Steps

If you require legal assistance in a child custody matter, consider the following steps:

  • Document your concerns and gather any evidence that supports your case.
  • Contact a lawyer experienced in Norwegian child custody law for a consultation to discuss your situation.
  • Explore mediation options as a potential solution before taking the matter to court.
  • Ensure you remain informed about your rights and obligations under Norwegian law.

Lawzana helps you find the best lawyers and law firms in Norway through a curated and pre-screened list of qualified legal professionals. Our platform offers rankings and detailed profiles of attorneys and law firms, allowing you to compare based on practice areas, including Child Custody, experience, and client feedback.

Each profile includes a description of the firm's areas of practice, client reviews, team members and partners, year of establishment, spoken languages, office locations, contact information, social media presence, and any published articles or resources. Most firms on our platform speak English and are experienced in both local and international legal matters.

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Disclaimer:

The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation.

We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.