Managing Partner
Damien Hottelier
SBA Certified Family Law Specialist with tax expertise
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SBA Certified Specialist
Damien Hottelier is a professional in family law and its tax implications.
If you're seeking a skilled and dedicated attorney for complex family law matters, Damien Hottelier is the right person for you.
As a partner at Kulik Hottelier, he is an SBA Family Law Specialist and holds an LL.M. in Tax, giving him solid expertise to handle even the most challenging cases.
His unique background, including training in forensic science, and his ongoing professional development reflect his commitment to excellence and legal innovation.
Damien Hottelier is renowned for his precise and attentive handling of complex divorces, international cases, and sensitive custody disputes.
A technology enthusiast, he has fully digitised his practice, published best practices for the profession, and released specialised applications for lawyers.
An accomplished professional
Damien Hottelier remains at the forefront of his field and never stops learning:
- 2023 — 2025. LL.M. in Tax Law at the University of Geneva. Graduated with distinction ("très bien") and awarded the Wilsdorf Foundation Prize for the best thesis in taxation.
- 2018. SBA Certified Family Law Specialist by the Swiss Bar Association.
- 2017 — 2018. CAS in Family Law. Ranked in the "highest third" among twenty participating attorneys.
- 2011. Bar admission granted by the Canton of Valais.
- 2007 — 2009. Bachelor of Laws from the University of Fribourg. Magna cum Laude distinction, three-year programme completed in three semesters.
- 2006 — 2008. Master of Laws from the Universities of Lausanne and Geneva, specialising in “Law, Crime and Security of New Technologies.”
- 2003 — 2006. Bachelor’s in Forensic Science from the University of Lausanne. Magna cum Laude distinction.
Recognised by peers
Damien Hottelier is widely recognised in his field:
- 2024 — Present. Admitted to the IAFL.
- 2024 — Present. Admitted to the FOJ (Federal Office of Justice) network for child abduction cases as an attorney.
- 2024. Speaker at the Conference Prenuptial Agreements Here and Elsewhere organized in Geneva by the Swiss Institute of Comparative Law.
- 2023 — Present. Member of the Francophone Commission of SBA Family Law Specialists of the Swiss Bar Association.
- 2020 — Present. Member of the Family Law Commission of the Valais Bar Association.
- 2020 — Present. Member of the Cantonal Commission on Parental Consensus.
- 2019 — 2023. Club Secretary of Kiwanis Bex-Salin.
- 2018. SBA Certified Family Law Specialist by the Swiss Bar Association.
- 2017 — 2018. CAS in Family Law. Ranked in the "highest third" among twenty participating attorneys.
- 2017 — Present. Member of VF / FA, Association of SBA Family Law Specialists.
- 2012 — Present. Member of the Swiss Bar Association and the Valais Bar Association.
Areas of Expertise
Why Damien
Divorce
With over a thousand divorce cases handled, Damien Hottelier brings extensive experience in both contentious and amicable proceedings. He excels at working independently while also leading teams on domestic and international matters, combining strategic oversight with meticulous attention to client wishes. His effectiveness has consistently earned high praise from clients, as evidenced by the reviews published here.
Planning
A specialist in family law and its tax implications, Damien Hottelier stands out as a go-to advisor for estate planning, whether it involves setting up or coordinating complex projects. His experience as a litigator in numerous inheritance disputes has given him a practical understanding of the strategies and arguments that prove decisive in court. He brings a tactical and pragmatic approach in service of testators' wishes.
Testimonials
What our clients say
We often think a lawyer is there to manage cases. But this firm does much more than that: it saves people. When I arrived at Kulik Hottelier, I was exhausted, overwhelmed, lost. I didn't know where to turn anymore, and I felt like everything was against me. Yet, from the very first meeting, something changed: I found hope again. Here, you're not just a name on a file. You are heard, understood, respected, and defended with impressive determination. The follow-up is constant, responses are quick, exchanges are clear and transparent. You always know where you're going, without surprises and with confidence. Kulik Hottelier is: • exceptional legal expertise • a thoughtful, intelligent, and effective strategy • clear and honest communication at every step • and above all, a rare humanity in this profession What struck me the most? Their ability to fight without ever getting drawn into unnecessary conflicts. A firm, brilliant, and incredibly precise defense, always results-oriented, never ego-driven. In moments when I doubted, they were my pillar. In moments when I was afraid, they were my assurance. And at the decisive moment, they were the force that made all the difference. Today, I am finally turning the page. And I know that without their work, their support, and their excellence, none of this would have been possible. If you're looking for a firm that combines brains, heart, courage, and transparency, don't waste time: contact them. There are professionals… and then there are lawyers who truly change a life. This firm belongs to the second category. Thank you to Maître Sevig, Maître Hottelier, and all your teams who work behind the scenes. Your work will remain engraved in my story.
My case was very complex, but Damien and his team managed, step by step, to reverse a situation that was initially very unfavorable to me. After winning before all courts, my child and I were finally able to return home. Damien and his collaborators are extremely competent. I highly recommend them! Thank you infinitely for your work, you gave us back our freedom!
I had to work with various law firms during a divorce, even in Switzerland, which is not my home country. The support, commitment, and results I received from Kulik Hottelier were exceptional. The firm stands out for its humanity and honesty, and always acted in the best interest of the children. My sincere thanks to the entire team.
I am more than satisfied and full of gratitude towards Me Hottelier, whose great professionalism got me out in one month of a situation I thought would never end, which was depressing me and preventing me from moving forward in life. His empathy and exceptional listening skills gave me hope again and brought me enormous relief. Very experienced, Me Hottelier is remarkably efficient while remaining human and patient. He truly listened to me and advised me, and at no point did I feel like just another case number, which is very much appreciated, especially during difficult times. My questions always received quick and detailed answers. Thank you also to his entire team, an excellent firm, highly competent yet welcoming and human. I am immensely grateful for the help provided.
Affiliations
Affiliations
Webinars
Online Conferences
Upcoming
Child Custody in Swiss Law: Your Rights Explained
Parental authority, visitation rights, relocation — understand the key legal criteria Swiss courts use to decide what's best for your children.
Divorce in Switzerland: What Expats Need to Know
Residency rules, applicable law, financial settlements — a practical roadmap for expats navigating divorce proceedings in Switzerland.
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.
Inheritance in Switzerland: A Guide for International Families
Wills, forced heirship, cross-border estates — a clear guide to protecting your family's legacy under Swiss inheritance law.
Protecting Your Wealth During a Swiss Divorce
Marital property, pensions, real estate — proven strategies to safeguard your assets and secure a fair outcome in Swiss divorce proceedings.
Publications