Cross-border Divorce Navigator
Divorce: Switzerland → Switzerland
Case complexity: medium. Both spouses live in Switzerland.
Where you can divorce
Switzerland: Divorce on joint petition is the fast track; jurisdiction follows domicile; Swiss PIL can apply foreign law to the property side.
Which law governs the divorce and the assets
There is no marriage contract — the default regime of each country involved will apply (see the property section).
How property will be divided
Switzerland: Participation in acquisitions (Errungenschaftsbeteiligung): personal assets stay personal, the accrual of the marriage years is split 50/50; a marital agreement can elect full separation.
Children and maintenance
Child disputes are heard by the courts of the child’s habitual residence (Brussels II-ter / Hague 1996) — not by the country more convenient for a parent.
Switzerland: Maintenance reflects the marital standard of living; mandatory splitting of the occupational pension (2nd pillar) is a Swiss speciality.
How the divorce is recognised across borders
Switzerland: Swiss decrees are widely recognised; EU regulations do not apply — Lugano and national recognition rules do.
What to watch out for
Without a marriage contract, everything acquired during the marriage is divided under the default regime — as a rule, equally.
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This is a first-pass orientation, not legal advice. The rules are simplified; verify the current details with a lawyer.
Contact information
If you have questions or need a consultation, our experts will be glad to help.