LVU and Social Law Lawyer in Stockholm & Södertälje
Public counsel in cases under LVU, LVM and LPT
Have you received a decision from social services, or is a child at risk of being taken into care? In LVU cases, decisions can be made very quickly and have major consequences.
You have the right to legal support, and early action is often decisive. We represent you as public counsel and help you understand your situation, your rights and what happens next. You receive clear advice, committed representation and support throughout the process, from first contact to the court decision.
DO YOU NEED A LAWYER NOW?
You should contact us immediately if:
- social services have started an investigation concerning your child
- you have been informed about an immediate care order under LVU
- you have been summoned to a hearing in the administrative court
- you disagree with the assessment made by social services
- you or a close relative risk compulsory care under LVM or LPT
In many cases decisions can be made within a very short time, sometimes the same day. Early action can affect the outcome.
COMMON SITUATIONS
Many people who contact us are in a pressured situation where decisions are made quickly and the consequences are far-reaching. This may involve, for example, social services wanting to place your child outside the home, an urgent decision that you do not understand, or a decision you want to appeal.
In these situations it is crucial to quickly get a clear picture of what applies, both legally and practically.
WHAT IS LVU?
Short explanation
LVU, the Care of Young Persons Act, means that a child or young person may be taken into care without consent.
When is LVU used?
LVU is used when voluntary measures are not considered sufficient and there is a risk to the child’s health or development. This may involve deficiencies in the home environment, lack of care, violence, conflicts or the young person’s own behaviour, such as crime or substance abuse.
Can LVU be avoided?
In many cases social services first try voluntary measures, such as support in the home, family treatment or a contact person. LVU becomes relevant when those measures are not considered sufficient. In some situations the development can be influenced, especially if you act early and clarify your situation.
IMMEDIATE CARE ORDER - URGENT DECISIONS
In some situations social services can make an immediate care decision. This means that the child can be removed from the home immediately, the decision applies at once and the court review takes place afterwards. This is one of the most intrusive measures in social law.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IMMEDIATELY?
When you are involved in an LVU situation, it is important to act in a structured way.
- contact a lawyer as early as possible
- request access to the material from social services
- document your own view of the situation
Early measures can have great significance for how your case develops.
WHAT DOES THE COURT CONSIDER?
The administrative court makes an independent assessment of whether there is a concrete risk to the child, whether voluntary solutions are sufficient and what the situation looks like in practice.
What evidence is used?
The court bases its assessment on the investigation from social services, records and documentation, information from school, healthcare or other authorities, witness statements and risk assessments.
The best interests of the child
The court starts from the best interests of the child, which means an overall assessment of safety, stability, relationships and future development. We help you clarify your situation so that it is correctly presented in the process.
WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU DO NOT ACT?
In social law cases, passivity can have major consequences. Decisions can be made without your view being clear, your opportunity to influence the process can decrease, deadlines can pass and incorrect information can have a major impact.
Acting early gives you a significantly better opportunity to influence the outcome.
HOW THE PROCESS WORKS
1. Investigation
Social services gather information and make an assessment.
2. Possible urgent decision
An immediate care order may be decided.
3. Application to the administrative court
Social services apply for care under LVU.
4. Court hearing
The parties are heard and evidence is presented.
5. Decision
The court decides whether care should be ordered.
We help you understand each step and how you should act.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER AN LVU DECISION?
If the court orders care under LVU, the child is placed outside the home. This does not mean that the situation is permanent. Care is reviewed regularly, reunification is often the goal and your situation and development matter over time. We help you understand what is required going forward and how you can influence the process.
LVM AND LPT - OTHER FORMS OF COMPULSORY CARE
In addition to LVU, there are other laws on compulsory care. LVM concerns care for people with serious substance abuse problems where voluntary care is not sufficient. LPT concerns psychiatric compulsory care for people with serious mental illness who need care without consent. In these cases too, you have the right to legal counsel.
APPEALING AN LVU DECISION
If you disagree with a decision, it can be appealed. This means that a higher instance reviews the case, new circumstances can be raised and the legal process continues. We help you assess your options and present your case.
YOUR RIGHT - PUBLIC COUNSEL
In cases under LVU, LVM and LPT, you generally have the right to public counsel. This means that the state normally pays the cost, you have the right to legal support and you can often request the lawyer you want. We help you analyse your situation, review the material from social services, prepare for the hearing and present your case in court.
HOW WE WORK
We review your situation in detail, identify what is legally decisive, set out a strategy and represent you throughout the process. You should understand what is happening and why.
EMOTIONAL SECURITY
Being involved in an LVU case is often very stressful. We work so that you feel informed, understand your rights, know the next step and do not have to handle the situation alone.
COST
In most social law cases, the state covers the cost of your public counsel. We go through what applies in your specific case so that you have a clear picture from the start.
LOCAL EXPERIENCE - STOCKHOLM & SÖDERTÄLJE
We work with social law cases in Stockholm and Södertälje and have experience of processes in the region. We are used to contact with social services and courts, can act quickly in urgent cases and understand how the processes work in practice.
DO YOU NEED HELP IN OTHER AREAS?
COMMON QUESTIONS
What does LVU mean?
It means that a child can receive care without consent if there is a risk to the child’s health or development.
Can I influence the decision?
Yes. You have the right to express your view and have your situation examined by a court.
Do I have the right to a lawyer?
Yes, as a rule you have the right to public counsel.
How quickly does it happen?
Urgent decisions can be made very quickly, sometimes the same day.
How long does LVU apply?
It depends on the situation, but the care is reviewed regularly.
Can my child come home again?
Yes, in many cases the goal is for the child to return home when the situation improves.
Can I change lawyer?
In some cases it is possible to request a change of public counsel.
What happens after the decision?
Placement takes place and the care is followed up continuously, with the possibility of change over time.
Do you need help in an LVU case or another social law matter?
Call us directly for quick help or contact us and we will get back to you as soon as possible. We make an initial assessment of your situation and explain the next step.