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Family

Every family and every separation is unique. Our specialists consider the interplay of legal provisions, financial circumstances, psychological aspects, and cultural heritage to provide tailored assistance during the challenging times of separation or divorce. We also anticipate potential future issues by engaging all stakeholders and developing enduring strategies in the family’s best interests.

With extensive legal experience and a profound understanding of our clients’ personal and economic constraints, our specialists handle minor disputes and highly sensitive situations alike. We establish effective legal strategies, exploring both legal and amicable solutions in Switzerland and internationally.

We advise clients seeking prenuptial, postnuptial, or cohabitation agreements, and provide legal guidance to LGBTQIA+ couples on family formation.

We litigate before all Swiss courts and the European Court of Human Rights, and negotiate out-of-court settlements on behalf of family members.

Through our expansive international network, we have direct access to leading family law specialists across the globe.

Our team operates proficiently in French, English, Italian, German, and Swiss German.

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Marriage & cohabitation

Swiss law primarily distinguishes between three matrimonial regimes that can be chosen through a prenuptial agreement before or during the union.

Additional agreements governing the effects of marriage or anticipating potential separation can also be adopted. By entering into these agreements, couples can autonomously plan their future and contribute to more predictable and peaceful outcomes in case of separation.

Our team has experience in family estate planning, whether related to marriage, childbirth, divorce, or separation. We advise our clients on various matrimonial legal solutions and provide negotiation strategies and successful contract examples.

Children

At Borel & Barbey, we assist our clients in maintaining strong and healthy family ties for years to come, even in cases of separation. All matters concerning children may come before the courts, despite agreements. Our team of lawyers advises you on child protection measures, parental authority, custody, adoption, surrogacy, legal guardianship, and abduction cases.

Family law proceedings in criminal matters

We support our clients in cases involving domestic violence, child abduction, neglect, unpaid child support, and criminal interference with parental access rights. When needed, our teams specialising in criminal law and family law collaborate closely.

Protection of adults

Adults who experience impairment or insufficiency in managing their personal affairs may lack the capacity to safeguard their own interests. Competent authorities may consequently restrict their rights and freedoms by appointing a guardian or arranging for their residence in a care facility. These measures aim to protect the individuals’ interests and assets while preserving their autonomy as much as possible.

Our team assists adults facing challenges and their family members in ensuring that any implemented measures are proportionate and adhere to legal safeguards.

NEWS Family

ICLG Family Guide 2025 – Q&A on key issues

Josef Alkatout has contributed to the Swiss chapter in Family Law of the 2025 International Comparative Legal Guide (ICLG). This chapter provides in-depth insights into some of the most pressing...
8 October 2024

RTS Radio interview – child abduction cases during summer

Josef Alkatout was interviewed by the Swiss RTS radio channel on the topic of child abduction during summer school holidays. He stressed in particular that the kidnapping parents take advantage...
20 September 2024

“How to become a lawyer?”

Invited by the Geneva Bar Association, our Partner Céline Gautier participated in the third episode of their podcast PodLex, discussing the journey to become a lawyer. She particularly highlights the...
18 September 2024