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Free Guide to Hiring a Family Lawyer
This guide explains how child support works for people living in Spanga, Sweden. Child support in Sweden is part of family law and rests on the basic principle that both parents have a legal and financial responsibility to support their children. Support can be agreed between parents, established by a court, or administered by the state when a parent does not receive payments from the other parent. Local public bodies in Stockholm municipality - including social services, Försäkringskassan and the district court - play central roles in assessment, payment and enforcement.
You may need a lawyer when the facts or legal issues are contested, complex or likely to have lasting consequences for you and your child. Common situations where legal help is advisable include:
- Disputes about paternity or the legal recognition of parentage, which affect who must pay support.
- No agreement about the amount or frequency of maintenance - especially when negotiations break down.
- Complex income situations - for example self-employment, foreign income, benefits, or hidden assets that affect how much a parent should pay.
- Enforcement problems - when a non-paying parent refuses to comply and you need collection through Kronofogden or state underhållsstöd.
- Requests to change an existing maintenance order because of changed circumstances - for example job loss, serious illness, or a large change in income.
- International child support matters - when a parent lives outside Sweden and cross-border rules or international conventions must be used.
- Cases involving joint custody and cost-sharing where you need clarity about who pays for what.
- If you are considering agreeing to an unusual arrangement - for example a large lump-sum payment, or offsetting other financial claims - a lawyer can review the risks and ensure the agreement is enforceable.
Key legal principles and institutions relevant for child support in Spanga include the following:
- Parental responsibility - Both parents are legally required to support their child. This obligation continues until the child turns 18 and can in some situations extend during education.
- Agreement or formal decision - Parents can make a private written agreement about maintenance. If they cannot agree, a district court can decide the amount and issue a maintenance order.
- Försäkringskassan and underhållsstöd - If a parent with custody does not receive maintenance, they can apply to Försäkringskassan for state child support - underhållsstöd. Försäkringskassan pays the custodial parent and then seeks reimbursement from the non-custodial parent.
- Enforcement - The Swedish Enforcement Authority - Kronofogden - can be used to collect unpaid maintenance or to enforce a court order. Enforcement tools include wage garnishment and seizure of assets.
- Calculation - Maintenance amounts are based on the childs needs, the parents ability to pay and accepted standards for living costs. Income, reasonable expenses and the childs particular needs are taken into account.
- Modification - If circumstances change materially, either parent can apply to modify a maintenance order or agreement.
- Paternity and parentage - Establishing legal parentage is a prerequisite to holding someone responsible for child maintenance. Genetics testing or a judicial determination may be required.
- International rules - If a parent lives abroad, enforcement may be pursued under EU regulations on maintenance or international conventions to which Sweden is a party. The process differs depending on the country involved.
- Legal aid and fees - Legal aid - rättshjälp - may be available for those with limited means. Many family law firms offer initial consultations and can explain possible costs and eligibility for aid.
There is no single fixed formula that covers every case. Calculations start with the childs needs and the parents incomes. The court or Försäkringskassan looks at reasonable living costs for the child, housing and special costs such as daycare or medical needs. The non-custodial parents capacity to pay, after reasonable living expenses, is then considered. Parents can agree on a figure privately if both accept it.
If an agreed payment is not made, you can apply to Försäkringskassan for underhållsstöd. Försäkringskassan will pay you an amount, then attempt to collect from the non-paying parent. You can also enforce a private or court-ordered maintenance decision via Kronofogden, which can use wage garnishment and asset seizure.
Yes. International recovery is possible through EU regulations and international agreements to which Sweden adheres. Försäkringskassan and Swedens international cooperation offices can assist. The exact process depends on the country where the other parent lives and whether that country cooperates under the relevant convention or regulation.
Commonly required documents include the childs birth certificate, proof of custody or guardianship, proof of the parents incomes and expenses, evidence of any previous maintenance payments or arrears, and any written agreements. If paternity is in question, documentation or a DNA test result may be necessary.
Timelines vary. If parents agree quickly and submit a written agreement, it may be resolved in weeks. Court proceedings can take several months depending on the case complexity, the court caseload and whether issues such as paternity or complex income assessments are in dispute.
In some circumstances arrears can be claimed for past periods. The ability to recover past-due maintenance depends on the facts, any previous agreements or court orders and time limits for collection. A lawyer or Försäkringskassan can advise on what can realistically be recovered in your situation.
No. Joint custody relates to parental responsibility and decision-making, not financial obligation. Parents with joint custody can still owe maintenance if the childs living standard would otherwise be unequal or if one parent bears the main economic burden. Many joint custody families share costs without formal maintenance, but that is a private arrangement.
A material change in financial circumstances can justify a modification of an existing maintenance order. Either parent can apply to the court to change the amount. You should act promptly and provide documentation about the change in income. Temporary agreements can also be negotiated while a formal change is processed.
Courts typically order periodic maintenance, because regular payments better secure the childs ongoing needs. Lump-sum agreements can be made between parents, but they should be carefully drafted and, if possible, registered with the court to ensure enforceability. A lawyer can advise about risks such as changing circumstances or the need for future adjustments.
Look for family law specialists in the Stockholm region. Ask for experience with child support, international maintenance if relevant, and enforcement through Försäkringskassan and Kronofogden. Check whether the lawyer offers an initial consultation, what the fees will be, and whether you may qualify for legal aid. The local municipal social services office can also advise about local referral options.
These local and national bodies are relevant when seeking advice or taking action in Spanga:
- Försäkringskassan - administers state child support and provides information on underhållsstöd and maintenance rules.
- Kronofogden - handles enforcement and collection of unpaid maintenance.
- Socialtjänsten in Stockholm municipality - offers support, guidance and may assist with family-related processes.
- District court that handles family law cases for the Stockholm area - for formal decisions about maintenance, custody and parental responsibility.
- Sveriges advokatsamfund - for finding a licensed lawyer who specialises in family law and child support.
- Barnombudet or child welfare support organisations - for independent information about childrens rights and welfare.
- Information about legal aid - search for rättshjälp and guidance on eligibility for state-subsidised legal assistance.
If you need legal assistance with child support in Spanga, follow these practical steps:
- Gather documents - collect the childs birth certificate, proof of custody, income statements for both parents, records of any payments and evidence of the childs expenses.
- Contact Försäkringskassan early - if the other parent does not pay, apply for underhållsstöd and ask about the state process for recovery.
- Seek an initial legal consultation - a family law lawyer can assess your case, outline likely outcomes and explain costs and timelines. Bring your documents to the meeting.
- Consider mediation - if both parents are willing, mediation can resolve disputes faster and at lower cost than court. A lawyer can attend mediation with you or advise beforehand.
- Apply to the district court if necessary - if you cannot agree, a lawyer can prepare and file an application for a maintenance decision.
- Use enforcement tools if you already have an order - contact Kronofogden to start collection if payments are not made.
- Keep detailed records - track payments, communication and any missed payments - this evidence is important if you need to apply for state support or enforce an order.
Remember that every case is different. This guide provides general information and does not replace tailored legal advice. If youre unsure about your rights or the correct next step, book a consultation with a family law specialist in the Stockholm area as soon as possible.
