The processing time for child support cases at the Familieretshuset (Family Law Agency) has seen a significant increase, nearly doubling from 2023 to 2024. According to a press release from the Parliamentary Ombudsman following an investigation, the average processing time rose from 9 to 17.6 weeks.

In the first quarter of 2025, the average processing time decreased slightly to 15 weeks. Ombudsman Christian Britten Lundblad expressed concern over the substantial increase and stated that he would continue to monitor the processing time development in the coming period.

The Ombudsman initiated the investigation in the spring after receiving complaints from parents. The increasing processing times are partly attributed to staff reductions due to lower appropriations, leading to hiring freezes and layoffs, according to the Familieretshuset.

The Familieretshuset states that they have launched several initiatives expected to reduce processing times. These include a new case management system to simplify case handling, and the development of new digital self-service systems.

The Familieretshuset projects that the backlogs will be cleared in the second half of 2026. In 2023 and 2024, the Familieretshuset handled 16,933 and 16,274 cases concerning child support contributions, respectively.

Christian Britten Lundblad said he considers this very regrettable. Child support cases fundamentally impact the everyday finances of parents with children, and authorities should strive to process these cases as quickly as possible. Child support is a financial contribution paid by one parent to the other when they do not live together, as both parents are obligated to support the child. When parents disagree on issues like the contribution amount, the Familieretshuset makes the final decision.