The alimony debt: what you need to know
In Switzerland, the Civil Code provides that parents are obliged to financially support their children, even in the event of separation or divorce. This duty of maintenance may also extend to grandparents and other close relatives in case of need.
If one parent does not fulfill his or her child support obligations, the other parent can ask the judge to fix a maintenance allowance. Maintenance is calculated according to the child’s needs and the parents’ financial means. It can be modified if the parents’ financial situation or the child’s needs change.
In the event of non-payment of maintenance, the creditor parent may request the intervention of the child protection authority or the judge. The competent authority can seize the debtor parent’s bank accounts, wages and other assets. In serious cases of non-payment, the debtor parent may be sentenced to a prison term.
It is important to note that maintenance is a legal obligation and it is the responsibility of each parent to respect it. Parents who have financial difficulties can ask for a reduction of the alimony if their income or financial situation changes.
In summary, the maintenance debt in Switzerland is taken very seriously and parents have a legal obligation to financially support their children. In case of non-compliance with this obligation, measures can be taken to protect the rights of the children and ensure their well-being.