Advokatfirman Segerström is a licensed law firm in Sweden and also a member of the Swedish Bar Association
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7 Things You Need to Know
When there are concerns about a child’s safety or well-being during visitation, the Swedish court (“tingsrätten”) may decide that visitation must be supervised (“övervakat umgänge”). This means the child meets with the non-custodial parent under the supervision of a third party to ensure the visit is safe and appropriate.
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Below are seven key things you should know about supervised visitation in Sweden — especially useful if you’re a foreign parent navigating the family law system.
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1. What Is Supervised Visitation?
Supervised visitation (“övervakat umgänge”) means a third person is present during the child’s visit with the other parent (the non-custodial parent or “umgängesförälder”). The purpose is to ensure the child’s safety and that the interaction takes place in a calm and controlled environment.
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The supervisor might be a social worker (“socialsekreterare”) or another person approved by the court (“tingsrätten”) or the Swedish social services (“socialtjänsten”).
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2. When Is Supervised Visitation Ordered?
A court may order supervised visitation if there is a risk that the child is not safe in the presence of the other parent. This may involve concerns such as:
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Substance abuse
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Violence or abusive behavior
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Mental illness or instability
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If you have serious concerns for your child’s safety, you can request supervised visitation as part of a custody case (“vårdnadstvist”). The court will evaluate your request based on evidence and the child’s best interests (“barnets bästa”).
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3. How Do You Apply for Supervised Visitation?
To request supervised visitation, you must file a motion with the District Court (“tingsrätten”). Your application should explain:
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Why you believe supervision is necessary
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What specific risks are present
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What evidence supports your claims (e.g., police reports, medical certificates)
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The social services may also recommend supervised visitation in their reports, which the court can take into account when making its decision.
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4. How Long Does Supervised Visitation Last?
Supervised visitation is typically a temporary measure. The court decides the duration of the order, during which time the parent’s ability to interact safely with the child will be monitored.
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After the set period, the court or social services will reassess the situation. If things have improved, the court may allow unsupervised visitation. Alternatively, supervision may be extended or visitation may be revoked, depending on the circumstances.
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5. Who Can Supervise the Visits?
In most cases, supervision is carried out by a professional, such as a social worker. However, in some situations, a relative or trusted family friend may be approved as a supervisor — but only if they are deemed neutral and suitable by the court or social services.
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The supervisor’s job is to observe and report. Their observations can directly influence future decisions about visitation rights.
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6. Can Visits Take Place in a Neutral Location?
Yes. Supervised visits often take place in a neutral location, such as:
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A supervised visitation center
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A location designated by social services
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This neutral setting helps ensure a safe and child-friendly environment, free from stress or past conflicts. In some cases, the visit can occur in the parent’s home, but only if that location is considered safe and appropriate.
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Using a neutral space also makes it easier for the supervisor to monitor and assess the interaction.
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7. What Happens After the Supervision Period?
Once the supervision period ends, the court or social services will evaluate how the visits went. Based on the supervisor’s reports and any new information, the court may:
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End supervision and allow regular visits
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Extend supervision if concerns remain
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Cancel visitation altogether if the child’s safety is still at risk
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If the visiting parent demonstrates a consistent ability to provide a safe and supportive environment, there is a good chance that visits can continue without supervision.
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Summary
Supervised visitation (“övervakat umgänge”) is a legal measure used in Sweden to protect children when there are serious concerns about their safety or well-being during parental visits. The process involves court approval, third-party monitoring, and often takes place in a neutral and secure location.
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It is a temporary arrangement intended to assess whether a parent is capable of having contact with the child in a safe and positive way. After the supervision period, authorities will re-evaluate the situation and decide whether supervision is still needed.
