Practice area

Family law

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Family law

Family law is the most frequent reason for consulting the Geneva Legal Advice Service. Separation, divorce, child custody, maintenance payments: these situations combine legal, financial and human stakes that are best clarified early, before positions harden.

In Geneva, family proceedings are handled by the Court of First Instance. Depending on your situation — protective measures of the marital union, divorce by mutual consent or unilateral divorce, urgent interim measures — the strategy and timeline differ significantly. A 30-minute consultation clarifies your rights, the steps to take and the documents to gather.

The Geneva Legal Advice Service can advise you notably on:

Separation (protective measures)
Unilateral divorce
Divorce by mutual consent (joint petition)
Domestic violence
Parental authority
Family home
Custody (sole and joint custody)
Visitation rights
Maintenance payments (alimony)
Child abduction
Urgent proceedings (interim measures)
Restraining orders
Guardianship (curatorship)

Frequently asked questions

Separation or divorce: where to start?

If you are not sure you want to divorce, protective measures of the marital union organise the separation (housing, custody, maintenance) without dissolving the marriage. Divorce can then be requested jointly, or unilaterally after two years of separation. The right choice depends on your specific situation — which is exactly what a first consultation is for.

How are custody and maintenance determined?

The judge decides based on the child’s best interests (sole or joint custody, visitation rights) and the parents’ resources for maintenance. Contributions are calculated according to methods established by case law, based on each party’s actual budget. A lawyer helps you prepare a solid, documented file.

What about emergencies (domestic violence, complete deadlock)?

Urgent measures can be requested from the court (interim measures, restraining orders in cases of domestic violence). In case of immediate danger, call the police (117). To organise your legal protection right after, book an appointment without delay — these procedures are designed to move fast.

General information for guidance only, not a substitute for individual legal advice. Every situation deserves its own analysis — that is what the consultation is for.