Best Child Visitation Lawyers in Kalundborg

About Child Visitation Law in Kalundborg, Denmark

Child visitation in Denmark is called samvær. It covers the time a child spends with the parent the child does not live with on a daily basis, and sometimes with other close relatives. The core principle is the best interests of the child, which includes the child’s right to regular contact with both parents when it is safe and beneficial.

All new family cases begin with the Agency of Family Law, called Familieretshuset. The agency helps parents make agreements, offers guidance and mediation, and can issue certain administrative decisions. If a case cannot be resolved or if there are serious conflicts or safety concerns, the matter is referred to the Family Court, which is part of the local District Court. For families in Kalundborg, the relevant court is the Family Court at Retten i Holbæk. Court decisions are legally binding and can be enforced.

Danish law encourages parents to cooperate and make their own agreement about visitation, holidays, travel, handovers, and communication. If you reach an agreement, it can be registered with Familieretshuset so it is clear and easier to follow. If you cannot agree, authorities can set a visitation plan that fits your child’s needs and your family situation.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Many parents manage to agree on a visitation plan without legal help. A lawyer can be valuable when problems arise or when the situation is complex. Common reasons to seek legal advice include repeated cancellations or denial of visits, disagreement about the child’s residence, concerns about neglect, violence or substance misuse, the need for supervised or supported visitation, cross border issues such as travel and relocation, disagreements about holidays and school breaks, disputes about how decisions are made when parental authority is joint, changes in circumstances that require a new plan, and enforcement of an existing decision.

A local family lawyer can explain your rights, prepare a clear proposal focused on your child’s needs, represent you in mediation or in court, collect and present evidence, and help you avoid common mistakes such as withholding contact in a way that harms your case. A lawyer can also coordinate with schools, health professionals, and municipal services in Kalundborg when that is relevant to your child’s welfare.

Local Laws Overview

The main rules on child custody, residence, and visitation are in the Danish Parental Responsibility Act. Key points include the best interests of the child as the guiding principle, a strong focus on the child’s right to contact with both parents when appropriate, and the child’s right to be heard in an age appropriate way. Children are routinely heard in cases, and what the child says is given more weight as the child grows older.

Parental authority can be joint or sole. The parent at whose address the child is registered is the resident parent. Daily matters are decided by the parent caring for the child at the time, while major matters such as the school the child attends typically require consent from all holders of parental authority. Visitation covers ordinary weekends and weekdays, holidays and special days, and may be supported or supervised when needed for the child’s safety or well being. Authorities can set temporary arrangements quickly if there is urgency.

All cases begin at Familieretshuset, which provides guidance and mediation. If a case is high conflict or cannot be resolved, it is sent to the Family Court at Retten i Holbæk for a binding decision. Court decisions and registered agreements can be enforced. Enforcement usually involves help from the Bailiff’s Court and may include fines. The child’s welfare is always considered before any enforcement action, and authorities proceed cautiously if a child resists contact.

If a parent plans to move in a way that significantly affects visitation, it should be communicated in time and handled responsibly. International travel or relocation can require additional planning. With joint parental authority, important decisions such as changing the child’s residence to another country require consent from both parents or a court order. Child maintenance is handled separately by Udbetaling Danmark and does not depend on whether visitation occurs.

In Kalundborg, the municipality can offer general family support services, and the court that handles family cases is Retten i Holbæk. Proceedings are conducted in Danish, and interpreters can be arranged when needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is child visitation and who decides it

Visitation is the time a child spends with the parent the child does not live with daily. Parents can make their own agreement and ask Familieretshuset to register it. If parents cannot agree, Familieretshuset will guide and mediate, and if needed the Family Court can decide a plan that fits the child’s needs.

Do we need a court order if we already agree

No. Parents can agree on a plan without a court order. It is recommended to put the agreement in writing and ask Familieretshuset to register it. A registered agreement is clearer and easier to follow and enforce if problems arise later.

How is the child’s opinion taken into account

Children are heard in an age appropriate way. The importance of the child’s views grows with age and maturity. Professionals ensure the child can speak freely and safely. Decisions are always based on what is best for the child overall.

