Where your child lives, decided fairly
Determining a child's place of residence in Ukraine when parents separate or live in different countries — by agreement, through the child-protection authority or in court.
Travel to Ukraine
Not required in most cases
Typical timeline
3–8 months
Format
Legal agreement signed remotely
Language
Updates in English
Overview
When custody needs a legal decision
Ukrainian law gives both parents equal rights. When they cannot agree where the child lives, the decision is based on the child's best interests. Distance, a move abroad or the war make these cases more complex, and preparation matters.
01
You and the other parent live in different countries
02
You want to move abroad with your child
03
The other parent is keeping the child from you
04
You need a decision recognised in another country
Your options
Three ways to decide where the child lives
01
Parents' agreement
A written agreement on where the child lives and how the other parent takes part. Can be certified by a notary.
Usually 2–4 weeks
01
Child-protection authority
The authority decides the dispute out of court after examining both parents' conditions.
Usually 1–2 months
01
Court case
When parents cannot agree. We prepare the evidence and represent you at every hearing.
Usually 3–8 months
How it works
How your custody case moves forward
01
Consultation
We review your situation and confirm the right route.
01
Legal agreement
You sign remotely; we confirm the scope and fee in writing.
01
Evidence & assessment
We collect evidence and work with the child-protection authority.
01
Hearings
We represent you in court and report back after each hearing.
01
Decision & enforcement
We make sure the decision is followed, including through enforcement.
What we need from you
Documents that support your position
- Passport (copy)
- Child's birth certificate
- Proof of address and living conditions
- Certificates of income
- School or kindergarten records
- Evidence of your involvement in the child's life
Scans are enough to start. We tell you if any document needs an apostille or translation, and arrange it if you prefer.
Related services
Often handled together
International parental child abduction
Hague Convention return and access cases involving Ukraine.
Common-law relationships
Property and inheritance rights for partners who were not married.
Property division
Dividing apartments, land and businesses in Ukraine.
FAQ
What clients ask before filing
Not covered here? Ask an attorney directly during your consultation.
How long does a custody case take?
What is the role of the child-protection authority?
Can I win custody if I live abroad and the child is in Ukraine?
Does the child's opinion matter?
How does a Ukrainian court decide where a child lives?
Let's put an end to the uncertainty.
Tell us about your matter. An experienced attorney will review it and lay out your options — clearly and in English. We always see the matter through to the end.
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Results & Client Voices
Outcomes our clients felt from abroad
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Whenever I faced an issue, the customer support team was quick to respond and resolve my queries. Their dedication to helping users is commendable. I feel valued as a customer.
Michael Brown
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