When a family dispute arises in Sweden — involving divorce, custody, visitation, or child protection — foreign nationals often find it difficult to understand how to contact and work with a Swedish lawyer (advokat).
Swedish family law is governed by national statutes, but international elements (such as residence, nationality, or cross-border parenting) make these cases complex.
This article explains how foreign clients can find and communicate effectively with a Swedish lawyer experienced in family disputes.
1. Understanding the Role of a Swedish Advokat
In Sweden, only lawyers who are members of the Swedish Bar Association may use the protected title “advokat.”
An advokat is bound by strict rules of confidentiality, independence, and professional ethics, ensuring that your interests are fully protected — even if you are not a Swedish citizen.
In family disputes, a Swedish advokat can represent you in:
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Divorce proceedings,
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Custody and visitation disputes,
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Cases under the Child Welfare Act (LVU),
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International child abduction matters (Hague Convention), and
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Enforcement of foreign family judgments in Sweden.
2. How to Find a Qualified Swedish Family Lawyer
Foreign nationals can contact Swedish lawyers in several ways:
a. Through the Swedish Bar Association (Advokatsamfundet):
The Bar Association maintains an online directory where you can search for lawyers by area of law and language skills.
b. Through your embassy or consulate in Sweden:
Many embassies provide lists of English-speaking or multilingual lawyers experienced in family law.
c. Through international referrals:
If you are represented by a lawyer abroad, they can usually recommend or contact a cooperating Swedish advokat.
d. Through direct contact:
Most Swedish law firms publish English-language information on their websites. You can contact them by email, explaining your situation and asking for an initial consultation.
3. What Information You Should Provide
When first contacting a Swedish lawyer, it helps to prepare key details such as:
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The names and birthdates of all family members involved,
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Whether the children or parties live in Sweden or abroad,
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Any existing court orders or custody agreements, and
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The language(s) in which you can communicate.
This allows the lawyer to assess whether Swedish courts have jurisdiction and which law will apply — especially important in international cases.
4. Communication and Language
Most Swedish advokater speak English fluently, and many have experience representing clients from abroad.
For other languages, interpreters can easily be arranged for meetings or hearings.
All communication is confidential, and you can normally meet via video call if you live outside Sweden.
5. Costs and Legal Aid
Swedish lawyers usually charge by the hour, but you may be eligible for:
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Legal aid (rättshjälp) from the Swedish Legal Aid Authority, or
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Insurance coverage through your home or travel insurance policy.
Your advokat can help determine whether you qualify for these options before representation begins.
6. Why Choose a Swedish Advokat for Family Disputes
A local Swedish lawyer provides:
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Direct access to Swedish courts and authorities,
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Knowledge of national family and child law,
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Experience in cross-border custody and visitation cases, and
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Personal guidance through a system that may differ greatly from your home country’s.
Working with a Swedish advokat ensures that your position is clearly represented and that your rights — and your children’s best interests — are protected throughout the process.
Why Legal Opinion Sweden
At Legal Opinion Sweden, we help international clients understand how Swedish law applies to family disputes.
Our network includes Swedish advokater specialising in family and child law, ensuring that clients abroad receive accurate legal guidance, reliable representation, and clear communication.
In short:
If you are a foreign national facing a family dispute in Sweden, a Swedish advokat can provide expert representation, local knowledge, and the legal security you need — wherever you are in the world.
