Swiss Federal Council proposes family law reforms

The Swiss Federal Council has concluded that responsibilities for regulating child welfare during separations or divorces should be unified and procedures simplified. In a report released on June 6, 2025, the Council noted that modern family structures, including an increase in children living with unmarried parents or in non-traditional arrangements, necessitate an update to family procedure law.

The proposal aims to modernize the legal framework to better reflect current societal realities and facilitate faster conflict de-escalation. This decision follows scientific findings, practical surveys, and parliamentary postulates. A formal consultation process regarding these legal adjustments is expected to begin in late 2026.

In the context of alternating custody—where both parents share care for a child—the calculation of child support remains a complex issue. Current practices often lack clear guidelines, leading to difficulties in determining specific financial contributions between parents when care is shared.