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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

  • What is the difference between separation and divorce?
    In the event of a separation, the spouses remain married and their rights continue to exist. A divorce dissolves the marriage and regulates all legal aspects.
  • When is a divorce possible?
    With mutual consent, a divorce is possible at any time. Without consent, after two years of separation.
  • How long does a divorce process take?
    Between a few months and several years, depending on whether contentious issues need to be decided in court.
  • What is cohabitation?
    Cohabitation describes a relationship between a couple who live together but are not married or in a registered partnership. Cohabitation is not specifically regulated by law in Switzerland, as is the case with marriage or a registered partnership.
  • How is spousal support calculated? (without children)
    Alimony is based on the subsistence level or basic needs, including distribution of surpluses, and largely on the income situation of the spouses.
  • What does parental care and custody mean?
    Parental care includes important decisions in the child's life. Custody concerns the day-to-day care aspect.
  • What is meant by sole or alternating custody?
    With sole custody, the child lives with one parent and the other has visitation rights. Alternating custody means that the child lives with both parents in turn.
  • What is care sharing?
    In the case of alternating custody, it regulates when and how often the child is cared for by each parent.
  • What is the difference between cash alimony and childcare support?
    Cash alimony covers direct child costs such as food. Childcare support compensates for the loss of income of the caring parent.
  • How is pension compensation regulated in the event of divorce?
    The pension fund assets acquired during the marriage are divided in half.
  • What property regimes exist in Switzerland?
    The ordinary matrimonial property regime is participation in acquired property. Alternatively, spouses can agree on community of property or separation of property.
  • What does separation of property mean?
    There is no joint property or debt. Each spouse retains the assets acquired during the marriage.
  • Are cohabiting partners entitled to maintenance?
    No, but joint children have the same right to alimony as children of married parents.

I will be there to answer any further questions you may have in a consultation!

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