Family Law · Switzerland
Connect with Family Law lawyers in Switzerland who understand your needs
From divorce and child custody to inheritance disputes, Swiss family law touches the most personal aspects of your life. Our platform matches you with experienced lawyers who handle these matters daily. Tell us your situation once, and we will connect you with the right Family Law lawyers in Switzerland – free of charge.
- Vetted specialists in divorce, custody, and succession
- Matches based on your canton and legal issue
- No fees, no obligation – just a free introduction
Free service · No advance fees
Get matched with a lawyer
Tell us about your situation and receive a free, confidential case review.
Specialist support
Your family matter belongs in experienced hands
Swiss family law covers divorce, separation, child custody, maintenance, and succession. Because the substantive law is federal but court organisation and procedure are largely cantonal, outcomes can differ depending on whether you live in Zürich, Geneva, Bern or another canton. The default matrimonial property regime, the two-year separation requirement for unilateral divorce, and the 2023 reduction of forced heirship all affect your legal position. Without specialist guidance, these rules can be overwhelming. Our free matching service helps you find the right Family Law lawyers in Switzerland for your specific canton and issue. You describe your situation once; we shortlist lawyers who handle cases like yours. You then choose whom to contact. There is no fee and no obligation. Your enquiry remains confidential and is sent only to lawyers relevant to your matter.
Switzerland · Local framework
Family law in Switzerland: what you need to know
Switzerland applies the Swiss Civil Code (ZGB/CC) to family matters, but each of the 26 cantons organises its courts and proceedings. The language of proceedings is German, French or Italian depending on the canton. Below are the key local features and deadlines that affect family law cases.
Federal law, cantonal courts
Switzerland has a unified federal Civil Code and Civil Procedure Code, but the 26 cantons run their own courts. First-instance family cases are heard by district or cantonal courts, with appeals to cantonal courts of appeal and the Federal Supreme Court in Lausanne. Proceedings are conducted in German, French or Italian depending on the canton, so your lawyer must be fluent in the relevant language.
Nationally recognised lawyers
A lawyer admitted in any Swiss canton may practise before judicial authorities throughout Switzerland under the Federal Act on the Free Movement of Lawyers. You are not obliged to use a lawyer in first-instance family proceedings, but representation is mandatory before the Federal Supreme Court in civil matters. Our service only matches you with lawyers who hold a valid cantonal practising certificate.
Default property regime: participation in acquired property
Unless you have a marriage contract, the default Swiss matrimonial property regime is ‘participation in acquired property’. Each spouse keeps ownership of their assets during the marriage, but on divorce the acquisitions are balanced and the surplus shared equally. You may choose community of property or separation of property by marriage contract.
Key deadlines you must not miss
A unilateral divorce requires at least two years of living apart before the court will grant the divorce. In inheritance matters, you have three months to disclaim an inheritance. Missing these deadlines can have irreversible consequences. A specialised lawyer will track every limit and file on time.
Court costs and free legal aid
Court fees are set by each canton and usually depend on the value in dispute; as a rule the losing party bears the costs. Legal fees are freely agreed or based on cantonal schedules. If you cannot afford a lawyer, you may be entitled to free legal aid under the Civil Procedure Code, including court-funded representation if necessary.
Key time limits — Family Law
| Matter | Deadline | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Periodic payments (rent, interest, salaries, maintenance) | 5 years | Maintenance payments fall under this shorter limitation period. |
| Unilateral divorce (separation requirement) | 2 years of living apart | Required before a unilateral divorce petition. |
All data are sourced from official Swiss legal texts (Fedlex) and the Swiss Confederation, verified as at June 2025.
Common challenges
Family law disputes can be emotionally and legally complex
We help you move forward with confidence.
Divorce and separation
Ending a marriage involves property division, maintenance and potentially the two-year separation requirement for unilateral divorce. Without the right advice, you risk unfair outcomes or missed deadlines.
Child custody and support
Determining where children live, parental authority and child maintenance is highly sensitive. Cantonal courts apply federal law but with local procedural differences, so you need a lawyer who knows your canton.
Inheritance and succession
Swiss forced heirship rules changed in 2023, reducing the compulsory portion. Planning your estate or challenging a will requires a lawyer who understands the current Civil Code provisions.
Why use our matching
A simple path to the right legal help
Free, confidential, and tailored to your canton.
Canton-specific matching
We only propose lawyers who are authorised to practise in Switzerland and who handle family matters in your canton, ensuring they understand local court practices and language.
No fees, no obligation
Our service is completely free. You describe your case once and receive a shortlist of suitable lawyers. You decide whether to contact any of them – there is no contract with us.
Confidential and secure
Your enquiry is treated with the highest confidentiality. It is sent only to the lawyers whose expertise matches your matter, never published or shared with third parties.
Fast response
Lawyers typically respond within 24 to 48 hours. You can compare their experience, fees and approach before making a decision, all without pressure.
Other European jurisdictions
Explore family law in other countries
Our platform covers neighbouring and major European legal systems. Select another country to learn about its family law rules and matching service.
Frequently asked questions
Answers to common questions about family law in Switzerland
Do I need a lawyer for a divorce in Switzerland?
No, you may represent yourself in first-instance proceedings, but the law is complex. A lawyer can protect your interests, especially regarding property division and child matters. We match you with Family Law lawyers in Switzerland who handle divorce cases in your canton.
What is the default matrimonial property regime in Switzerland?
Unless you have a marriage contract, the default regime is ‘participation in acquired property’. Each spouse keeps their assets during marriage, but acquisitions are balanced and the surplus shared equally on divorce. You can choose community or separation of property by contract.
How long must we be separated before a unilateral divorce in Switzerland?
A spouse seeking a unilateral divorce must show that the spouses have lived apart for at least two years. The requirement is set out in the Swiss Civil Code and is a key deadline before filing.
What are the rules on forced heirship in Switzerland?
Since 1 January 2023, descendants and the surviving spouse or registered partner retain a compulsory portion equal to half of their statutory share. Parents no longer have a compulsory portion. You may freely dispose of at least half your estate.
Are lawyers from one canton allowed to practise in another?
Yes. The Federal Act on the Free Movement of Lawyers ensures that a lawyer admitted in any Swiss canton may represent clients before judicial authorities nationwide. The cantonal practising certificate is recognised throughout Switzerland.
How are court costs and legal fees determined in Switzerland?
Court fees are set by cantonal tariffs and usually depend on the value in dispute. Lawyers’ fees are either freely agreed or based on cantonal schedules. Free legal aid is available if you lack funds and your case has merit.
Ready to find your lawyer?
Get matched with Family Law lawyers in Switzerland
Tell us about your family law issue. Within 24–48 hours, you will receive a shortlist of pre-vetted lawyers from your canton. Free, confidential, no obligation.