Family LawInheritance Law

Family law: I am a widow and wish to remarry: how do I get my maiden name back? 

Do you wish to recover your maiden name? Lawrence explains how to do it! Since January 1st, 2013, a person’s maiden name can be taken back at any time, whether after a divorce, the death of the spouse, or during the union.  The name change procedure starts as soon as an application is filed at any registry office in Switzerland. The documents to be collected vary depending on the…
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Divorce and SeparationFamily Law

Family law: Divorce by unilateral request, how does it work?

You wish to divorce, but your spouse is opposed to it? Then you will have to ask for a divorce by unilateral request. This article explains the steps of the procedure. The Civil Code stipulates that divorce by unilateral request can be requested under two conditions: The spouses were effectively separated for at least two years ; The spouse requesting the divorce presents serious reasons making…
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Divorce and SeparationFamily Law

The effects of divorce on your family name

The principle Under Swiss law, divorce has no automatic effect on the surname of former spouses/registered partners. However, Art. 199 of the Civil Code provides that a spouse/registered partner who has changed his or her name at the time of the marriage/registered partnership may apply to the Civil Registry Officer to revert to his or her unmarried name once the divorce…
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ChildrenFamily Law

Family Law: Parental Responsibility for the Actions of Minor Children: How does it work?

Has your child committed an offense? As a parent, it is legitimate to wonder what your responsibility will be.  Parental responsibility is dictated by Article 333 of the Civil Code: “The head of the family is responsible for the damage caused by minors […], unless he justifies having supervised them in the usual manner and with the attention required by the circumstances.” The law…
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