Child Custody Lawyer in Finland
When parents separate, Finnish law puts the child's best interest first. We help English-speaking parents arrange custody, living arrangements, visitation and maintenance — clearly and fairly.
Our service
In Finland, child custody (huoltajuus) is about who makes important decisions in a child's life — health, education, religion, and other significant matters. It is separate from where the child lives (asuminen) and visitation rights (tapaamisoikeus). Joint custody is common in Finland, but custody arrangements are determined according to the child's best interests.
We help parents reach clear, workable arrangements — through agreement, mediation by a child welfare officer (lastenvalvoja), or court proceedings in the District Court (käräjäoikeus) when parents cannot agree. Everything is handled in English.
When you need a lawyer
Agreeing on custody
You are separating and need a formal custody and living arrangement agreement.
Changing custody
Circumstances have changed and you need to modify an existing custody or living arrangement.
Visitation disputes
You are being denied visitation, or you need to establish or limit visitation rights.
International moves
One parent wants to move abroad with the child, or you fear the other parent might take the child out of Finland.
Enforcement
The other parent is not following the agreed or court-ordered arrangements.
How it works
- 1
Consultation
We explain how Finnish custody law works and what the court considers when deciding the child's best interest.
- 2
Negotiation
We negotiate with the other parent or their lawyer to reach an agreement without court whenever possible.
- 3
Child welfare officer
If you agree, we help formalise the arrangement with a child welfare officer (lastenvalvoja), who can also assist with mediation.
- 4
Court proceedings
If you cannot agree, we file the case in the District Court and represent you in hearings.
- 5
Enforcement
If the other parent does not comply, we help enforce the court order through the appropriate authorities.
What you need
- Children's birth certificates
- Existing custody, living, or visitation agreements or court orders
- Proof of income (for maintenance calculations)
- School and health records (if relevant to the child's best interest)
- Any correspondence with the other parent or authorities
- Identification
How costs are formed
Fees depend on whether you reach an agreement or need court proceedings. Negotiation and a formalised agreement cost less than a contested court case. We provide a written estimate before starting.
Legal aid (oikeusapu) may be available based on your income, reducing your share of the cost. We can assess eligibility and apply for you.
We do not promise a specific outcome or timeline. Custody disputes depend on the other parent's position and, in court, on the judge's assessment of the child's best interest.
Your lawyer
Pezhman Ahmadi
LL.M (Master of Laws)
Founded Lakiasiaintoimisto A&Co. Legal in 2020. Specialized in immigration law, family law, and inheritance law. Has assisted hundreds of clients with residence permit appeals, divorce and property division, and inheritance matters.
Frequently asked questions
What does joint custody mean in Finland?
Joint custody (yhteishuoltajuus) means both parents make major decisions about the child together, even if the child lives primarily with one parent. It is the most common arrangement. Sole custody is only granted when joint custody is not in the child's best interest.
Who decides where the child lives?
Living arrangements (asuminen) are decided separately from custody. The child can live with one parent or share time between both. If parents disagree, the court decides based on the child's best interest.
Does the child get a say?
The child's own view is considered, in a manner appropriate to their age and maturity. The court may also appoint a support person (tuki-ihminen) to represent the child's interest in proceedings.
Can one parent move abroad with the child?
Moving a child abroad permanently usually requires the other parent's consent or a court order. If you fear the other parent might take the child out of Finland, we can act quickly to prevent it. International child abduction is governed by the Hague Convention.
How is visitation decided?
Visitation (tapaamisoikeus) gives the non-resident parent the right to see the child. It can be agreed between parents, set by a child welfare officer, or ordered by the court. We help establish fair visitation schedules.
What if the other parent ignores the agreement?
Court-ordered custody and visitation arrangements can be enforced. We help you take the matter to the appropriate authorities to ensure compliance.
Service in Vantaa and remotely across Finland
Our office is located at Merikotkantie 1, 01450 Vantaa. We serve clients in person in the Helsinki metropolitan area and remotely across all of Finland. All communication and documents can be handled in English — no Finnish required.
Contact an English-speaking lawyer
Get in touch for a free consultation of your situation. We respond in English and guide you through Finnish law clearly.