Shared residence of a child

Child's interests

All decisions of parents concerning the residence of a child must first and foremost take into account what is best for the child. A parent who negotiates a shared residence of a child must, among other things, assess whether the arrangement applies with regard to the child's age and development, stability in his or her life and the effect on the child's developmental circumstances in child-rearing. It is important for parents to respect the child‘s position in accordance with their age and maturity.

Legal domicile and residence

The child remains in one domicile but will be registered in the National Register of Registers as residing with both parents, i.e. one of the homes is the legal domicile and the other is the residence home of the child. The place of residence of a child is not necessarily exactly equal in both households, but it is generally assumed that the child lives in turn with the parents, similarly in both households.

Closeness of homes

The child's travel to attend school, preschool, regular leisure and leisure activities and to pursue other social life must be possible without this disrupting the continuity of the child's daily life. The interests and needs of the child shall be the main concern of assessing this issue. For this reason, parents' homes must be close to each other. Parents are expected to live in the same municipality as a child attends one school or preschool. The residence of parents in the same municipality is not an unconditional requirement, but in some cases it may be a nearby municipality.

Cooperation and joint decisions

Parents who negotiate shared residence of a child must be able to cooperate in matters concerning the child. The parents need to share information with each other, collaborate actively and communicate on all matters concerning the care and upbringing of the child. Good cooperation is described in equality between parents who show each other flexibility in communication, mutual respect and trust. Parents must be able to make joint decisions concerning the child. The parents must, among other things, jointly make decisions on the relocation of the child's legal domicile or residence, the choice of school and regular leisure activities of the child, health services for the child and the design of the child's residence in both homes, and how the child's support will be arranged. Parents who have negotiated for shared residence of a child cannot request a ruling from the District Commissioner, e.g. on access or child support.

If the relations between the parents are characterized by conflict and tension and they cannot reach a joint decision on decisions that must be made regarding the child, then shared residence at the family home is not ideal.