A minor needs a guardian to act as a substitute for the custodian in matters of child support
In child support matters, a minor is represented by their custodian. However, in certain situations, the custodian may not represent the minor in matters of child support. In such cases, the minor needs a guardian to represent them instead of the custodian.
If the matter is not related to child support, and the child needs a guardian replacement for another purpose, go to the page "A guardian needs a substitute"
A custodian who is the minor’s parent cannot represent the minor in a child support matter if the child lives elsewhere other than with either of their parents.
In this case, the child needs a guardian to act as the custodian's substitute in the child support matter.
We can appoint a substitute guardian for custodians in the following cases:
1. The minor has two or more custodians, and they are applying for a substitute together.
2. The minor has one custodian who applies for a substitute.
If the minor has more than one custodian but they are not applying together, the substitute should be applied for directly from the court, as only the court has the jurisdiction to appoint a guardian to act as the custodian's substitute.
No. The custodians must act as applicants in this matter for us to appoint a guardian.
However, the custodians can give the wellbeing services county a power of attorney to authorize the wellbeing services county to represent them as applicants. In this case, the welfare area can submit the application to us.
If there is no power of attorney, the wellbeing services county should submit the application to the court, as only the court has the jurisdiction to appoint a guardian to act as the custodian’s substitute.
The guardian can be either a public guardian or a private individual.
If you wish to propose a private individual as the guardian, discuss it with them first. We will need written consent from them for the task.
The guardian must be free of any conflicts of interest in representing the minor in the matter. We will consider and decide whether the proposed person can be appointed as the guardian.
The guardian represents the minor in child support matters, such as making a child support agreement.
The guardian must act in the best interests of the minor.
Proceed as follows:
-
Obtain the necessary documents
If you propose a private individual as substitute, request a written consent from them for the assignment.
As custodian, you must determine the minor’s opinion if they are 15–17 years old and understand the significance of the matter. The minor may express their opinion using the form below or in free form.
If the minor has more than one custodian and you are applying for a substitute together in the Guardianship e-Services, you will need an authorization from the other custodians to submit the application.
-
Apply for the appointment of a substitute for the custodian
You may apply for the appointment of a substitute for the custodian in the Guardianship e-Services.
Cannot handle the matter online?
Complete the application for appointing a substitute for the custodian. Save the form before you begin to fill it in.
Attach all necessary documents to your application and submit everything at once.
The required attachments are:
- A statement from the minor aged 15 or older (the statement may be given in the application form)
- Written consent from the private individual, if you propose a private individual as substitute
Submit the printed application, signed by all custodians, and its attachments to us
- by post to: Myndigheten för digitalisering och befolkningsdata / Guardianship Services, P.O. Box 1004, FI-00531 Helsinki, Finland
- by bringing them to the mailbox of your nearest service location. Find your nearest service location.
-
We will process your application and make a decision
Cost
The decision is free of charge if the minor’s net income (including various social benefits) is less than €11,720 per year.
If the minor’s net income is €11,720 or more per year, the decision costs €130 per decision.
Processing time
You can find the average processing times on our website at dvv.fi/processing-times
We generally process matters in the order they are received. The processing time will be longer if all the required documents are not attached.