Pidätyssuhteen

Pidätyssuhteen is a Finnish term that translates to "custody relationship" or "detention relationship." It refers to the legal and practical arrangements surrounding the care and supervision of a child when their parents are no longer living together or when one parent is absent. This concept is primarily relevant in family law cases, particularly those involving divorce, separation, or child protection.

The primary focus of a pidätyssuhteen is to ensure the child's well-being. It addresses issues such as where the child will reside, who will make decisions regarding their upbringing (such as education and healthcare), and how contact with the non-resident parent will be managed. In Finland, the principle of the child's best interest guides all decisions related to custody.

There are two main forms of custody: sole custody (yksinhuoltajuus) and joint custody (yhteishuoltajuus). In sole custody, one parent has the primary responsibility for the child's care and upbringing. In joint custody, both parents share these responsibilities, although the child may primarily reside with one parent. The court determines the custody arrangement based on the specific circumstances of the family, always prioritizing the child's welfare and the ability of the parents to cooperate for the child's benefit.

The concept of pidätyssuhteen also encompasses issues of child support (elatusapu) and visitation rights (tapaamisoikeus), which are integral to maintaining the child's relationship with both parents and ensuring their financial security. The specific details of a pidätyssuhteen are typically formalized in a court order or a legally binding agreement between the parents.