Partsinnsyn (Access to Your Case File) in Norway

Partsinnsyn means the right of a party to access the documents and information in their own case. It is different from public access (Offentleglova): partsinnsyn is about procedural fairness—you cannot respond properly if you do not know what the authorities are relying on.

On Do Better Norge, partsinnsyn is treated as a first-line defense in high-stakes cases (child welfare, custody-related administration, benefits, housing, immigration): it helps you detect missing context, misquotes, and “silent” assumptions.

Legal foundation

The main rules are found in Forvaltningsloven §§ 18–19. As a starting point, a party has a right to make themselves familiar with the case documents. The law also describes situations where access can be restricted (for example, internal documents or information protected by confidentiality).

Partsinnsyn vs. Offentleglova (don’t mix them up)

• Partsinnsyn (Forvaltningsloven): you are a party in the case; the purpose is a fair process.
• Public access (Offentleglova): any person can request access; the purpose is transparency in government.

In practice, you can reference both, but it helps to be explicit: “I request partsinnsyn under Forvaltningsloven §§ 18–19.”

What to request (minimum package)

• Full document list (journal/log): what documents exist, dates, sender/recipient, and titles.
• All incoming/outgoing letters, reports, and assessments (including expert memos).
• Internal notes that contain factual information used in the decision.
• Audio/video references (if interviews were conducted): ask how statements were documented and whether summaries were approved.

Common refusal patterns (and what to do)

• “Internal document”: ask the agency to specify the legal basis precisely (section, subsection, letter) and to provide partial access where possible.
• “Confidential information about others”: request a redacted version.
• Silence / delay: ask for a written response and a timeline; remind them this is a due-process right.

Template: Partsinnsyn request

Subject: Request for partsinnsyn – Forvaltningsloven §§ 18–19

To [Agency],
I request partsinnsyn in case [reference]. Please provide: (1) a complete document list/journal, and (2) copies of all documents, including assessments, notes, and attachments the agency relies on or has received.
If any document is withheld, please provide a written decision with precise legal basis and consider partial access/redaction.
Sincerely,
[Name]

Sources and further reading

• Lovdata – Forvaltningsloven § 18 (right to access case documents)
• Lovdata – Forvaltningsloven § 19 (exceptions/limitations)
• regjeringen.no – Forvaltningsloven overview
• Sivilombudet – Innsynsguiden (useful for structuring access requests and refusals)