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What is the effect of the child's registration of domicile?

There are many effects that come with registration of legal domicile with a parent and it is important to look closely at these rules before concluding a contract on legal domicile. Registration of legal domicile has the following effects, among other things:

  • A legal domicile parent may request alimony from the other parent.

  • A legal domicile parent may request a special contribution to support from the other parent.

  • Child benefit is generally paid to the parent with whom the child is domiciled.

  • A legal domicile parent is authorised to make decisive decisions about the child's daily life, e.g. on choice of preschool, compulsory school, day care, healthcare and leisure activities. However, parents who exercise custody over a child together shall always seek to consult on matters concerning the child.

  • The legal domicile parent may decide to move their domicile to Iceland, and thus the domicile of the child, without obtaining the consent of the other parent.

  • The child has the right to services from the municipality where they have a legal domicile, e.g. preschool, compulsory school and social services.

  • Public support or the right to services or assistance may be determined by the domicile of the child. The consent of both parents with joint custody is required in order for a child to go abroad.

Further information on the legal domicile of a child can be found here.

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