You want to protect an adult

Protect what was hard-earned

In most countries, adults have the freedom to manage their wealth as they choose. However, relatives sometimes discover that third-party influence has led to significant asset losses and need to take protective action.

Swiss law excels at handling such situations, both domestically and internationally, offering effective tools to freeze assets and prevent further losses. The adult and child protection authorities (with children benefiting from particularly robust safeguards) oversee these matters and can be easily petitioned.

Additional protections exist in the Code of Obligations, which imposes specific reporting duties on involved parties like banks. As a final safeguard, criminal law tools are also available.

We're here to guide you in choosing and implementing the right tools at the right moment — sometimes deploying multiple solutions simultaneously.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do magistrates do once informed?

Generally, and if there is an immediate risk of asset disappearance, the protection authority can (and frequently does) freeze assets and restrict the civil rights of the person concerned, at least until an initial hearing. A representative curator can also be appointed, or even a general protection measure for the person.

What about in an international context?

Switzerland is a member of the Hague Convention of 13 January 2000 on the International Protection of Adults, which allows for broad recognition of decisions taken in Switzerland or abroad, as well as international cooperation based on common tools.

Who can take action?

Any close relative. The term "close relative" is not strictly defined; it is often interpreted broadly by the authorities, at least concerning family, even extended family.