Proceedings abroad
Specialized legal advice on divorce, child matters, asset protection, and modern family law.
Family law proceedings do not stop at the border. Two scenarios are typical: A judgment rendered abroad—regarding divorce, child support, custody, or property—is to be recognized, enforced, or modified in Switzerland. Or a foreign court needs an expert opinion on Swiss family law. Recognition is governed by the Swiss International Private Law Act (IPRG) and the relevant international treaties; matters involving children are governed by the relevant Hague Conventions. As the author of the Switzerland chapter in ICLG Family Law and in the Legal 500 Country Comparative Guide for family law, as well as a long-standing lecturer, Alkatout Legal prepares legal opinions relied upon by courts and law firms abroad.
Contact: contact@alkatout-legal.ch | +41 22 512 04 05
Cross-border family law proceedings are not a side topic — they are at the heart of our work. We have always focused exclusively on family law and are highly specialized, particularly at the intersection of Swiss law and foreign legal systems. For you, this means: no anonymous firm with changing staff and a high degree of delegation, but rather personal, close support from an attorney who is familiar with several legal cultures.
Whether a judgment needs to be enforced or an expert opinion prepared—every case begins with a strategy: which country has jurisdiction, which law is applicable, which international convention trumps, and what is the fastest and safest path forward? Because such cases extend beyond the realm of law, we collaborate—in a coordinated and discreet manner—with private investigators, financial planners, psychologists, and communication specialists whenever your case requires it. Discretion is the foundation of trust, especially in high-profile cases.
When a judgment risks falling on deaf ears or assets are being moved across borders, we stand by your side—and where necessary, we fight together to ensure enforcement. In urgent situations, we act immediately.
We act with a solid foundation: the firm operates in German- and French-speaking Switzerland and collaborates with partner firms in more than 80 countries worldwide. This reliably supports cross-border family law proceedings—in both directions.
What is your current
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Recognition. A foreign judgment regarding divorce, child support, custody, or matrimonial property law does not always take effect automatically in Switzerland. We ensure recognition in accordance with the Swiss International Private Law Act (IPRG) and the Lugano Convention.
Once a foreign judgment has been recognized, we will consistently enforce your claims—from obtaining a declaration of enforceability (exequatur) and initiating debt collection proceedings for monetary claims to seeking official enforcement assistance in child-related matters. If there have been changes in income, residence, or living circumstances, we will determine international jurisdiction (pursuant to the Swiss International Private Law Act (IPRG), the Lugano Convention, and the Hague Conventions) and initiate the necessary modification proceedings.
Expertise in proceedings abroad. Foreign courts, arbitration tribunals, and law firms often require a sound legal opinion on Swiss family law—covering matrimonial property law, spousal support, pension rights, or child-related matters. As the author of the chapter on Switzerland in *ICLG Family Law* and long-time lecturers, Alkatout Legal prepares well-founded, court-admissible legal opinions.
Not automatically. A foreign divorce decree must be recognized in Switzerland before it takes coercive effect here—for example, for remarriage or to update one’s civil status. This is governed by the Swiss International Private Law Act (IPRG). This process is usually handled by the civil registry office; in the event of a dispute, the court will decide. We review the requirements and handle the process for you.
For maintenance decisions from EU/EFTA countries, the Lugano Convention generally applies, which facilitates enforcement. For other countries, the Swiss International Private Law Act (IPRG) or relevant bilateral treaties apply. Once recognized (exequatur), the judgment can be enforced like a Swiss judgment, if necessary through debt collection proceedings. The fastest route depends on the country of origin.
Yes. If circumstances change significantly—such as income, place of residence, or custody—a court at the new place of residence may have jurisdiction. In matters involving children, the 1996 Hague Convention on the Protection of Children applies, which is based on the child’s habitual residence. We determine jurisdiction and initiate the next steps.
A legal opinion provides a specialist explanation to a foreign court, arbitral tribunal, or law firm regarding how Swiss family law addresses a specific issue—such as the matrimonial property regime, the validity of a prenuptial agreement, or spousal support. It is submitted as evidence in proceedings abroad. We regularly prepare such opinions for international clients.
Because substance matters. As multilingual author of the chapter on Switzerland in *ICLG Family Law*, Doctor of Law, and long-time lecturer, we combine academic depth with litigation experience. Our Chambers ranking and IAFL membership underscore our international recognition. Courts and law firms abroad rely on clear, transparent, and legally sound assessments—and that is what we provide.