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Free Guide to Hiring a Family Lawyer
Child support - called børnebidrag in Danish - is the legal obligation of parents to contribute financially to the upbringing of their children. Danish family law sets the framework at national level, and local authorities in Skive implement procedures for registration, enforcement and social support. Decisions about child support can be made by agreement between the parents, by an administrative decision from the national family authority, or by a court order. Parental financial responsibility generally lasts while the child is a minor, and in many cases arrangements continue or are adjusted when the child has special needs or is in education.
Family-law disputes and child-support matters can be emotional and involve complex evidence about income, residency and paternity. You may need a lawyer if you face any of the following situations:
- You cannot agree with the other parent about payment amount, frequency or duration.
- Paternity needs to be established or disputed.
- The paying parent is behind on payments or tries to hide income or assets.
- One parent moves abroad or to another region, creating enforcement or jurisdiction issues.
- The municipality or state is seeking reimbursement of expenses related to the child.
- You need help applying for or appealing a decision from Familieretshuset or Bidragsservice.
- The case involves custody, visitation or other family-law matters that affect financial obligations.
A lawyer experienced in Danish family law can explain legal rights and risks, negotiate agreements, represent you before Familieretshuset and the courts, and help arrange enforcement or modification of orders.
Key elements that are particularly relevant in Skive and across Denmark include the following:
- Legal obligation and duration - Parents have a legal duty to support their children financially. Support typically applies while the child is a minor. Extensions or special arrangements can be made depending on the childs needs or education.
- Agreement versus administrative decision - Parents can make their own written agreement about support. To make it enforceable and easier to collect, many parents register agreements with the national family authority. If parents cannot agree, Familieretshuset may make a decision for the amount and terms.
- Calculation - There is no single rigid national formula that applies to every case. Authorities and courts look at the parents incomes, the childs needs, any time the child spends with each parent, and standard guidelines. For complex income situations a lawyer or an authority calculation will consider declared income, pension contributions and deductions.
- Paternity and parental responsibility - If parents are not married, paternity must be established before a non-custodial parent can be required to pay. Mother and father rights and obligations are affected by parental responsibility and custody arrangements.
- Registration and collection - Bidragsservice and Udbetaling Danmark have central roles in registering and collecting payments. Once an enforceable order or registered agreement exists, collection can be handled by state systems to ensure regular payment.
- Enforcement - If payments are not made, Danish authorities can use enforcement tools such as wage withholding, attachment of bank accounts or other enforcement measures. In some situations the state may provide temporary financial support to the custodial parent and then seek reimbursement from the non-paying parent.
- Modification - Changes to child support can be requested if there is a significant and lasting change in circumstances - for example a major change in income, job loss, or changes in the childs needs. Modifications are made by agreement, by Familieretshuset, or by court order.
- Cross-border issues - If one parent lives outside Denmark, international rules - including EU maintenance regulations - may apply for jurisdiction and enforcement of maintenance orders. Cross-border cases can be more complex and often require specialist assistance.
Start by talking to the other parent to try to reach a written agreement. If you cannot agree, contact Familieretshuset to register the matter and request an administrative decision. Gather proof of income, identity documents, custody or residence information and any existing agreements.
Amounts are based on the childs needs and the parents financial capacity. Authorities consider incomes, the childs living costs, any time the child spends with each parent, and national guidelines. Parents can agree a different amount if both consent and the agreement is properly registered.
Support usually continues while the child is a minor. In specific situations support can continue or be adjusted for children in education or with special needs. Any such continuation should be agreed in writing or ordered by Familieretshuset or the court.
Paternity must be clarified before the law can enforce support obligations on the father. Paternity can be established voluntarily, by DNA testing, or by a court decision. Familieretshuset can assist with procedures to establish paternity.
If payments are missed, register the case with Bidragsservice so that state collection measures can be used. Enforcement can include wage withholding or attachment of accounts. Authorities may also pursue arrears and take legal steps to enforce the obligation.
Yes. Either parent can request a change when there has been a significant change in circumstances - for example a large change in income or the childs needs. Changes should be processed through Familieretshuset or the courts to be legally binding.
Common documents include proof of identity, the childs birth certificate, evidence of paternity if relevant, recent pay slips or income statements, tax returns, documentation of childcare or education costs, and any agreements or previous decisions about support.
Skive Kommune may become involved if a family requests social assistance, if there are concerns about the childs welfare, or if the municipality has paid costs related to the child and seeks reimbursement. Municipal involvement is separate from family-law proceedings but can affect financial recovery and support options.
Yes, but cross-border enforcement follows international rules. EU regulation and bilateral agreements may allow a Danish maintenance order to be enforced abroad. These cases are more complex and often require legal assistance and liaison with authorities that handle international maintenance cooperation.
You do not always need a lawyer to reach an agreement, but a lawyer is advisable when disputes arise, when paternity or jurisdiction is contested, when the other parent is not paying and enforcement is required, or when the financial situation is complex. A lawyer can prepare documentation, advise on likely outcomes, negotiate on your behalf, and represent you in administrative proceedings or court.
Useful local and national bodies to contact or research include:
- Familieretshuset - the national authority that handles family-law decisions including child-support matters.
- Bidragsservice and Udbetaling Danmark - central administration for registration and collection of child support payments.
- Skive Kommune - local social services and family support if you need welfare help, counselling or municipal involvement.
- Courts - byret (district court) handles family-law litigation when cases go to court.
- Dansk Advokatsamfund and local family-law attorneys - for referrals to qualified lawyers in Skive with experience in child-support cases.
- Legal aid schemes - in Denmark there are possibilities for legal aid or reduced-cost representation depending on income and the type of case - ask a lawyer or a municipal advice centre about eligibility.
- Citizens service and local family counselling centres - for help with forms, mediation services and practical guidance in Danish administrative procedures.
Follow these practical steps if you need legal assistance with child support in Skive:
- Gather paperwork - identity documents, the childs birth certificate, proof of paternity if needed, income documents for both parents, receipts for child expenses, and any written agreements.
- Try to reach a written agreement with the other parent - a registered agreement is often the fastest solution and can be enforced via Bidragsservice.
- Contact Familieretshuset to register a dispute or request a decision if you cannot agree - they handle determinations and can advise on procedure.
- Register with Bidragsservice for collection if you have an enforceable agreement or decision.
- Consult a family-law lawyer in Skive if the case is contested, involves international elements, or requires enforcement action. Ask about initial consultation fees, likely costs and whether legal aid may be available.
- If you face immediate financial need, contact Skive Kommunes social services for temporary support and information on how municipal involvement may affect maintenance recovery.
- Consider mediation if both parents are open to negotiation - mediation can be quicker, less costly and less adversarial than court.
Remember that family-law matters combine legal rules with practical family arrangements. Taking early, documented steps improves chances of a clear and enforceable solution for you and your child.
