Expert-assisted court mediation

We support the district court in negotiating an agreement on custody, visitation rights and support related to the child.

Expert-assisted court mediation, known in Finland as "Follo mediation," helps resolve parental disputes concerning custody, upbringing, living arrangements, visitation rights, and child maintenance support. This service is for cases unresolved by child welfare officers or family mediation services, offering a practical alternative to lengthy court battles.

The mediation aims to achieve a lasting, child-focused agreement without formal court proceedings, enhancing child wellbeing and maintaining relationships with both parents. The mediation team includes a family court judge and a child development specialist (typically a psychologist or social worker), providing combined legal and psychological support to ensure the child's best interests remain central to any agreement.

The process is informal and dialogue-based, requiring consent from both parents, who may also have legal assistance. Agreements reached through mediation can be legally confirmed by the judge, carrying the same weight as a court decision.

Conditions for receiving the Service

Parents may apply individually or jointly by submitting an informal request to the District Court in the child's residential area. Contact the District Court for further details. This mediation is governed by Section 3a of the Act on Child Custody and Right of Access.
The service is free of charge.