Legal area
Family & Children
Family life in Norway is regulated like for everyone: marriage, cohabitation, divorce, parental responsibility and child support. NAV handles child benefit (barnetrygd) and much child support. Barnevernet (child welfare) protects children who may be at risk — their role is to help families, not punish parents.
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Why this matters
Family rules affect your immigration, your benefits and your children's rights — and knowing them helps you respond calmly if authorities like Barnevernet get in touch.
Take action
Official services
Direct links to the official pages where you actually apply, book, order or register.
Apply for child benefit (barnetrygd)
Monthly benefit for children under 18 in Norway.
Family immigration
Bring a family member to live with you (UDI).
Child support (barnebidrag)
NAV can calculate and help with child support.
Cash-for-care benefit (kontantstøtte)
For young children not in state kindergarten.
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Documents worth gathering
Not every document applies to everyone. Start with what you have — the AI can help identify gaps.
- Marriage/separation and identity documents
- Agreements or decisions about children
- Child-support and income documents
- Letters from NAV, court or child welfare
- A dated, factual timeline
First steps for newcomers
- 1Register children born in Norway — the hospital notifies Skatteetaten for a fødselsnummer.
- 2Apply for child benefit (barnetrygd) on nav.no if you live in Norway with children under 18.
- 3For separation: agree on parental responsibility, visitation and child support — NAV can calculate barnebidrag.
- 4If Barnevernet contacts you, you have the right to information, a lawyer and to be heard.
Common mistakes to avoid
Not applying for child benefit (barnetrygd)
Families living in Norway with children may be entitled to child benefit, but in some cases you have to apply.
How to avoid it: Check your situation on nav.no and apply if you are not receiving it automatically.
Not asking for an interpreter with the authorities
In serious matters — for example with Barnevernet — misunderstandings happen when you don't use an interpreter you are entitled to.
How to avoid it: Ask for a qualified interpreter, and ask for information in writing so you can review it.
Assuming a foreign marriage or divorce is registered
A marriage or divorce abroad is not automatically valid or registered in Norway, which can affect immigration and benefits.
How to avoid it: Check what documentation Skatteetaten and UDI need to register your family situation.
Who handles this?
NAV
Child benefit (barnetrygd), parental benefits and child support (barnebidrag).
When you have children in Norway or need support after separation.
Barnevernet
Child welfare services — support and protection when a child’s safety or development is at risk.
If you receive contact from child welfare — respond and ask for an interpreter if needed.
District court (tingrett)
Handles divorce, custody disputes and formal family law cases.
When parents cannot agree on divorce terms or parental responsibility.
Common questions
Tap one to start a conversation with the AI.
When you need more help
- • Barnevernet opened a case — you have the right to a lawyer; ask for one immediately.
- • Cross-border custody or international divorce — get specialised legal advice.
Relevant laws
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Source: Lovdata (NLOD 2.0)
Your next step
Next: child benefit and family support