Securing child custody and right of access
We organise negotiations with parents to draw up agreements on child maintenance.
Securing child custody and right of access is a service intended for families who are in the process of divorcing, who have divorced and who live apart, and it is provided by child welfare officers. At the meetings, the opinions of the parents are asked, possible solutions are discussed, and an effort is made to have an open discussion about the family's situation and the related risk factors, which are taken into account in the agreement negotiations. The meetings can be held in person or by phone or computer.
A child welfare officer cannot settle the matter against the will of the parents or obligate one parent to agree to the demands of the other parent. The content of the agreement on child custody and right of access is decided by the parents. It is the duty of the child welfare officer to negotiate with the parents while ensuring that the best interests of the child are realised. They provide the parents with knowledge of law, social work and interaction. The child welfare officer can confirm the agreement created between the parents, unless there is reason to suspect that the agreement goes against the best interests of the child. The child welfare officer has the responsibility to ensure that the best interests of the child are realised, and, in some cases, the officer also has the duty and right to leave the agreement created between the parents unconfirmed.
If the parents will not see the child welfare officer at the same time or if one parent does not want to attend the meetings, it must be assessed whether managing the matter with the child welfare officer is possible. If a true agreement that both parents have concluded voluntarily cannot be achieved, the parents are directed to mediation services or to bring the matter before a district court.