Familjerätten is the municipal family law service. If you are separating in Sweden, it can help explain parenting options, support discussions and assist with certain agreements about your child.
Sweden · Checked 17 September 2026
Cooperation talks, called samarbetssamtal, are structured discussions about the child’s arrangements. They can also address the child’s finances. Participation is voluntary.
The service considers whether talks are safe and suitable. A joint meeting may be inappropriate where there are threats, violence or control.
Parents can receive help preparing agreements about custody, the child’s residence and contact. For these to have the relevant legal effect, they need to be written and approved by the social welfare committee.
The committee checks the child’s best interests. An approved agreement can be enforced like a judgment. Ordinary agreements about packing or messages do not automatically have that effect.
A parent who brings a disputed custody, residence or contact claim normally needs an information meeting within the previous year. It explains the available routes and what court proceedings involve.
An individual meeting is possible. The other parent’s refusal does not automatically prevent a case. Courts can allow exceptions where special reasons apply.
Familjerätten is not the court or either parent’s own lawyer. It cannot impose a new custody arrangement just because one parent requests it. It can also carry out court-requested investigations or arrange supported contact.
Child protection is a separate social-services function. A report leads to an immediate check of protection needs. Normally, the service decides within 14 days whether to start a fuller investigation.
Reporting a concern does not automatically mean a full investigation has already begun.
This guide explains general rules and services. It does not assess your individual case.
Information checked on 17 September 2026.
Based on the original article by Elisabeth Scholander.
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