Family
Marriage for all since 2022, and divorce by joint request or after separation
Swiss family law is federal, in the Civil Code. Marriage was opened to same-sex couples on 1 July 2022, and from that date no new registered partnerships are created. Divorce is granted on joint request, or unilaterally after living apart for at least two years.
Key rules
- Marriage is open to all couples since 1 July 2022; registered partnerships are no longer newly concluded.
- Divorce is available on joint request at any time, or on one spouse's request after two years' separation.
- The default matrimonial regime is participation in acquired property (Errungenschaftsbeteiligung).
- Parental responsibility is generally joint, including after divorce.
Governing law
- Civil Code (ZGB/CC), family lawMarriage, divorce and matrimonial property
- Marriage for All amendment (2022)In force 1 July 2022
In practice
Couples in an existing registered partnership can convert it to a marriage but are not required to. Maintenance and pension-sharing on divorce are calculated federally, while enforcement and some procedural steps run through cantonal courts.