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Free Guide to Hiring a Family Lawyer
Child support in Solna follows Swedish national family law principles and administrative systems. The fundamental legal obligation is that both parents must support their children financially. When parents live apart, the parent who does not have primary custody or who spends less time with the child typically pays maintenance to help cover the child's living costs. If parents cannot agree, decisions may be made through public authorities or the courts.
Key public actors involved include the Swedish Social Insurance Agency - Försäkringskassan - which administers state maintenance support in certain situations, and the Swedish Enforcement Authority - Kronofogden - which enforces unpaid maintenance orders or claims. Local social services in Solna Municipality can provide guidance on family support and welfare needs. Many issues are ultimately governed by the Parental Code - Föräldrabalken - and by administrative rules that guide calculation and enforcement.
A lawyer with family-law experience can be important in many child support situations. You may need legal help if:
- Parents cannot agree on the amount or duration of maintenance and negotiations have stalled.
- Paternity is contested or needs to be legally established before support can be ordered.
- A parent refuses to pay and you need to take enforcement action through Kronofogden or court.
- There are complex income issues - for example self-employment, foreign income, or undeclared earnings - that affect ability to pay or the level of support.
- One parent lives or works abroad and cross-border rules or international enforcement are needed.
- You need representation in court hearings about custody, access, or maintenance changes that are contested.
- You seek to modify an existing support order because of significant changes in circumstances such as job loss, illness, or the child's needs.
A lawyer can explain options, prepare or review agreements, represent you at hearings, gather and present financial evidence, advise on enforcement methods, and help you apply for legal aid if eligible.
Child support obligations in Solna are covered by national Swedish law, applied through local authorities and courts. Important practical points for Solna residents include:
- Legal basis: The Parental Code - Föräldrabalken - sets out parents' responsibilities to support their children. Administrative systems and practices from Försäkringskassan and Kronofogden implement support payments and enforcement.
- Underhållsstöd: If a non-custodial parent does not pay agreed or ordered maintenance, Försäkringskassan can in many cases pay state maintenance support - underhållsstöd - to the custodial parent and then reclaim the money from the non-paying parent.
- Enforcement: Kronofogden enforces unpaid maintenance claims, which can include wage garnishment, seizure of assets, and registration of arrears. Enforcement procedures are the same in Solna as elsewhere in Sweden.
- Duration of obligation: Parents have a statutory maintenance obligation toward their children while they are minors. In practice, maintenance usually continues until the child turns 18, and in many cases support obligations may extend into further studies depending on circumstances.
- Agreements and court orders: Parents may reach written agreements about support amounts and payment schedules. To make a private agreement enforceable, you can register it with authorities or seek a court order. Courts can set or modify maintenance if parents cannot agree.
- International cases: If a parent lives outside Sweden, international rules and EU regulations or bilateral agreements may apply to establish and enforce support across borders. Legal complexity often increases in cross-border matters.
There is no single national formula that mandates an exact amount for all families. Courts and authorities assess the child's reasonable needs, the standard of living the child would have had if parents lived together, and each parent's ability to pay. Income, housing costs, the time each parent spends with the child, and special needs of the child are all factors. Parents can also agree on an amount between themselves.
Parents' maintenance obligations typically continue while the child is a minor. In Sweden this normally means until the child turns 18. In practice, support can continue beyond 18 if the child is pursuing full-time secondary or higher education and remains dependent, though the exact duration depends on the circumstances and any agreement or court decision.
If voluntary payment fails, you can apply to Försäkringskassan for state maintenance support in applicable cases, or take enforcement action through Kronofogden. A lawyer can help assess whether to seek a court order for maintenance, apply for underhållsstöd, or start enforcement proceedings to collect arrears and secure future payments.
For unmarried parents, paternity can be acknowledged voluntarily, usually at the time of birth registration, or established by a court. DNA testing can be ordered if necessary. For children born to married parents, the husband is usually presumed to be the father unless contested. Establishing paternity is often a prerequisite to claiming maintenance from the alleged father.
Yes. You can request a modification if there has been a significant change in circumstances such as job loss, a substantial change in income, changes in the child's needs, or changes to custody and parenting time. It is advisable to document the change and get legal advice before applying to modify an existing agreement or court order.
Underhållsstöd is a state-paid maintenance support that may be available if the other parent does not provide maintenance. Försäkringskassan can pay this support to the custodial parent and then pursue recovery from the non-paying parent. Applying for underhållsstöd is handled through Försäkringskassan and has eligibility rules and conditions.
International cases are more complex. EU rules and international conventions can facilitate recognition and enforcement of maintenance decisions across borders within many countries. If the parent lives outside the EU, bilateral agreements or specific international legal routes may apply. You should get legal help experienced in cross-border family law to navigate jurisdiction, applicable law, and enforcement options.
Legal aid - rättshjälp - may be available for those who qualify financially. Eligibility depends on income, assets, and the type of legal matter. Legal aid can cover part of lawyer fees and certain procedural costs. Many lawyers can advise you about eligibility and help you apply.
Useful documents include the child's personal identification, birth certificate, any existing custody or maintenance agreements or court orders, proof of payments or missed payments, recent payslips or tax returns for both parents, rental or mortgage statements, and communication records about payment arrangements. Having clear documentation helps build a stronger case.
Timelines vary. Negotiated agreements can be done relatively quickly if both parents cooperate. Administrative decisions from Försäkringskassan or enforcement by Kronofogden follow their procedures and can take weeks to months depending on complexity and responsiveness of the paying parent. Court proceedings take longer, particularly if evidence or international issues are involved. A lawyer can give a realistic timeline based on the specifics of your case.
Försäkringskassan - The Swedish Social Insurance Agency handles applications for state maintenance support - underhållsstöd - and provides guidance on parental benefits and financial matters related to children.
Kronofogden - The Swedish Enforcement Authority enforces unpaid maintenance and can take measures such as wage garnishment and asset seizure to collect arrears.
Social Services - Solna Municipality social services can advise on family welfare support, mediation services, and local resources for children and families.
Advokatsamfundet - The Swedish Bar Association can help you find qualified family-law lawyers in the Stockholm and Solna area. Many lawyers list their specialisations and contact options.
Barnombudsmannen - The Swedish Children's Ombudsman provides information on children's rights and can be a resource for understanding how decisions affect the child's best interests.
Local legal clinics and university law faculties sometimes offer low-cost or free initial advice and can be a useful starting point if you have limited means.
1. Gather documents - Collect the child's identification, any existing agreements or court orders, proof of income, bank statements, and records of any payments or missed payments.
2. Contact Försäkringskassan - If the other parent is not paying, check whether you are eligible for underhållsstöd and how to apply.
3. Consider mediation - If communication with the other parent is possible, mediation can be a quicker and less adversarial way to reach a stable agreement that reflects the child's needs.
4. Consult a family-law lawyer - Look for an attorney experienced in child support, paternity, and enforcement. Ask about fees, initial consultation policies, and whether they will help you apply for legal aid if needed.
5. Decide on enforcement or court action - Based on legal advice, you can seek a court order for maintenance or use administrative channels and Kronofogden for enforcement. Your lawyer can guide the most effective route for your situation.
6. Keep records and communicate clearly - Maintain organized records of payments, communications, and any changes in circumstances. Clear documentation will help authorities, lawyers, and courts assess your case.
If you are unsure where to start, a short consultation with a family-law specialist in Solna or the wider Stockholm area is often the fastest way to understand your options and get a practical plan tailored to your situation.
