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Free Guide to Hiring a Family Lawyer
Marriage in Solna is governed by Swedish national law, so the rules that apply in Solna are the same as those that apply across Sweden. The main statutes include the Swedish Marriage Code - Äktenskapsbalken - which covers formation of marriage, rights and duties between spouses, and divorce. Other important laws include the Co-habitation Act - Sambolagen - which applies to unmarried couples who live together, and the Parental Code - Föräldrabalken - which covers custody and child matters. Same-sex marriage has been legal in Sweden since 2009, and the minimum age to marry is 18. Practical steps such as the official marriage impediment check - hinderprövning - and registration of the marriage are handled by the Swedish Tax Agency.
Many marriages proceed without legal help, but there are common situations where legal advice or representation is valuable or necessary:
- Prenuptial agreements and property planning - if you want to protect assets, ensure business continuity, or arrange how property should be treated on divorce or death, an attorney can draft an äktenskapsförord that meets legal requirements.
- Divorce and settlement - when a marriage ends there may be complex issues such as division of property, valuation of assets, pensions, spousal maintenance, and enforcement of agreements.
- International or cross-border issues - if one or both spouses are foreign nationals, legal counsel can advise on marriage recognition, immigration and residence permits, jurisdiction for divorce, and enforcement of foreign court orders.
- Child custody and visitation - disputes about parental responsibility, custody, residence, visitation and child support are often emotionally charged and legally complex; a family lawyer can represent your interests and help with negotiation or court proceedings.
- Cohabitation disputes - unmarried couples can face disputes under the Co-habitation Act - for example about jointly owned home contents - and a lawyer can advise on rights and steps to protect property.
- Domestic violence and protection orders - in urgent situations you may need immediate legal assistance to obtain a protection order or to report criminal conduct.
- Name changes, registration and documentation - lawyers can help interpret documentation requirements and communicate with authorities such as the Swedish Tax Agency or Migration Agency.
Key legal aspects that are particularly relevant in Solna include the following:
- Formation and registration - before you marry you must undergo a hinderprövning (impediment check) with the Swedish Tax Agency; a certificate showing no impediment is valid for four months and is required for the ceremony to be legally effective.
- Types of ceremony - you can have a civil ceremony or a religious ceremony as long as it satisfies legal formalities and is officiated by an authorized official. Solna municipality can provide information about booking civil ceremonies in the area.
- Property regime - marriage does not automatically make assets joint property in the sense that all assets become indivisible. The default regime treats most property as giftorättsgods - which can be subject to equalization on divorce - unless parties agree that property is enskild egendom by prenuptial agreement.
- Prenuptial agreements - an äktenskapsförord can designate property as separate and must be in writing and registered with the relevant authority to be effective against third parties on division.
- Divorce procedures - divorce is a no-fault process under the Marriage Code. If spouses have a child under 16, there is normally a six-month reconsideration period before the final divorce is granted unless special circumstances apply. Family mediation and negotiation are commonly used to settle financial and child matters.
- Parental issues - custody, parental responsibility and child support are governed by the Parental Code. The child's best interest is the guiding principle in all decisions about custody and residence.
- Unmarried couples - the Co-habitation Act protects shared household property acquired for joint use, but it does not mirror all the protections of marriage. Unmarried couples should consider written agreements to avoid uncertainty.
- International aspects - marriages and divorces carried out abroad are generally recognized if valid where they were performed, but differences in law can affect property division, pensions and child matters. Immigration issues - such as residence permits for a foreign spouse - are handled by the Swedish Migration Agency and require separate applications.
- Protection and criminal matters - criminal acts such as assault, threats or stalking are dealt with by the police and criminal courts. Civil protection measures such as contact bans can be pursued in parallel.
Start by applying for a hinderprövning with the Swedish Tax Agency. Each party provides identity and civil status documentation. If no impediment is found you receive a certificate valid for four months. Then arrange a ceremony - civil ceremonies can be held through Solna municipality or a civil officiant, or you can have a legally recognized religious ceremony with an authorized officiant. After the ceremony, the marriage is registered with the authorities.
