What is a child custody dispute?
A child custody dispute is a legal process in which the district court considers who should have custody of a child, meaning legal responsibility for the child, where the child should live and what arrangements should be made for contact with the other parent.
The rules are set out primarily in Chapter 6 of the Swedish Children and Parents Code. The best interests of the child must be the determining factor in all decisions concerning custody, residence and contact.
Trying to reach an agreement
Many parents resolve these issues through cooperation talks arranged by the municipality or through an agreement approved by the family law unit. Even after proceedings have begun, the court seeks to help you and the other parent reach an agreement.
What the court takes into account
When assessing the best interests of the child, the court takes into account factors including:
- the risk of the child suffering harm
- the child's need for close and positive contact with both parents
- the child's wishes, taking account of their age and maturity
- the parents' ability to cooperate on matters concerning the child