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Free Guide to Hiring a Family Lawyer
Child custody matters in Solna are governed by the same national laws that apply throughout Sweden. The main legislative framework is the Parental Code - Foräldrabalken - which sets out rules on parental responsibility, the child's place of residence, and contact with the non-resident parent. Municipal family law services and Social Services in Solna provide counselling and support, while contested cases are decided by the district court - Solna tingsrätt or another competent tingsrätt in the Stockholm district.
The guiding legal principle is the best interests of the child - barnets bästa. This principle directs decisions about custody, where the child will live, and arrangements for contact. Parents are encouraged to reach written agreements about custody and residence. If parents cannot agree, the court will step in and make a decision based on evidence and what is best for the child.
Many family law matters can be resolved by agreement with support from municipal family services. However, a lawyer is often necessary or strongly advisable in a number of common situations:
- Contested custody or residence disputes where parents cannot agree and a court process is likely.
- Allegations of domestic violence, child abuse, neglect, or substance misuse that affect safety and welfare.
- Planned relocations - especially moves abroad or long-distance moves within Sweden - where the other parent objects.
- Complex family structures - for example when step-parents, guardianship questions, or multiple jurisdictions are involved.
- International child abduction concerns or Hague Convention cases where urgent cross-border action is required.
- Enforcement issues such as unpaid child maintenance or denial of agreed contact.
- When you need to prepare evidence, request interim measures, or represent your child or yourself in court hearings.
Key legal points that are particularly relevant in Solna and elsewhere in Sweden include:
- Types of parental responsibility: Parents can have joint custody or sole custody. Joint custody means both parents share major decisions about the child. Sole custody means one parent has that decision-making authority.
- Residence and contact: The place where the child lives - barnets boende - can be with one parent full-time, alternate between parents, or follow other arrangements tailored to the child’s needs. The non-resident parent normally retains the right to regular contact - umgänge - unless there are welfare concerns.
- Child's best interests: Courts evaluate living conditions, the child’s emotional ties, parental ability, safety, and the child’s own views when appropriate. There is no presumption in favour of either parent based purely on gender.
- Child's opinion: Depending on age and maturity, a child’s expressed views are taken into account. There is no fixed age rule, but courts give more weight to older and more mature children.
- Social Services role: Solna socialtjanst (Social Services) can offer mediation, parenting support, investigations, and protective measures. If a child is at risk, Social Services can seek temporary care decisions from the court under the Care of Young Persons Act - LVU.
- Maintenance and enforcement: Parents have a financial obligation to support their children. If a parent does not pay agreed or court-ordered maintenance, the matter can be enforced through the Swedish Enforcement Authority - Kronofogden.
- International aspects: Sweden is a party to the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction. Relocations abroad usually require the consent of the other parent or a court decision. Cross-border disputes may involve international procedures and central authorities.
- Interim decisions and evidence: Courts can make interim orders on residence and contact pending a full hearing. Documentation such as school records, medical reports, police reports, and written communications can be important evidence.
- Legal aid and insurance: Rättshjälp (legal aid) and legal protection insurance in household policies can reduce legal costs for those who qualify. Availability depends on personal finances and the insurance policy terms.
If parents can agree, they can enter a written custody and residence agreement and register practical details with the family law unit. If parents cannot agree, either parent can apply to the district court to have custody and residence decided. The court decides based on the child’s best interests.
Joint custody (gemensam vårdnad) means both parents share decision-making responsibility for major matters about the child, such as schooling and health care. Sole custody (enskild vårdnad) gives one parent that authority. Either form can coexist with different practical arrangements for where the child lives and regular contact for the other parent.
Parents can agree that the child lives with one parent, alternates between parents, or follows a bespoke schedule. If there is no agreement and the court must decide, it looks at stability, the child’s relationships, daily routines, and safety. The court will aim to choose the option that best serves the child’s needs.
Moving a child abroad usually requires the other parent’s consent if the other parent has custody or shared custody. If consent is not given, the relocating parent must seek permission from the court. International moves can engage the Hague Convention and other international rules, so legal advice is essential early in the process.
The court listens to the child’s views when they are able to form a reasoned opinion. There is no strict age cut-off, but older and more mature children are given more weight. The court may use the child’s own testimony, a child interview performed by Social Services, or a court-ordered expert report.
If you believe a child is in immediate danger, contact the police right away. You should also contact Solna Social Services to report the concern. Social Services can carry out investigations and, if necessary, apply for temporary protective measures through the court under LVU. Keep written records of incidents and any professional reports.
Both parents have a legal duty to support their child financially. Parents can agree on a maintenance amount, or the matter can be decided by the court. If a parent fails to pay, the Swedish Enforcement Authority - Kronofogden - can be used to enforce maintenance orders or agreements.
Yes, custody and residence arrangements can be changed if circumstances have materially changed in a way that affects the child’s best interests. Parents may agree to change arrangements, or one parent can apply to the court to request a modification. Courts assess the presence of significant changes and the impact on the child.
You are not required by law to have a lawyer, but legal representation is highly recommended in contested cases or where allegations of abuse or risk are involved. A lawyer experienced in family law can help prepare evidence, advise on strategy, represent you in court, and help protect your legal rights. If you cannot afford a lawyer, check eligibility for legal aid or whether you have legal expenses insurance.
Timelines vary widely. Simple agreed cases can be resolved quickly through the family law unit or by registering an agreement. Contested cases that go to court can take several months, depending on the need for investigations, expert reports, and court scheduling. Courts can issue interim orders in urgent situations to provide temporary arrangements while the case proceeds.
Local and national organisations that can help include the family law unit within Solna municipality - Familjerätten - which provides counselling, mediation support, and help drafting agreements. Solna Social Services handles welfare investigations and can provide protective interventions if needed.
For court matters, Solna tingsrätt hears family law cases in the local jurisdiction. The Swedish Enforcement Authority - Kronofogden - handles enforcement of maintenance obligations. Barnombudsmannen - the Children’s Ombudsman - provides information on children’s rights in Sweden.
Other useful contacts are municipal health and school services for records and reports, local family counselling services, and associations that provide support to parents and children affected by separation. If the case involves an international element, central authorities handling international child abduction and the Hague Convention procedures are relevant.
Check whether you have legal expenses cover in your home insurance and whether you may qualify for state legal aid - rättshjälp - or other subsidised legal assistance.
If you need help with a child custody matter in Solna, consider the following practical steps:
- Gather documents: child’s birth certificate, family registration details, school and medical records, any written agreements, messages or evidence of incidents relevant to the child’s welfare.
- Contact Solna Familjerätten or Social Services for initial counselling and mediation options. These services can often help parents reach a practical written agreement.
- If safety is a concern, call the police immediately and notify Social Services. Keep records of any threats, incidents or professional reports.
- If parents cannot agree, seek specialist family law advice. Ask for a lawyer experienced in custody cases and consider whether you qualify for legal aid or have legal insurance.
- Consider mediation or negotiation to avoid protracted court proceedings where possible. If court is necessary, your lawyer can help you prepare evidence, request interim measures, and represent you at hearings.
- Keep focused on the child’s best interests in all communications and proposals. Maintain clear, factual records and a consistent plan for the child’s day-to-day routine to present during discussions or court proceedings.
Legal matters affecting children can be emotionally difficult. Getting informed, seeking early professional advice, and using local support resources in Solna will help you make decisions that protect both the child’s welfare and your legal rights.
