Nordic Family Mediation: Towards a System of Differentiated Services?

Abstract

This contribution maps and analyses the definition, purpose, and content of alternative legal proceedings in custody conflicts in the various Scandinavian legal systems. It finds that such proceedings occur both as part of legal and social services, but there is a lack of coordination between them. Expert mediators are involved in some of the proceedings, but their qualifications and methods are not yet defined. Ultimately, the conclusion is drawn that the lack of clear content, role definition, and coordination, results in alternative legal proceedings that insufficiently account for the rights and perspectives of the child.