Existing user? Sign in
Share your needs with us, get contacted by law firms.
Free. Takes 2 min.
Free Guide to Hiring a Family Lawyer
Child support in Nesttun is governed by Norwegian national law and administered locally through national and municipal bodies. The key purpose of child support is to ensure that a child receives financial maintenance from both parents even when they do not live together. Parents can reach private agreements about support or ask public authorities to set and enforce payments. Local courts decide disputes that cannot be resolved by agreement or mediation. In Nesttun, which is part of Bergen municipality, most administrative contact will be with NAV - the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration - and family law court matters are handled through the Bergen district court.
Many situations make getting legal help advisable. Common reasons include:
- Disputes about who must pay and how much - for example when parents cannot agree on a fair contribution.
- Complicated income situations - self-employment, variable income, or assets that affect how support is calculated.
- Non-payment or irregular payment - when enforcement is necessary or the other parent refuses to cooperate.
- Paternity or parentage questions - when paternity must be established to create a legal obligation to pay.
- Requests to change existing orders - when life circumstances change and you need a higher or lower amount.
- Cross-border cases - when one parent lives outside Norway and international enforcement rules apply.
- Complex needs - disputes about special or extraordinary costs for the child, such as medical expenses or education.
Key legal points relevant in Nesttun include the following.
- National framework - Child support is regulated under Norwegian family law statutes and implemented nationwide. Barneloven covers parental responsibility aspects while NAV administers child support payments and enforcement.
- Obligation to provide - Parents have a legal duty to financially support their children. This generally applies while a child is dependent, commonly until adulthood, with specific rules on extensions for education or special needs.
- Agreements and orders - Parents can agree privately on support levels. If they cannot agree, NAV can make an assessment and issue a decision, or the case can be decided by a court.
- Calculation - Support is usually based on the children’s needs and the parents financial ability. NAV uses standard norms and individual circumstances to establish reasonable amounts. Additional costs for childcare, healthcare, or schooling can be shared or apportioned separately.
- Enforcement - NAV can assist with enforcement measures such as wage garnishment, collection through tax or social benefit deductions, and pursuing arrears. Courts can also order enforcement measures.
- Local agencies - NAV Bergen handles applications, assessments, and advance payments in cases of non-payment. Bergen family counseling services provide mediation to help parents reach agreements without litigation. Bergen district court hears contested cases.
Child support, commonly called barnebidrag, is financial assistance paid by the non-custodial parent to help cover a childs living costs. Both parents are legally responsible for supporting their child, and the parent who does not live with the child typically pays regular support to the parent who has primary care.
Amounts are determined by agreement between parents, by NAV assessment, or by a court decision. Authorities consider the childs needs, each parents income and living situation, and any special expenses. NAV uses guidelines and norms but will account for individual circumstances.
Yes. International cases are more complex but still enforceable. Norway cooperates with many countries through international maintenance agreements and EU rules. NAV and specially trained lawyers can assist with cross-border enforcement.
If a parent refuses to pay, you can ask NAV for help with enforcement. NAV can pursue arrears, initiate wage garnishment, and in some cases provide an advance payment to the custodial parent while pursuing the paying parent for reimbursement.
Support obligations generally continue while the child is dependent. In most cases this means until the child reaches adulthood. In some situations - for example if the child is in higher education or has special needs - support may continue longer. Decisions about duration are considered on a case-by-case basis.
Yes. Either parent can request a review if circumstances change significantly - such as major income changes, changes in the childs needs, or a change in custody arrangements. NAV or the courts can modify an existing arrangement based on new facts.
Not always. Many parents reach a private agreement or use NAV to set and enforce payments. Court is typically used when parties cannot agree, when there are disputed facts like paternity, or when an enforcement or modification dispute requires a formal judicial decision.
Important documents include the childs birth certificate, proof of both parents identities, proof of income for each parent (pay slips, tax returns), any existing custody or support agreements, bank statements showing payments or arrears, and records of costs related to the childs needs. These make assessments and legal work faster and more accurate.
Yes. Ordinary child support covers general living costs, but special or extraordinary expenses can be allocated separately. Parents can agree on sharing such costs or ask NAV or the court to decide how they should be divided.
Costs vary depending on complexity and the lawyers fee structure - hourly rates, fixed fees, or retainers. You may be eligible for public legal aid - called fri rettshjelp - or free initial advice from local legal aid clinics. Some family counseling services also offer mediation at low or no cost. Always ask for an estimate and fee agreement before hiring a lawyer.
Helpful local and national resources if you need help in Nesttun include:
- NAV Bergen - for applications, enforcement assistance, and information about state advances for unpaid support.
- Familievernkontoret in Bergen - family counseling and mediation services to help parents reach agreements without court.
- Bergen tingrett - the local court that handles family law disputes when litigation becomes necessary.
- Public legal aid services - called fri rettshjelp - for information about eligibility for subsidised legal assistance.
- Local family law attorneys in Bergen with experience in child support and cross-border maintenance matters.
If you need legal assistance with child support in Nesttun, consider this step-by-step approach:
- Gather documentation - collect birth certificates, ID, income records, any written agreements, bank records, and documentation of expenses.
- Contact NAV - discuss applying for support, enforcement options, or state advance payments if the other parent is not paying.
- Try mediation - contact the family counseling office to see if mediation can resolve disputes quickly and affordably.
- Consult a lawyer - if mediation fails, the case involves complex legal issues, or you need enforcement beyond NAVs scope, consult a family law attorney experienced with Bergen cases. Ask about fees, likely timelines, and possible outcomes.
- Keep records - maintain clear records of communications, payments, and expenses. Documentation is essential for NAV, court, or a lawyer to act effectively.
Taking measured steps and using the available local resources can make resolving child support matters faster and less stressful. If you are unsure where to start, NAV or a local family law clinic can advise on the best immediate action for your situation.
