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Family law services

  • Service
  • Helsinki
  • Public service

Family law services include paternity matters, maintenance, custody and meeting agreement matters, adoption matters and drawing up of reports for the court in child custody and meeting disputes.

The Family Law Services Unit is a centralised unit that handles the tasks within its field of operation for all residents of Helsinki. The unit's services are also available to families in which one of ...

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To whom and on what terms

The service is only for citizens of Helsinki.

Background information

If you are the parents of a child under 18 years of age and you decide to divorce, you can agree on your child’s maintenance. The contract must be made in writing and submitted for confirmation to the child welfare supervisor of the wellbeing services county where the child’s municipality of residence is located.

If the child does not live in Finland, the contract is confirmed in the wellbeing services county where the municipality of residence of the person liable for maintenance is located. The child welfare supervisor provides advice and assistance in the matter.

Child maintenance can also be confirmed by a court decision. The confirmed amount of child maintenance may be amended in the event of any material changes in circumstance.

If the amount of maintenance is too low or if you are unable to pay it as a person liable for maintenance, the child’s maintenance is covered by the child maintenance allowance paid by Kela, which the child’s guardian must apply for separately.

The service is provided by

City of Helsinki

Responsible for the service

City of Helsinki, The Social Services, Health Care and Rescue Services Division
Text edited by: City of Helsinki, The Social Services, Health Care and Rescue Services Division
Updated: 27/3/2024