What if the other parent denies my visitation

Keep calm and document what happens. Contact Familieretshuset to seek help and, if needed, a temporary arrangement. If you already have a registered agreement or a court order, you can apply for enforcement. Do not respond by withholding the child or denying future visits unless authorities tell you to. That can harm your case.

Can visitation be supervised

Yes. If there are safety or welfare concerns, authorities can order supported or supervised visitation. This may involve a professional present during visits or support to help the contact become safe and stable. The goal is always to meet the child’s needs and, when possible, to move toward normal contact.

How are holidays and travel handled

Holiday time is usually shared and planned in advance. Agreements often specify summer weeks, Christmas, winter and autumn breaks, birthdays, and Mother’s or Father’s Day. For travel abroad, plan ahead and share details. With joint parental authority, major decisions such as changing residence abroad require both parents’ consent or a court order.

What happens if one parent wants to move

Moves that significantly affect contact should be communicated in time and handled responsibly so the child’s contact can be maintained. If the move creates serious disagreement, contact Familieretshuset. The Family Court can set or adjust visitation and, in some cases, decide residence.

Is child support connected to visitation

No. Child maintenance is a separate matter handled by Udbetaling Danmark. A parent must pay child support even if visitation is not happening, and a parent cannot withhold contact because support has not been paid.

How long does the process take

Timing depends on complexity and urgency. Simple cases can be resolved quickly through guidance or mediation. Urgent cases can get temporary arrangements fast. Complex or high conflict cases that go to court take longer. A lawyer can help you present a clear plan and avoid delays.

What should I bring when seeking help

Bring or collect your child’s CPR information, any previous agreements or decisions, a proposed schedule, a log of contact and missed visits, relevant messages or emails, school or health information that relates to your child’s needs, and any safety concerns. Clear and child focused information helps authorities and the court.

Additional Resources

Familieretshuset - The national Agency of Family Law that starts and handles family cases, provides guidance, mediation, registers agreements, and can make certain decisions. Contact the agency to open or adjust a visitation case or to register an agreement.

Retten i Holbæk - The local District Court for families in Kalundborg. The Family Court within the District Court makes binding decisions in cases that cannot be resolved at Familieretshuset and handles enforcement together with the Bailiff’s Court.

Kalundborg Kommune - The municipality offers general family counseling and parenting support. You can contact the Children and Family department if you have concerns about your child’s well being or need local support services.

Udbetaling Danmark - The authority that handles child maintenance. They can help calculate and collect child support and answer questions about payments and adjustments.

Advokatvagten and local legal aid services - Walk in or appointment based legal advice provided free or at low cost. A local family lawyer in North West Zealand can explain your options, draft proposals, and represent you.

Børns Vilkår and parental helplines - Independent organizations that advise parents and children on contact, conflict, and well being. They can help you communicate in a child focused way.

The Danish Police - Contact police in urgent safety situations. For emergencies call 112. For non emergency matters call 114. Police can guide you on immediate risks and protective steps.

Next Steps

Write down your goals and your child’s needs. Prepare a realistic, child focused visitation proposal that covers ordinary weeks, holidays, and handovers, and explains how you will communicate as co parents.

Collect key documents. Gather any current agreements or court decisions, a calendar of actual contact, relevant messages, and any school or health information that shows your child’s routine and needs.

Contact Familieretshuset to request guidance, mediation, or registration of your agreement. If the situation is urgent or complex, tell them clearly so they can consider a temporary arrangement.

Speak with a local family lawyer. Ask about strategy, timelines, costs, legal aid, and what evidence will help. A lawyer who practices in cases at Retten i Holbæk will know local procedures and expectations.

Keep communication civil and focused on your child. Avoid threats or accusations in writing. Use short and neutral messages about schedules, handovers, and your child’s well being.

If you believe your child is at risk, seek help immediately. Contact the police in emergencies, and inform Kalundborg Kommune’s Children and Family services about serious welfare concerns. Authorities can put safety measures in place, including supervised contact when appropriate.

Review and adjust as your child grows. What works for a toddler may not fit a school age child or a teenager. You can change an agreement by consent or apply for a new arrangement if circumstances change.

This guide is general information. It is not legal advice. For advice on your specific situation in Kalundborg, speak with a qualified family law attorney or contact the relevant authorities.