Definition
The Sentralmyndigheten (Central Authority) is the designated Norwegian authority responsible for handling applications under international child abduction conventions—especially the 1980 Hague Child Abduction Convention.
Important update: who the Central Authority is in Norway
Norway’s Central Authority function for Hague child abduction matters is handled by the Norwegian Directorate for Children, Youth and Family Affairs (Bufdir). The Norwegian government states that Bufdir became the Central Authority from 1 March 2020.
What the Central Authority does (and does not do)
- Receives and transmits applications between countries (incoming and outgoing requests).
- Facilitates cooperation and information flow between authorities in different states.
- Supports voluntary solutions when possible (e.g., agreed return or agreed contact).
- Does not act as your lawyer: it does not replace legal representation in court proceedings.
When you should contact the Central Authority
- A child has been wrongfully removed from their habitual residence to another country.
- A child is being wrongfully retained abroad after a visit.
- You need guidance on how to file a Hague application and what documents are required.
What you should prepare
- Identity documents for parent/child (where available)
- Evidence of the child’s habitual residence
- Custody orders, agreements, or pending case documents
- A clear timeline of events and any known addresses/contacts
Do Better Norge perspective
Cross-border cases are high-stakes and time-sensitive. We repeatedly see two avoidable problems:
- Information gaps: parents don’t learn early enough what the Hague process can and cannot do.
- Delay risk: families lose time while trying to navigate multiple agencies without specialist legal support.
Do Better Norge encourages parents to treat Central Authority support as a procedural bridge, while also securing competent legal advice quickly.
Official sources
- Regjeringen: Child abduction & Central Authority update – regjeringen.no
- Hague Conference (HCCH): Norway Central Authority contact details – hcch.net
- International conventions & good-practice guides – regjeringen.no
Do Better Norge note: If you believe a child is at immediate risk, contact local police and emergency services in addition to starting the Hague process.
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