Law of persons and family law

Divorce: how do I claim the alimony due? My ex-husband is using every possible excuse not to pay the alimony due under our divorce decree. I haven't received anything from him for several months now, which has put me in a difficult financial situation. What exactly can I do to force him to...

Guidelines for old age "Les vieux ne bougent plus, leurs gestes ont trop de rides" sang Brel. I worry about what will happen to me when I can no longer move or express myself. I'd like my ex-husband - whom I still trust completely - to be the person who...

Degrees of relationship: it's confusing... " I've never understood anything about 2nd, 6th or 10th degree cousinships. How can you calculate this without a notary and without making mistakes? My cousins who are sons of my uncles and aunts are my cousins to what degree? Their children, cousins...

Spending spouse: who can represent the couple? "My husband is a big spender and that worries me. Can he represent me in all his dealings with our family, or does he also need my authorisation? Hélène, Geneva Under art. 166 of the Civil Code (CC), each spouse represents the marriage for day-to-day...

How can I erase ignominious things? My private life is regularly disrupted by biased articles about me on the internet, following an old dispute that I won. If I can't make the truth triumph, how do I go about getting these ignominies erased?" Maurice According to the definition...

How do I go about keeping the flat? After just a few years of marriage, my marriage is on the rocks and I'm considering separation proceedings, in which I intend to ask to keep the flat we live in together, which we will probably both claim, as we are very attached to it... Can I ask...

How to change your matrimonial property regime I read an article you wrote in the Tribune de Genève about the separation of property regime. You explained the advantages and disadvantages of this special matrimonial property regime. I'd like to know what the procedure is for changing matrimonial property regimes. P. Genève The matrimonial...

Parental authority: a case study "I'm a teacher and I'd like to invite the father of a pupil to an information session. However, he doesn't have parental authority. Does the law allow me to do this? Eve, Geneva Under article 275a of the Civil Code, a father or mother who does not have parental authority...

Annulment of marriage " I suspect that the new husband of one of my friends only married her to obtain a residence permit. Is there a quick and easy way for her to be released from this pointless commitment? S., Lausanne Dissolution of marriage by...