Yes, disinheriting a child is legally permissible in Norway but heavily constrained by the Arveloven (Succession Act) and Ekteskapsloven (Marriage Act). Norwegian law prioritizes forced heirship, guaranteeing children a pliktarv (statutory share) of at least 2/3 of their parent’s estate if the child is under 18 or financially dependent. Courts scrutinize disinheritance claims, requiring valid grounds such as severe misconduct (e.g., violence, fraud) or irreparable estrangement documented via familieråd (family mediation) or barnevernet (Child Welfare Services) reports. Recent 2026 amendments to the Arveloven now mandate that disinherited children receive a minstepliktarv (minimum forced share) of 1/3 of the estate, even if grounds are proven, unless the child has committed a criminal offense punishable by imprisonment.
Key Regulations for Disinheriting a Child in Norway
- Forced Heirship (Pliktarv): Children under 18 or financially dependent are entitled to 2/3 of the estate; disinheritance must not reduce this below 1/3 post-2026 amendments.
- Valid Grounds: Disinheritance requires documented evidence of severe misconduct (e.g., abuse, neglect) or criminal acts, validated by barnevernet or court rulings.
- Mandatory Mediation: Parents must attempt familieråd (family mediation) before disinheritance, with outcomes recorded in a meklingsattest (mediation certificate) submitted to the Skifteretten (Probate Court).