If you’re a parent living in Sweden and you’ve lost contact with your child, you may be wondering: Can the Swedish social services deny visitation between a parent and child? The short answer is: Yes, but only in specific situations regulated by Swedish law, most commonly when a child is placed in care under the Care of Young Persons Act (LVU).
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This article explains how visitation works under Swedish family law and in what cases social services may legally restrict or deny contact between a parent and child.
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What Is the Right to Visitation in Sweden?
In Sweden, the right to visitation (called umgängesrätt) is based on the child’s right to maintain contact with both parents, not the other way around. According to Chapter 6, Section 15 of the Swedish Parental Code (Föräldrabalken), a child who does not live with one parent should have the opportunity to spend time with that parent—if it is in the best interest of the child.
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Can Social Services Deny Visitation in Regular Custody Cases?
In ordinary custody and visitation disputes between parents, the social services do not have the legal authority to deny or stop visitation. Only a Swedish court (tingsrätt) can make such a decision, typically after a hearing where both parents are allowed to present their views.
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Social services can assist with cooperation talks (samarbetssamtal) or provide family support, but they cannot overrule an existing court decision or prevent contact without legal backing.
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When Can Social Services Deny Visitation?
Social services may limit or stop visitation only when a child has been taken into care under the Swedish LVU law (Care of Young Persons Act). In such cases, the social welfare board (socialnämnden) may temporarily deny visitation if it is deemed necessary to protect the child’s health, emotional well-being, or development.
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Situations where visitation may be denied include:
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The child becomes severely distressed after visits.
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There is a risk of harm or abuse.
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The visitation could interfere with the child’s treatment or placement.
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Is a Decision Required? Can It Be Appealed?
Yes. Any decision by Swedish social services to deny or limit visitation must be justified in writing, be temporary in nature, and be based on a clear legal provision.
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Such a decision can be appealed to the administrative court (förvaltningsrätten), which will review whether the restriction is lawful and necessary.
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Can Social Services Deny Visitation Without LVU?
No. If the child is not in state care under LVU, the Swedish social services cannot make binding decisions about visitation. If one parent prevents visitation without a court order, it may even be considered unlawful interference with custody rights (egenmäktighet med barn), and legal action can be taken.
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What Can You Do If You Are Denied Visitation?
If you are living in Sweden and feel that your right to see your child has been wrongly denied, you should:
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Contact a lawyer experienced in Swedish family law or LVU cases.
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Ask the local social services (socialtjänsten) whether any official decision has been made.
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File a case in the Swedish district court (tingsrätt) to establish or modify visitation rights.
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You should also keep detailed records of communications and incidents, especially if the other parent is violating an existing visitation arrangement.
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Conclusion
In Sweden, social services may deny visitation only if the child is placed in care under LVU and there are strong reasons to believe that contact would harm the child. In all other situations, only a Swedish court can restrict visitation.
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If you’re facing difficulties seeing your child, don’t wait—seek legal advice immediately to protect your rights and your relationship with your child.
