DIVORCE & SEPARATION

You wish to modify a divorce judgement

Are changes in your life making your divorce settlement feel outdated or unfair? Our experienced family law team can help you navigate the complex process of modifying divorce judgments, whether it concerns custody arrangements, maintenance payments, or property division matters. Click to learn more about your options.

Our law firm specializes in divorce, and our members' combined experience encompasses thousands of procedures, both amicable and contentious, as well as managing the countless incidents that can arise in such scenarios.

Life changes, and divorce judgments can prove inaccurate in their predictions. We help you explore options for modifying your divorce judgment. Additionally, if a party believes they were deceived during the divorce process, the judgment may be reviewed in specific limited cases—particularly regarding the division of marital property.

Divorce requires specific expertise and continuous adaptation to our clients' needs. Swiss law is both extraordinarily flexible and complex; moreover, international law frequently comes into play. We pride ourselves on presenting the right arguments at the right time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who has jurisdiction to modify a foreign judgment?

Generally, the courts of the child's habitual residence have jurisdiction to handle all child-related matters (custody, maintenance, etc.), with exceptions becoming rare, including for modifying a judgment issued abroad. Regarding other matters, Swiss jurisdiction will be established if the respondent spouse is domiciled in Switzerland. The law also provides for other cases, but their recognition abroad must then be carefully verified. Don't hesitate to consult us for an initial assessment.

Can a divorce judgment be modified?

Divorce judgments address both past matters — such as the liquidation of matrimonial property — and future arrangements — such as child custody and maintenance payments.

Future arrangements in a divorce judgment can be modified when significant and lasting changes occur. For instance, maintenance payments may be adjusted due to job loss or substantial changes in income. Similarly, if a child expresses a strong desire to change their custody arrangement, this aspect may be reconsidered. Since the law provides no rigid criteria for such modifications, this flexibility works both ways — something we skillfully use to our clients' advantage.

Is it possible to review a past divorce judgment?

Past matters are generally settled permanently after appeal deadlines expire. However, we can seek revision in specific cases — such as concealed information or criminal influence — but this must be done quickly, so consult us without delay.

WEBINARS

Online Conferences

Upcoming

17 Jul

Divorce in Switzerland: What Expats Need to Know

Residency rules, applicable law, financial settlements — a practical roadmap for expats navigating divorce proceedings in Switzerland.

By Damien Hottelier

11 Sept

Expat Divorce: Cross-Border Complications to Anticipate

Jurisdiction conflicts, dual nationals, enforcement abroad — anticipate the legal pitfalls that can derail an international divorce in Switzerland.

By Damien Hottelier

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