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 both of the following conditions are met:
• The minor lives elsewhere other than with either of their parents.
• The opponent in the matter is the custodian themselves or the parents of the minor, where the opposing parent is not the minor’s custodian. In this case, the minor needs a guardian to act as the custodian's substitute in the child support matter.
Please note that the custodian can represent the minor in child support matters when the opponent is the other custodian, and the minor lives with one of their parents.
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:
-
Complete the application
Complete the application for appointing a guardian as the custodian’s substitute
If you propose a private individual as the guardian, ask their consent
-
Submit to us:
- The signed application (signed by all custodians).
- The statement of the minor aged 15 or over (requested on the application form).
- Consent from the private individual (if you are proposing a private individual).
Send it to: Digital and Population Data Services Agency/ Guardianship Services, P.O. Box 1004, 00531 Helsinki.
-
We will process your application and resolve the matter
We will send the decision to you, the appointed guardian, and the minor who is 15 years or older, if they have provided a statement or have been heard in the matter.
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.