Family law & personal status
The matrimonial property regime determines what belongs to whom during the marriage, and how assets are divided on divorce or death. Changing it, like arranging protection in case of incapacity, requires an authentic deed.
What we do
- Marriage contracts and choice of matrimonial property regime
- Registered partnership agreements
- Cohabitation agreements
- Advance care mandates (mandat pour cause d’inaptitude)
- Advance medical directives
- The financial side of separation and divorce agreements
- Gifts between spouses or to a relative
- Advice on adult and child protection matters
How it works
- 01
Meeting
We go through your family and financial situation together: what each of you brought in, what was inherited, and what you want to protect.
- 02
Comparing the options
Participation in acquired property, separation of property, community of property: we show what each regime would actually mean in your case, on divorce as well as on death.
- 03
Drafting
We draft the agreement chosen and send it to you to read, with the corresponding explanations.
- 04
Signing and formalities
Signature before the notary, followed by any registrations or notifications to the authorities concerned.
What is useful to bring
- Identity documents and family record book
- Marriage certificate or registered partnership certificate
- An overview of each partner’s assets
- Any earlier marriage contract
- Documents relating to a family business, if there is one
Estimating the cost of a property transaction
The Swiss Federation of Notaries provides an online estimator giving a first order of magnitude for property transactions. For a figure matched to your own file, call us.
Open the estimatorFAQ
Do we really need a marriage contract?
No. Without a contract you are subject to the statutory regime of participation in acquired property, which suits many couples. A contract becomes useful when your situation departs from that: a family business, inherited assets, a marked difference in income, or a blended family.
Can a marriage contract be changed?
Yes, at any time during the marriage, by mutual agreement and in authentic form.
What about unmarried couples?
Cohabitation is not governed by statute: the surviving partner does not inherit and enjoys no automatic protection. A cohabitation agreement, combined where appropriate with testamentary provisions, allows that protection to be organised.
This page sets out the general framework applicable in the Canton of Vaud. It is not a substitute for advice tailored to your circumstances, so do call us to discuss your situation.
A question, a project?
A first meeting serves to establish your situation and tell you what is possible. Call or write to us and we will come back to you promptly.