Family Law
Many people need a lawyer for the first time in matters related to their family. Handling family law matters requires emotional intelligence and tactfulness in addition to legal acumen. We handle all family law matters with respect and experience and are available to support you even during life’s most demanding times.
Family matters can often cause disputes. Therefore, it is good to settle matters in advance. If a marriage or cohabitation ceases for one reason or another, we are available to settle all open matters. Typical matters related to the end of a relationship are dividing assets after a marriage and all matters related to children. It is often possible, with some conditions, to get state-funded legal aid to matters related to children. It is sometimes also possible to get insurance-coverage for lawyer fees related to children.
An English-speaking family lawyer in Helsinki
Many of our family law clients are international families living in Finland. We advise you in English on how Finnish family law applies to your situation, and we represent you in negotiations, before the social welfare authorities and in court.
Divorce in Finland
In Finland, a divorce is applied for at the district court. As a rule, the divorce is granted after a six-month reconsideration period, unless the spouses have already lived apart for at least two years. The divorce itself does not settle the division of assets or matters concerning children – these are agreed or decided separately.
Division of matrimonial property
After a divorce, the spouses’ property is divided in a division of matrimonial property (ositus), unless a prenuptial agreement provides otherwise. We help you draft a division agreement or, if no agreement can be reached, apply for the court to appoint an estate distributor.
Child custody, residence and visitation
Parents can agree on custody, the child’s residence, visitation rights and child maintenance. The agreement is confirmed by the child welfare officer (lastenvalvoja) of the wellbeing services county. If the parents cannot agree, the matter is decided by the district court. In all decisions, the best interests of the child come first.
Legal aid and legal expenses insurance
State-funded legal aid is often available in matters concerning children, depending on your income. Legal expenses insurance included in a home insurance policy may also cover lawyer fees in child-related disputes. We check your eligibility for you before the assignment begins.
Our family law services
- Prenuptials and cohabitation agreements
- Assisting in asset division in a divorce
- Interspousal alimony claims
- Child custody, habitation and visitation rights
- Seeking alimony for a child/children