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Divorce and relationship breakdowns

A spouse who does not wish to continue the relationship can apply to the county governor for a separation. After a separation of one year, either of the spouses can apply to the county governor for a divorce.

Child welfare service assistance measures for young persons between 18 and 25 years of age

The objective of providing assistance measures for the 18-25 age group is to give these young persons the necessary help and support during the transition to an independent adult life.

Action plan to combat discrimination and hatred towards Muslims (2020-2023)

In 2020, the Norwegian government launched the Action plan to combat discrimination and hatred towards Muslims (2020-2023). The aim of the action plan is to prevent and deter racism and discrimination against Muslims and persons believed to be

Debt settlement

The Debt Settlement Act gives individuals with serious debt problems the opportunity to gain control of their economy. A debt settlement scheme is an agreement to pay as much as possible of the debt during a limited period, and then have the

Supervision of foster homes

The municipality where the foster home is located is responsible for supervision of all children in foster homes.

Division of responsibility in the Child Welfare Services

Both the local and central authorities have duties and responsibilities in the child welfare field. The municipality is responsible for performing those functions under the Child Welfare Services Act which are not assigned to a central government

Conditions for marriage

A marriage may be entered into in a church or civil ceremony.

Marriage and relationships

People of the opposite sex or two people of the same sex can enter into a marriage. Marriage has legal consequences for the spouses in a number of areas.

Children and young people’s participation and influence

All children and young people have the opportunity to affect their own daily lives and futures through participation and influence in planning and decision-making processes.

Parenthood (paternity and maternity

The bond between child and parents is fundamental in a person’s life. The parents’ rights and obligations in relation to the child are linked to the legal parenthood. It is therefore important that parenthood is established as early as possible in

Mediation and parental cooperation

Married couples and cohabitants who have children under 16 and who move apart and parents considering legal action may be allowed up to seven hours of free mediation.

Court proceedings concerning parental disputes

Out of regard for the child, it is important that the parents pay attention to the child’s needs, and cooperate well on their role as parents. Research shows that a prolonged high level of conflict in the home may be harmful for children.

The child's place of residence and contact arrangements

Parents are free to agree on arrangements regarding parental responsibility, the child's place of residence, and access and contact arrangements. In the event of a separation, married and cohabiting parents with children under the age of 16 are

Child maintenance

Parents have a duty to pay for their children irrespective of whether or not they live with them.

Cash benefit for parents of infants

Families with children aged between one and two years who do not attend a kindergarten may receive a cash benefit.

Parental benefit

Parental benefit is intended to ensure that the parents have an income during parental leave in connection with a birth or adoption. The right to parental benefit is accrued by the parents working.

Child benefit

Those who have children under 18 years of age living permanently with them are entitled to child benefit. Child benefit is payable for each child without any means or needs testing and is tax-free.

Immigration and Integration 2019–2020

Report for Norway to the OECD

Annually Norway sends a report to the OECD - Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. The report "Immigration and Integration 2019-2020 - Report for Norway to the OECD" is a contribution to the reporting system on migration for the

The Norwegian Government's Action Plan against Racism and Discrimination on the Grounds of Ethnicity and Religion 2020-2023 (Extracted Version)

The Norwegian Government's Action Plan against Racism and Discrimination on the Grounds of Ethnicity and Religion 2020-2023 (Extracted Version) (.pdf)

List of countries

List of countries and their relations to conventions on child abduction. H = Hague Convention CE = the Council of Europe Convention - = No convention | A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y