Child and family law – lawyer in custody, visitation and child protection matters

Law firm Kroneld | Turku & Pori

When the relationship between parents becomes strained, the child’s everyday life and safety are put to the test. Custody disputes are emotional and legally complex situations in which an external, experienced expert is essential support. It is important that the matter concerning your child is handled by a lawyer who has experience in handling matters related to children.

Family law matters are often the most difficult in life. When it comes to a child, the stakes are high and emotions are running high. At Law firm Kroneld, we help you find clarity in the situation and ensure that the child’s best interests are always at the center. Call or leave a contact request, the initial consultation is free of charge.

We will help you with the situation quickly and often just a phone call is enough to put your mind at ease and give you information on how to proceed with your case.


When is a family law lawyer needed?

It is worth seeking help when:

  • parents cannot reach an agreement on child custody, housing or visitation after a divorce

  • one parent does not comply with the agreed visitation agreement or prevents visitation

  • child support is unclear or it is wanted to be changed due to a change in life circumstances

  • child welfare has intervened in the situation or custody is being considered

  • it is an international family law case or child abduction

How we can help in family law cases?

Kroneld specializes in child law and family law. Long experience in these matters ensures that you receive expert help.

We assist in the following situations, among others:

  • determining and changing the form of child custody

  • questions and agreements related to shared living

  • confirming visitation rights and disputes over visitation

  • confirming and changing child support

  • child protection matters and foster care

  • international family law matters and child abductions


Forms of child custody after separation

Custody of a child can be arranged in several ways after separation. The right solution always depends on the situation and, above all, on the best interests of the child.

Joint custody means that the parents make decisions regarding the child's affairs together. It is the starting point of the Child Custody Act and works well when communication between the parents is smooth.

Limited joint custody is an alternative in situations where joint decision-making does not work in all matters. The court can then grant decision-making power to one parent alone in certain matters.

In sole custody, only one of the parents is the guardian of the child and makes decisions regarding the child's affairs. The other parent can still be granted the right to receive information from the authorities.

Shared residence means that the child lives half or almost half of the time with each parent in turn. The child can only be officially registered at one address.

Access rights and child support

A child's access rights ensure the child's right to maintain contact and meet the parent with whom he or she does not live. Ensuring access rights is the responsibility of both parents, not just the one with whom the child lives.

Parents have a statutory duty to provide for the child's support. Support can be confirmed to be paid if the parent does not otherwise provide for the child's support. The amount of support can also be changed later if the circumstances change significantly.

Guidelines for assessing the amount of child support (Ministry of Justice)


Child protection matters and foster care

Child protection matters are often situations in which a parent needs the support of a lawyer the most. The child protection process can seem overwhelming and difficult to understand, which is why it is important to have an expert on your side.

We assist parents and families in situations involving:

  • urgent placement and custody

  • termination of custody and various restrictive measures


International family law matters

International family law matters are a special field in their own right, requiring specialized expertise. I assist in situations involving:

  • unauthorized removal of a child abroad or bringing him or her to Finland

  • custody and visitation matters where parents live in different countries

Legal aid and costs in family law matters

Using a lawyer does not always mean high costs. As my client, you may be entitled to:

Legal aid paid by the state if your income falls below a certain limit. Legal aid covers the lawyer's fee in full or in part.

Legal expenses insurance compensation, which is often included in home insurance. The insurance typically covers most of the legal costs.

If you are not sure whether you have legal aid or legal protection, let's find out together. Contact us and we will discuss further.

Read more about legal costs.

Frequently asked questions about child and family law matters

  • Child custody can be joint custody, shared custody or sole custody. Primarily, the parents agree on the form of custody after the divorce, but if necessary, the district court decides on it.

  • Yes, you can, if the circumstances change.

  • In such a situation, it is possible to apply for enforcement of the right of access from the district court if there is a valid access agreement between the parents.

  • A custody dispute can last a year at most, even more. However, disputes can often be resolved quickly through a settlement or an interim order issued by the district court.

  • Child support can also be ordered in a shared residence situation if the parents' income and wealth differences are significant.

  • The amount of child support is calculated by taking into account the income and expenses of both parents and the child's need for support. The amount of child support is also affected by how much the parent visits the child.

Get in touch – you are not alone in this situation

Questions related to child custody, living arrangements, or visitation can be stressful. We listen to your situation and help you move forward calmly, with the child’s best interests in mind.

The first consultation is free.

Call 040 766 7273 or leave a contact request – we will get back to you shortly.