+358 44 517 4941 ilse.kaarnavaara@ladylex.fi Pohjoinen Hesperiankatu 15 A 11, 6 krs, 00260 Helsinki

Divorce, custody and family law in Helsinki

  • Divorce and separation
  • Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements
  • Division of marital property
  • Child custody, parenting time, and child residence
  • Child support
  • Child removal and foster care placements

Attorney-at-law Ilse Kaarnavaara (formerly Lehtimaja), Asianajotoimisto Lady Lex Oy, Helsinki. Previously at Asianajotoimisto Asianaiset (2011–2026). First contact and case assessment are free of charge.

By preparing a precise and comprehensive prenuptial agreement, parenting-time agreement, or other document, it is possible to prevent future disputes. Promoting amicable solutions is part of an attorney's ethical duties. Many agreements and documents must follow a prescribed form to be valid. I advise clients and draft the agreement or document that fits each situation.

Family matters include some of life's most important — and often most emotionally difficult — moments. I help achieve a fair outcome that prioritizes the child's best interests. I specialize in assisting with expert-supported mediation in child-related matters in the district courts (so-called Follo mediation) and have done so since 2011, when the Ministry of Justice launched a pilot in Helsinki, Espoo, Oulu and North Karelia. The model was rolled out nationwide in 2014 based on the pilot's strong results.

I have assisted many victims of intimate partner violence. I do not take child-related matters to mediation if I assess that I cannot adequately protect the client from further violence. Violence is not always physical; when meeting victims of intimate partner violence it is essential to listen carefully and recognize how far the client's resources go. Sometimes ordinary court proceedings are safer for the client than mediation, because in ordinary proceedings I advocate for my client, who can rely on my legal expertise for protection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does divorce always have to go to the District Court?
In Finland, a divorce is granted when one applies for it. The application is filed with the District Court, which is generally followed by a 6-month consideration period. If a second application is not filed in time, the divorce matter lapses and the marriage remains in force.
How is custody and child residence determined?
The starting point is the child's best interests. Custody can be agreed upon and confirmed by a child welfare officer. Joint custody is the starting point when it is not contrary to the child's best interests.
Is child support paid in cases of shared residence?
Yes. Shared residence means the child has a primary home at two different addresses. An attorney helps calculate the financial situation and ensure the agreement is fair.

How we proceed

1. Get in touchFree initial assessment — briefly describe your situation.
2. Agree on next stepsWe review options, timeline and costs clearly.
3. RepresentationI handle your matter with determination and keep you informed.
Is Ilse Lehtimaja or Asianaiset the same as Lady Lex?
Attorney-at-law Ilse Kaarnavaara (formerly Lehtimaja) worked at Asianajotoimisto Asianaiset from 2011 to 2026 and was a partner there from 2018 to 2026. In 2026 she founded Asianajotoimisto Lady Lex Oy. Read the full answer →

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First Contact and Initial Assessment Are Free. Feel free to contact me for an initial consultation at no cost. Briefly describe the key points of your situation, and we will work together to determine the best next steps.

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Office
Pohjoinen Hesperiankatu 15 A 11, 6 krs
00260 Helsinki, Finland