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Legal assistance

The Ministry of Justice and Public Security and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs provide guidance in child abduction cases. There is often also a need for legal assistance from a lawyer/legal practitioner.

Financial assistance

As a general rule, you must cover your own legal expenses. However, you may apply for support under the free legal aid scheme.

Assistance provided by the Norwegian authorities

The kind of assistance provided by the Norwegian authorities will depend on whether the child has been abducted to/from a country that has signed an international convention on child abduction. The information on these pages is therefore divided

Children and young people’s participation and influence

All children and young people have the opportunity to affect their own daily lives and futures through participation and influence in planning and decision-making processes.

Child welfare service assistance measures for young persons between 18 and 25 years of age

The objective of providing assistance measures for the 18-25 age group is to give these young persons the necessary help and support during the transition to an independent adult life.

To/from a Contracting state - the Hague Convention

In connection with countries that have signed the Hague Convention on child abduction, assistance from the Norwegian authorities is provided through the Ministry of Justice and Public Security.

To/from a Contracting State - the Council of Europe Convention

In connection with countries that have signed the Council of Europe Convention on child abduction, assistance from the Norwegian authorities is provided through the Ministry of Justice and Public Security.

To/from a Non-Contracting State

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Norway Moves Forward with Age Limit for Social Media

The Norwegian government is taking decisive steps to protect children online by presenting a public consultation proposal for a new law that would prohibit social media platforms from offering their services to children under the age of 15.

Information on the child

All parents will regularly be in contact with public bodies and need to obtain information on the child. The individual parent's right to information will depend on who has parental responsibility for the child.

Child maintenance

Parents have a duty to pay for their children irrespective of whether or not they live with them.

Parental disputes

Out of considiration for the child, it is important that the parents focus on the child’s needs and cooperate on parenting.

The Family Counselling Service

The family counselling service offers help to anyone who needs to talk about difficult issues in the family.

Parental benefit

Parental benefit is intended to ensure that the parents have an income during parental leave in connection with a birth or adoption. The right to parental benefit is accrued by the parents working.

Children who cross national borders

Unaccompanied minor asylum seekers, children subjected to human trafficking and child welfare services across national borders.

Marriage and relationships

People of the opposite sex or two people of the same sex can enter into a marriage. Marriage has legal consequences for the spouses in a number of areas.

Divorce and relationship breakdowns

A spouse who does not wish to continue the relationship can apply to the county governor for a separation. After a separation of one year, either of the spouses can apply to the county governor for a divorce.

Permanent residence and contact arrangements

Parents who do not live together may make their own agreements concerning parental responsibility, permanent residence and contact visits for their children. The local Family Counselling Office may assist in this. Parents who fail to reach agreement

Links and sources

Relevant websites The Norwegian police The Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ministry of Children and Families Ministry of Justice and Public Security www.norway.info Information about Norway Domstol.no The official website of the Norwegian courts The

The Cash Benefit Act