MARRIAGE

In Switzerland, you have to be 18 to get married. Only marriages that are concluded in a registry office are recognised. In the canton of Schaffhausen, the city of Schaffhausen registry office is responsible for all areas relating to marriage, births and deaths. It will inform you about the requirements that have to be met for marriage and the documents that are required for this. People of the same sex can marry in Switzerland.

PARTNERSHIP

Various forms of cohabitation are possible and legal in Switzerland. Many couples live together without getting married (cohabitation) and have children together. These couples have the option of concluding a cohabitation agreement. This can be attested by a notary and governs care and maintenance of the children, for example, what belongs to whom, or how the household costs should be divided.

SEPARATION AND DIVORCE

Both partners in a marriage can request a divorce, or just one of them. The District Family Court has jurisdiction over this. Marriages that were concluded abroad can also be terminated under Swiss law. For this to happen, life must focus around Switzerland and the couple must have lived here for at least one year. Whether or not foreigners can retain their claim to residence after divorce depends on various factors. You can consult a marriage and family advice centre or a legal advice centre for information about separation and divorce.

RIGHT TO FREE CHOICE OF PARTNER AND FORCED MARRIAGE

In Switzerland, the right of free choice of partner applies. Accordingly, families or other persons have no right to force women or men to marry against their will. Coercion is a breach of fundamental human rights and the Swiss Federal Constitution and is a punishable offence. The authorities can also declare a forced marriage invalid, regardless of whether it was concluded in Switzerland or abroad.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Domestic violence is not permitted in Switzerland and will be prosecuted. Domestic violence is understood to be physical, mental or sexual violence within a family, or in a current relationship between a couple, or one that has ended. Victims of domestic violence receive support and advice – from mentally coping with the experience of violence to explaining legal matters and providing emergency accommodation. People who commit violence or have violent tendencies are helped to develop new behaviours to put a stop to violence or to not use it in the first place.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Domestic violence is not permitted in Switzerland and will be prosecuted. Domestic violence is understood to be physical, mental or sexual violence within a family, or in a current relationship between a couple, or one that has ended. Victims of domestic violence receive support and advice – from mentally coping with the experience of violence to explaining legal matters and providing emergency accommodation. People who commit violence or have violent tendencies are helped to develop new behaviours to put a stop to violence or to not use it in the first place.