Family Lawyer in Finland
Finnish family law affects your marriage, children, property and inheritance. We help English-speaking clients understand their rights and obligations under Finnish law — clearly, in plain English.
Our service
Family law in Finland (perheoikeus) covers marriage and divorce, child custody and living arrangements, child maintenance (elatusapu), visitation rights (tapaamisoikeus), prenuptial agreements (avioehto), property division between spouses (ositus), and inheritance (perintö). Whether you are married to a Finnish citizen, raising children in Finland, or dealing with an estate, Finnish law determines your rights — and it is written in Finnish. We explain how the law applies to your situation and handle the process on your behalf.
As a law firm based in Vantaa, we serve English-speaking clients across Finland. You do not need to speak Finnish or navigate Finnish authorities alone. We draft documents, negotiate with the other party, and represent you in court when needed — all in English.
When you need a lawyer
Divorce
You are considering or facing divorce and need to understand the process, the six-month reconsideration period, and how property and children's matters are handled.
Child custody
You and the other parent disagree on custody (huoltajuus), where the child lives (asuminen), or visitation (tapaamisoikeus), and need a formal arrangement or court order.
Maintenance
You need to set, change, or enforce child maintenance (elatusapu) payments based on the Finnish maintenance calculation.
Prenuptial agreement
You are marrying and want a prenuptial agreement (avioehto) to protect property from property division (ositus) in case of divorce.
Inheritance
A family member has passed away and you need help with estate inventory (perunkirjoitus), inheritance division (perinnönjako), or a will (testamentti).
How it works
- 1
Initial consultation
We discuss your situation in English, explain how Finnish law applies, and outline your options.
- 2
Document review
We review relevant documents — marriage records, children's birth certificates, financial information, existing agreements.
- 3
Negotiation and drafting
We draft agreements, negotiate with the other party or their lawyer, and aim for an amicable settlement.
- 4
Authorities and court
If needed, we file applications with the Digital and Population Information Agency (DVV) or represent you in the District Court (käräjäoikeus).
- 5
Follow-through
We ensure agreements are registered, court orders are enforced, and your rights are protected throughout.
What you need
- Marriage certificate or civil partnership registration
- Children's birth certificates
- Financial records (income, assets, debts, property valuations)
- Existing prenuptial agreements or court orders
- Identification (passport or Finnish ID)
- Any correspondence from Finnish authorities
How costs are formed
Legal fees are based on the time spent on your matter and its complexity. A straightforward agreement takes less time than a contested court case. We provide a written cost estimate before starting any work, so you know what to expect.
If you qualify for legal aid (oikeusapu) from the Finnish state, you pay only a reduced share based on your income. We can assess whether you are eligible and apply on your behalf.
We do not promise a fixed price or a specific outcome. Every family situation is different, and the cost depends on how much negotiation, drafting, or court work is required.
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.
Legal sources
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to speak Finnish to use your services?
No. We handle everything in English — consultations, documents, correspondence with authorities, and court representation. You do not need to understand Finnish legal documents.
How long does a divorce take in Finland?
Finnish law requires a six-month reconsideration period (harkinta-aika) from the date you file the application with the DVV. After that, the divorce can be confirmed. If you have lived apart for at least two years before applying, the divorce can be granted without the waiting period. Property division and children's matters may take additional time.
Can we agree on custody without going to court?
Yes. If both parents agree on custody, living arrangements, and visitation, the agreement can be confirmed by a child welfare officer (lastenvalvoja). Court is only needed if you cannot agree or if the arrangement needs to be enforced.
What is a prenuptial agreement and do I need one?
A prenuptial agreement (avioehto) is a written contract, signed by both spouses and two witnesses, that excludes certain property from property division (ositus) if you divorce. It is useful if you own property you want to keep separate. We draft and advise on prenuptial agreements.
Can you help if my ex-partner lives in another country?
Yes. Finnish family law applies if you or the children live in Finland. Cross-border custody and maintenance matters may involve international conventions. We assess which rules apply and coordinate with foreign authorities when needed.
Do you handle inheritance matters?
Yes. We assist with estate inventory (perunkirjoitus), inheritance division (perinnönjako), wills (testamentti), and inheritance disputes. See our related services for more.
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 an initial assessment of your situation. We respond in English and guide you through Finnish law clearly.