Baby on the way: what to plan for? "I've been living with my partner for many years. We're going to have a child soon and I've heard that it's advisable to make an acknowledgement of paternity and an agreement to obtain joint parental authority, if possible before the birth; is this true?" Tania, Geneva...
Rent reduction: not for everyone! "While surfing the internet, I read that a fall in the reference mortgage rate of 0.25% currently entitles you to a rent reduction. In practical terms, how can I find out whether this will apply in my case and what the calculation criteria are?" Eliane,...
Lease terminated after the death of my spouse. Is this legal? "My spouse has died. We weren't married and we were flatmates. The landlord told me that I was not entitled to keep the flat on my own and asked me to leave. Did he have the right to do that? Ariane, Vaud It's important to...
Lease: the impossible step backwards I sent my notice of termination to my rental agency a few days ago. However, the landlord of my future home decided to cancel the appointment at which I was due to sign my new lease. So I'll soon find myself without accommodation! I'd like to know if it's possible to cancel my...
Cars: beware of hidden defects " Two years ago, I bought a car "as is" from a private individual. In recent months, problems with the suspension have appeared. I think that the seller knew about these defects and hid them from me. Can I...
Rent increase: the Régie must meet certain deadlines "On 4 October we received a rent increase for 1 December 2006. We don't dispute the increase. However, shouldn't the management company give us at least 3 months' notice of the increase, i.e. we should have received notice of the change on...
Watch out for the left turn indicator at roundabouts" Mum-in-law was stopped by the police for failing to turn left at a roundabout! She was fined CHF 150, which she had to pay in cash on the spot when she was stopped. I'm really surprised. Is this really legal? Hugo, Vaud The...
Parking your motorbike in a car space? "I ride my motorbike. I had an appointment in the town centre and all the spaces reserved for 2-wheelers were occupied, so I parked in a white space. When I got back, I was amazed to find that a contractual employee had fined me, invoking article 253a of the...
Health insurance, beware of the home! "My father, a 70-year-old Swiss citizen, was recently hospitalised in Switzerland. He left our country a long time ago and lives in neighbouring France, where he pays a modest rent. As a result, he no longer pays health insurance contributions in Switzerland, but he doesn't have...
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Phone number: +41 22 365 55 55
E-mail: info@espace.legal