Find family lawyers in Norway for divorce, custody and inheritance matters

Norwegian legal framework

How family law works in Norway

Norwegian family law is rooted in the Marriage Act, the Children Act and the Inheritance Act, with the ordinary courts having general jurisdiction. Most family disputes are resolved through negotiation, mediation or the Conciliation Board before reaching a district court. The following points summarise key aspects you should know.

Court system

Norway has three tiers of ordinary courts: district courts, courts of appeal and the Supreme Court, and no separate administrative or constitutional courts. Family cases such as divorce, division of property and child custody are heard by the district courts, with appeals to the courts of appeal and, in limited cases, to the Supreme Court.

Mandatory Conciliation Board

For civil claims below NOK 200,000, the Conciliation Board is a mandatory first instance. Many family-related financial disputes – for example claims for payment or division of smaller sums – must first be mediated there before a district court will hear the case.

Lawyer licensing

Only a licensed ‘advokat’ may practise law independently in Norway. A lawyer must hold a Norwegian law degree, pass the advocacy course, have at least two years of qualifying practice, and furnish security of NOK 5 million. Our matched lawyers are fully licensed members of the Norwegian Bar Association.

Default matrimonial property

Unless spouses agree separate property in a marriage settlement, Norwegian law applies deferred community of property (felleseie). Each spouse keeps ownership of their assets during the marriage, but upon divorce the net value of the joint estate is divided equally, with possible exclusions for pre-marital assets, inheritance or gifts.

Legal costs and aid

Lawyers’ fees are freely agreed, and the losing party may be ordered to reimburse the other side’s necessary legal costs. Means-tested free legal aid (fri rettshjelp) is available for many family law cases, with a co-payment based on income. Victims of violent crime and child protection parties receive legal aid without means testing.

Key time limit — Family Law

Divorce (after separation) — 1 year (or 2 years without prior separation). Period of separation required before divorce can be granted.

Data sourced from official Norwegian government and professional bodies (Norwegian Bar Association, Lovdata, Norwegian Courts Administration) as of March 2025.

• Features of the Norwegian Legal System – Norwegian Bar Association
• Working as a lawyer in Norway – Norwegian Bar Association
• Act on the Limitation Period for Claims (Limitation Act)
• Act relating to employment protection (Working Environment Act) – deadlines
• Divorce and separation – Norwegian Government
• Division of estates – Norwegian Courts Administration
• Dispute Act – appeal deadlines
• Public Administration Act – appeal deadline
• Free legal aid – County Governor
• Features of Norwegian Civil Procedure – Norwegian Bar Association
• Structure of the Courts – Norwegian Bar Association
• The Sami Act – language rights
• Marriage Act – default property regime
• Court fees – Norwegian Courts Administration