Vårdnadshavarskap

Vårdnadshavarskap refers to the legal responsibility and rights a person has concerning a child. In Sweden, this is primarily the responsibility of parents, who are typically both awarded vårdnadshavarskap upon birth. This encompasses the duty to provide care, upbringing, and education for the child, as well as the right to make decisions regarding the child's welfare, health, and personal development.

Vårdnadshavarskap is distinct from boende (residence) and umgänge (custody/visitation). While a child may live primarily with one parent, both vårdnadshavare share the responsibility for major decisions concerning the child's life, such as schooling, healthcare, and religious upbringing. If parents separate, they can decide on the vårdnadshavarskap arrangement themselves, often opting for joint vårdnadshavarskap where both parents retain full responsibility.

In cases of disagreement or if one parent is deemed unfit, a court can intervene to modify or terminate vårdnadshavarskap. This can involve awarding sole vårdnadshavarskap to one parent or appointing a public guardian if neither parent is deemed suitable. The best interests of the child are always the paramount consideration in any decision regarding vårdnadshavarskap. The concept emphasizes the ongoing parental responsibility for a child's well-being, even if the parents no longer live together.