Mediation

If you have joint children under 16 years old, you must undergo mediation before you can apply for separation. The purpose of the mediation is to assist parents in creating a written co-parenting agreement (visitation agreement).

The mediation takes place at a family counselling office or with an external mediator. Once the mediation is completed, you will receive a mediation certificate that is valid for six months. The mediation certificate must be included with the separation application. In very special cases, the Norwegian Directorate for Children, Youth and Family Affairs (Bufdir) may grant an exemption from the obligation to mediate. Contact Bufdir for more information about the exemptions from the mediation requirement. The County Governor cannot grant a separation without having received the mediation certificate or documentation of an exemption from the mediation requirement from one of you. You must upload or attach the mediation certificate (or documentation of exemption) when you submit the separation application.