Partnership

The forms in which people live together have changed greatly throughout the past centuries in Switzerland . Many unmarried couples live together (cohabitation, Konkubinat) and have children together. There is no set division of roles between the partners (male/female). Same-sex partnerships are accepted and legally recognised.

In Switzerland one must be 18 years old in order to get married. Persons wishing to get married must contact the community of residence's registry office (Regionales Zivilstandsamt). The registry office will initiate the marriage preparation procedure. This involves examinig whether the requirements for marriage are met. After the procedure has been completed the wedding must take place within three months. The responsible registry office will offer more detailed information on the procedure and the necessary documents. If one person still lives abroad it is possible to file a request for entry so that he or she can take part in the marriage preparation procedure. Same-sex couples can register their partnership. Registered partnership includes rights and duties similar to those in marriage.

Spouses have equal rights and duties by law. Both spouses must marry by choice. If authorities discover that a person has been forced into marriage (Zwangsheirat) the marriage may be declared invalid and the person who exercised coercion may be prosecuted. Persons who feel forced into marriage should ask for help. Canton Aargau has a special phone number for such cases (062 835 47 90).

For questions about family planning, pregnancy and sexuality there are special advisory centres in Aarau and Brugg. The centres offer anonymous and free information on topics such as birth control, sexual difficulties, unwanted pregnancy, or sexually transmitted diseases. They also consult future parents and persons with children.

A divorce can be requested by both spouses or by one spouse. The district family court (Familiengericht) is responsible. Marriages that have been performed abroad can also be divorced in accordance with Swiss law. In order to do so one must have lived in Switzerland for at least one year and Switzerland must be one's main place of residence. Divorce may have an impact on residency status or on an ongoing naturalization process. Whether or not non-citizens may remain in Switzerland after the divorce depends on several factors. Special rules apply to victims of domestic violence. A marriage and family counselling center or a legal service will provide further information on divorce.