Child welfare officers are responsible for matters related to establishing a child’s paternity/maternity and for confirming agreements concerning children’s custody, living arrangements, visitation arrangements and child support.
When parents separate, they must agree on the custody, living arrangements, visitation rights and child support concerning their minor child. A child welfare officer doe ...
An appointment with a child welfare officer is booked by phone.
In a common-law or matrimonial divorce, you can agree on your child’s custody, residence and right of access. When making decisions on the future of your child as their parents, you must discuss them with your child if this is possible considering their age and level of development. The child’s opinions and wishes must be taken into account.
The child welfare supervisor can provide information on the options available to you and assist you in drawing up a contract. The agreement on the child’s custody, residence and right of access must be made in writing and confirmed with the child welfare supervisor of the wellbeing services county where the child’s municipality of residence is located. If you are unable to reach a mutual decision, the matter will be decided by a court.
If the child is jointly cared for by their parents, the parents will decide together on matters that are important for the child, such as the child’s place of residence, health care, day care or school. In some situations, the division of tasks between guardians can also be agreed upon. A single parent decides on the child’s affairs alone.
If the child lives with just one parent, they have the right to meet and contact the other parent in the manner agreed upon by both parents. The parents can also decide on an alternating dual-residence arrangement for the child in the manner specified in the contract.
Act on Child Custody and Right of Access