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Mediation after separation
Draft, translated: translated from the Norwegian original with the help of a language model, and may contain errors. The Norwegian version is the authoritative one. See the Norwegian original →
Parents with a joint child under 16 must attend mediation after separation or disagreement. Free, and a necessary step before any court case.
Norwegian original last checked against official sources: 21 September 2026. Rules and figures change, so always check the official site before you act.
If you have a joint child under 16 and experience separation, or disagree about parental responsibility, primary residence or contact, you must attend mediation.
Who must attend?
Parents with a joint child under 16, in the event of separation, living apart or disagreement about the children.
How to book an appointment
One of you calls a family counselling office or an external mediator to book an appointment. Which office is right may depend on the situation, for example whether you had a joint primary residence or where the child lives now.
What does it cost?
The mediation sessions are free. You are entitled to at least one mandatory session, and can get up to six more sessions on a voluntary basis, meaning up to seven sessions in total.
Mediation certificate
After the first session you receive a mediation certificate, sent to your digital mailbox. It documents that the mandatory mediation has been completed, and is valid for six months.
What happens in mediation?
The mediator helps you draft a parental cooperation agreement, and assists with practical implementation and conflict resolution. The aim is an agreement that is best for the child, and that gives the child a chance to say what they think.
If you do not agree
The mediation certificate is required to take the case further. You can then:
- get more help and follow-up at the family counselling office, see Family counselling office: help with parental cooperation,
- or bring the case before the court, see When parents disagree: the case in court.
Tip: Go to mediation with an open mind about what is actually best for the child, not just what feels right for you. It makes the process shorter for everyone, not least for the child.
Sources
- Bufdir. Mediation after separation and parental disputes (Norwegian)
- Government.no. Mediation and parental cooperation
Kontaktpunkt24 gives general information, not legal advice. If you need help with your own case, contact a lawyer, a legal aid service, or the relevant authority.
This page is translated from Norwegian with the help of a language model, and may contain errors. The Norwegian version is always the authoritative one.