Securing of child support

The securing of child support is a service intended for people who are in the process of divorcing, who have divorced and families that live apart, which is provided by child welfare officers. At the meetings, the opinions of the parents are asked, possible solutions are discussed, and effort is made to have an open discussion about the family's situation and how to recognise the related risk factors and take them 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 child support agreement 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. The child welfare officer can confirm the agreement created between the parents if the agreement is reasonable for the child. In this case, the child's right to adequate support, the parents' capability to pay and other factors affecting the matter are considered. 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. The child welfare officer cannot oblige the parties to attend the meetings. If agreeing on things is not possible with the child welfare officer, the parents are instructed to bring the matter before a district court.

Conditions for receiving the Service