Family law matters

Family law matters

As the supreme administrative authority in Greenland, the High Commissioner is in charge of matters concerning family law, including:

• separations and divorce,
• adoption
• determination of alimony and maintenence to spouse and children,
• new surnames.

Outside Nuuk the local police is acting on behalf of the High Commissioner. In Nuuk, and in matters of a general nature, the High Commissioner should be contacted directly.

In addition the High Commissioner is in charge of matters concerning:

• supervision of the funds of minors and persons of incompetence,
• permission to contract marriage where the joint fortunes of spouses in a former marriage has not been devided,
• granting permission to contract marriage despite status of a minor,
• matters involving a risk of a child being taken out of the Realm against the wish of one of the custody holders,
• Marriage contracted outside municipalities are carried out locally following authorisation from the High Commissioner.