Going through a custody dispute in Denmark as a foreign national or expat? Danish parental responsibility law (forældreansvarslovens) is built around one central principle: the best interests of the child. Understanding how this principle is applied — and how to navigate Familieretshuset, the Danish Family Law Agency — requires specialist legal advice. At Globe Advokater, we advise foreign parents in English throughout the entire process.
CHILD CUSTODY LAWYER IN DENMARK
STEP 1
Free Case Assessment
We carry out a free assessment of your case. The assessment can be done in person, by email, by telephone or through an online meeting.
STEP 2
Sending an offer – Fixed Price
If both parties decide to proceed mutually with the application process, we will send you a quotation for our consultancy, including the onuses of the consultancy. Our fee is fixed, which means that you know your cost in advance.
Step 3
Starting the case – With you all the way
We will assist you in completing the application correctly, as well as assisting you in providing the necessary documentation. We will handle all communication with the relevant authorities, and continuously follow up on your case.
Fees
Advice and negotiation (by agreement)
DKK 6.000
- Consultation, guidance and legal advice
- Review of proposed agreement on parental responsibility, residence and contact arrangements
- Correspondence with the other parent and registration of the agreement
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Case before Familieretshuset (in dispute)
Hourly rate of DKK 3,500 incl. VAT
- Consultation, guidance and legal advice
- Representation at meetings with Familieretshuset
- Submission of written statements and documentation to Familieretshuset
- Advice on interim orders regarding parental responsibility, residence and contact
- Ongoing follow-up until final decision
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Case before the Family Court / judicial review
Legal aid or hourly rate of DKK 3,500 incl. VAT
- Consultation, guidance and legal advice
- Representation before the Family Court, including attendance at preparatory telephone hearings with the judge and the opposing party
- Drafting and submission of pleadings and documentation
- Attendance at the main hearing before the judge and, where applicable, a child psychologist expert
- Assistance in child psychology assessments
- Advice on interim orders regarding parental responsibility, residence and contact
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International case / child abduction
Individual fee
- Assistance in cases under the Hague Convention of 1996
- Assessment of international jurisdiction pursuant to section 448g of the Administration of Justice Act
- Coordination with foreign lawyers and authorities
- Application for a temporary prohibition on departure from Denmark pursuant to section 2
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ℹ️ All fees are indicative. A fixed fee is agreed individually following a review of your case. Legal expenses insurance may cover part of the costs.
Key concepts in Danish child custody law
Joint parental responsibility
Married parents automatically share parental responsibility (§ 6). Unmarried parents can obtain joint parental responsibility by making a joint declaration (§ 7). Joint parental responsibility continues even after separation, divorce, or the end of cohabitation (§ 8). Major decisions — such as schooling, medical treatment, travel abroad, and passport applications — require both parents’ agreement.
Sole parental responsibility
Sole parental responsibility can be awarded if there is reason to believe that the parents cannot cooperate in the child’s best interest (§ 11). The bar is high — mere disagreement between parents is not sufficient grounds for removing joint parental responsibility.
Visitation rights
The child has a right to contact with the parent it does not live with (§ 19). Both parents share responsibility for ensuring that visitation takes place. If parents disagree on the scope or terms of visitation, Familieretshuset can make a binding order (§ 21).
Split residence / shared living
Parents with joint parental responsibility can agree that the child lives alternately with each parent (§ 18 a). Split residence is not ordered by the courts — it must be agreed by the parents.
International cases: when does Denmark have jurisdiction?
Denmark can handle a custody case if the child has its habitual residence in Denmark, in accordance with the conditions in the Administration of Justice Act (§ 448 g) and the Hague Convention of 1996. If the child has recently moved to Denmark from another country, it is not always clear which country has jurisdiction — this requires specialist advice.
Can I take my child out of Denmark without the other parent's consent?
No — if you share parental responsibility, both parents must agree before the child can leave Denmark (§ 3, stk. 2). Violating this rule can constitute child abduction under Danish law. If you wish to relocate abroad with your child, you need either the other parent's consent or a court order allowing the relocation.
What is the difference between parental responsibility and residence?
Parental responsibility (foreldremyndighed) concerns the right to make major decisions about the child's life. Residence (bopæl) determines where the child actually lives. Both parents can share parental responsibility even if the child lives primarily with one parent.
Can the child decide who it wants to live with?
The child's views are taken into account in accordance with its age and maturity (§ 5). A child aged 10 or above has the right to request a meeting at Familieretshuset. However, the final decision is always made based on the best interests of the child — the child's wishes are one factor among many.
How quickly can I get a temporary custody order?
If you fear that the other parent is about to take the child abroad without consent, you can apply for an urgent temporary order (§ 27), which can be granted with immediate effect. Contact Globe Advokater immediately — time is critical in these situations.
Why choose Globe Advokater?
- Over 20 years of experience in Danish family and immigration law.
- English-language advice — we understand the challenges facing foreign parents.
- Fixed-fee pricing — full transparency from day one.
- We handle all communication with Familieretshuset and Danish courts.
- Experience with international cases, including the Hague Conventions.
Over 20 years of practical experience in handling cases
Highly professional and customer centric. We are efficient and always on the client’s side
Fixed Prices. Credible. Transparent
At Globe Advokater, we make a difference for our clients
Confidence
As the client's trusted adviser, lawyers play a very special role in society. We help people in important, difficult, and sensitive situations. The rules and requirements in the field of immigration can be complicated to understand. Complex and incomprehensible rules require specialised legal advice.
Service
As a smaller law firm, we value offering our clients specialist knowledge, dignity, and availability. Our advice is based on the highest degree of professionalism. If you need to talk more, don't hesitate to contact us. We are available and it is non-binding and free to contact us.
Experience
We know immigration law both in detail and in depth. We have over 20 years of practical experience in handling immigration law cases. We have worked in all relevant offices in the Ministry of Immigration and Integration. This makes us one of the professionally strongest law firms within our field.
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