Best Child Support Lawyers in Strommen

How child maintenance works for families in Strømmen

Strømmen is part of Lillestrøm municipality, but child maintenance rules are national. The Norwegian term is barnebidrag, and the main rules apply whether parents live in Strømmen, elsewhere in Norway, or in different countries.

Parents can agree on the amount and payment arrangements themselves. If they cannot agree, either parent can ask NAV to calculate and determine maintenance. NAV considers factors such as the child’s costs, each parent’s income, the child’s residence and contact arrangements, and the paying parent’s ability to pay.

A lawyer is not required for a NAV application. Legal advice can be useful when income or residence is disputed, the case involves another country, or a parent wants to challenge a decision. Local NAV services can provide guidance, while NAV makes decisions under national rules.

When a lawyer may be useful

• Parents cannot agree after separating: A lawyer can help assess a proposed amount and put clear payment terms in writing, especially when parents now live in different parts of Lillestrøm municipality or beyond.

• Residence or contact arrangements are disputed: If a child divides time between homes in Strømmen and another area, the actual care arrangement may affect the calculation. A lawyer can help organise relevant records and explain how the arrangement may be treated.

• Income is irregular or difficult to document: Self-employment, bonuses, benefits, or a recent job change can complicate the figures submitted to NAV. Advice may help identify which income documents and explanations are relevant.

• A parent lives abroad or plans to move: Cross-border cases can involve questions about jurisdiction, applicable rules, and collecting payments. A lawyer can clarify the steps before an application or move creates additional complications.

• Payments are overdue or a NAV decision seems wrong: A lawyer can review the decision, explain the stated appeal deadline, and help prepare supporting evidence. Advice may also help distinguish a calculation dispute from a payment-collection problem.

Norwegian laws and rules that apply

The Children Act (Barnelova), Act of 8 April 1981 No. 7: This is the main law governing parents’ duty to support children and the setting of child maintenance. It provides the legal framework for parental agreements and for NAV’s role when parents do not agree.

Regulations on the determination and adjustment of child maintenance (Forskrift om fastsetjing og endring av fostringstilskot), FOR-2003-01-15-123: These regulations set out rules used in calculating and changing maintenance. They took effect on 1 March 2003 and should be read with the Children Act and current NAV guidance.

The Act relating to advance payment of child maintenance (Lov om bidragsforskott), Act of 17 February 1989 No. 2: This law provides for advance maintenance payments in qualifying cases. Eligibility depends on the statutory conditions, so a parent should check current NAV guidance before relying on a payment.

Frequently asked questions

What does child maintenance cover in Norway?

Child maintenance contributes to the ordinary costs of raising a child. NAV calculates an amount using the child’s costs and relevant details about both parents. Some necessary, exceptional expenses may be considered separately under rules for special contributions.

Can parents make their own agreement?

Yes. Parents may agree on an amount and payment arrangements without asking NAV to determine the amount. Put the terms in writing and keep records of payments; either parent can ask NAV for a determination if agreement fails.

Does equal or shared residence mean no maintenance is payable?

Not automatically. The child’s residence and time with each parent are relevant, but NAV may also consider income and other factors. The result depends on the circumstances and the applicable calculation rules.

How does NAV calculate the amount?

NAV considers factors including the child’s standard costs, the parents’ incomes, contact arrangements, and the paying parent’s ability to pay. Provide accurate information and supporting documents because missing or outdated details may affect the calculation.

Does a parent need a lawyer to apply to NAV?

No. Parents can apply directly to NAV, and a lawyer is optional. Legal advice may be worthwhile if the facts are disputed, the case crosses borders, or a parent needs help responding to a decision.

What does it cost to ask NAV to determine maintenance?

NAV may charge a fee for processing a maintenance case, and exemptions can depend on income and current rules. Check NAV’s current fee information before applying, as amounts and thresholds can change.

How long does a NAV decision take?

Processing times vary with workload and the complexity of the case. Check NAV’s published processing times and respond promptly to requests for documents to avoid preventable delay.

Can a parent challenge a NAV decision?

A parent can appeal a decision by following the instructions in the decision letter. The letter states the applicable deadline and where to send the appeal, so read it promptly and include evidence supporting the requested change.

Can maintenance continue after a child turns 18?

Support may continue while a young person completes ordinary upper-secondary education. The young person may need to apply in their own name, so check the current NAV rules and timing before the child turns 18.

What if the other parent does not pay?

NAV can provide information about collection of unpaid maintenance. Keep the agreement or decision and a clear record of missed payments, then contact NAV to ask about the appropriate collection steps.

Can a child living in Norway receive advance maintenance?

Advance payments may be available where statutory conditions are met, including conditions concerning the child and the maintenance situation. NAV assesses eligibility, so contact NAV for current requirements and an application route.

Where can parents get help resolving disagreements without court proceedings?

A family counselling office can offer guidance and help parents discuss arrangements. It is separate from NAV’s role in determining maintenance, and participation does not replace a NAV application when a formal decision is needed.

Official resources

• NAV: Provides information and applications for child maintenance, decisions, collection, and advance payments. It also publishes current fees and processing times.

• Bufdir and the family counselling service: Bufdir provides information about family counselling offices, which can help parents discuss family arrangements and resolve disagreements.

• Statsforvalteren: Provides information about public legal aid and how to apply. Eligibility depends on the current rules, financial circumstances, and the type of case.

Steps to find and hire a lawyer

1. Clarify the issue. Decide whether you need help reaching an agreement, applying to NAV, addressing unpaid maintenance, or appealing a decision. If a decision has arrived, note its appeal deadline immediately.

2. Collect key documents. Over the next few days, gather any agreement or NAV decision, income records, details of the child’s residence and contact, payment records, and relevant correspondence.

3. Check free official guidance. Review NAV’s current rules and contact NAV or a family counselling office if you need procedural information. This can help identify whether the dispute requires legal representation.

4. Search for Norwegian family-law lawyers. Look for practitioners who handle child maintenance and NAV-related matters and can advise clients in Strømmen or Lillestrøm. Ask whether they have handled the specific issue in your case.

5. Compare fees and scope before instructing anyone. Request a written estimate, hourly rate, likely tasks, and any extra costs. Ask whether a short consultation is available and check current public legal-aid eligibility if cost is a concern.

6. Agree the next action in writing. Confirm what the lawyer will do, what documents you must provide, and how updates and costs will be handled. Give instructions promptly, especially where an appeal or application deadline applies.