Typically you need valid passports, birth certificates, proof of civil status (such as a certificate of no impediment or an unmarried certificate), and any documents proving previous marriages have ended, like divorce decrees or death certificates. Documents not in Swedish, English or another accepted language may need certified translation and apostille or legalisation depending on their origin. Requirements vary by country of origin, so check with the Swedish Tax Agency and the municipality.
Yes. Same-sex marriage has been legal throughout Sweden since 2009. The same procedural requirements apply as for opposite-sex couples.
Marriage creates a legal framework under the Marriage Code that affects property division, inheritance rights and social rights. Cohabitation is governed by the Co-habitation Act, which provides narrower protection mainly for the jointly held home and household goods that were acquired for joint use. Unmarried partners do not automatically have the same property or inheritance rights as spouses, so written agreements and wills are important for cohabitants.
Under the default rules many assets considered marital property (giftorättsgods) are subject to equalization on divorce. Some property can be excluded by agreement or by being designated as enskild egendom through a prenuptial agreement or other valid provision. Pensions and some other rights may be treated specially. Complex asset structures, businesses and international assets often require legal and financial advice to value and divide correctly.
Timing varies. If both spouses agree and there are no children under 16, a divorce can be processed quickly after you apply to the district court. If you have a common child under 16 a six-month reconsideration period usually applies before the court grants a final divorce. Disputes about property, custody or maintenance can extend the process if court proceedings are needed.
Spousal maintenance is possible but less commonly awarded in Sweden than in some other jurisdictions. Courts focus on the need for support and the ability of the other spouse to pay, and they consider factors such as earning capacity, duration of the marriage and contributions during the marriage. Child support is a separate issue and is given priority to meet the needs of any children.
Courts decide custody and visitation based on the childs best interest. The starting point is joint parental responsibility unless there are reasons to limit it. The court looks at the childs needs, each parent’s ability to care for the child, the childs views depending on age and maturity, and practical arrangements. The Parental Code governs these decisions and mediation is encouraged where possible.
If you are in immediate danger contact the police. For legal protection you can seek a contact ban or other restraining measure through the police or the courts. Municipal social services and local support organizations can offer emergency shelter, counselling and practical help. A lawyer can help you file civil claims and represent you in proceedings related to protection, custody or financial support.
Name changes are handled through the Swedish Tax Agency. You can take your spouse’s name, keep your own, or use a combination, subject to the rules in the Name Act. If you are a foreign national the process and options may differ, so check the Tax Agency requirements for name changes and registration after marriage.
Local and national bodies and organizations that can help include:
- Swedish Tax Agency - for hinderprövning, registration and name changes.
- Swedish Migration Agency - for residence permits and immigration questions for foreign spouses.
- District court (tingsrätt) in the Stockholm area - for divorce proceedings, custody hearings and enforcement matters.
- Solna municipality - for booking civil ceremonies and local family services.
- Sveriges advokatsamfund - the Swedish Bar Association - to find licensed attorneys who specialize in family law.
- Municipal social services - for family counselling, mediation and support services.
- Legal aid information - ask a lawyer or the court about rättshjälp if you need financial support for legal costs.
- Local non-governmental organizations and support services - for domestic violence, counselling and practical assistance.
If you need legal assistance with marriage related matters in Solna - follow these practical steps:
- Collect key documents - passports, birth certificates, proof of civil status, marriage certificates if previously married, property documentation, financial statements and any prenuptial agreements.
- Decide the issue you need help with - formation of marriage, prenuptial agreement, divorce, child custody, immigration or protection. That will help you find the right specialist.
- Contact a family law attorney - look for an experienced lawyer through the Swedish Bar Association or local legal directories. Ask about experience, fees, estimated timeline and whether they offer initial consultations.
- Explore mediation - for divorces and custody disputes, mediation or negotiation can save time and costs and produce more stable agreements.
- Check eligibility for legal aid - if cost is a concern ask about rättshjälp or other support.
- If there is immediate danger - contact the police and municipal emergency services right away.
- Book appointments with authorities - arrange hinderprövning with the Swedish Tax Agency well before your planned ceremony and contact Solna municipality for booking a civil ceremony if required.
Getting clear, prompt legal advice can protect your rights and help you make informed decisions. If you are unsure where to start, a brief consultation with a family law lawyer in the Stockholm-Solna area will identify the best path forward for your situation.
