Family Law

Family Law: I'm getting married, how does it affect my name?

The best day of your life is coming up. It is perfectly legitimate to wonder what will happen to your family name! Indeed, a marriage also includes a good number of legal procedures.  When Meghan married Harry, she became a Mountbatten-Windsor. In Switzerland, the bride and groom have a wider choice of names. Since 2013, each spouse can choose to keep their single name or to take a common married…
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Family LawMarriage

Buying real estate as a married couple is a big step in the union! It represents an important new chapter in your life together.  Every transaction is often accompanied by legal procedures that can be complex. When a property is purchased, the spouses automatically become co-owners, unless they indicate otherwise. They will therefore be in possession of part of the property, according to their…
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Family LawInheritance Law

Family Law: After my death, who inherits? 

Questions related to death and posterity are legitimate. Regardless of age, it is imperative to be concerned about the consequences of one’s death: unfortunately, we all too often tend to forget this and this article is intended to remind us of this. Who…
Family LawInheritance Law

Family law: Is there an inheritance tax in Switzerland?

Have you received an inheritance and are you wondering whether it is taxable? Lawrence will explain to you the terms and conditions. In Switzerland, there is an inheritance tax! It affects all individuals who accept an inheritance. The rate is calculated on the value of the share received. This tax is the responsibility of the tax authorities of the canton and, in some cases, of the commune of…
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Family LawInheritance Law

Family Law: I have remarried, can I disinherit my spouse's children from a previous marriage?

Does your spouse have children from a previous union that you wish to disinherit? We will explain if this is possible. Disinheriting someone in Switzerland is very difficult. The heir must have committed a serious criminal offence against the deceased or a close relative. A misunderstanding is therefore not a valid reason to disinherit an heir.  As a dissenter, it will be almost impossible to…
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