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Espace Legal

Law of persons and family law

A service offered by the lawyers at Espace Legal avocats & solutions

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Law of Persons

Commitment to Protecting Your Personal Rights

Law of persons forms the foundation of civil rights. It encompasses essential aspects of life, such as civil status, legal capacity, protection of personality rights, as well as changes of name or gender.

Our firm assists you with professionalism and discretion in all legal matters relating to your personal status. Whether you are facing an infringement of your personality rights, guardianship proceedings, or considering a change in civil status, we provide informed advice and representation tailored to your needs.

We are committed to defending your dignity and autonomy. With us, your fundamental rights are protected with constant attention to your personal circumstances. Determined and attentive lawyers will act with rigour and resolve to safeguard your interests.

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Family law

Support and Legal Guidance

Facing a separation, questions relating to child custody, or any other sensitive family situation can be a difficult experience. Our firm assists you with attentiveness, rigour, and care at every stage.

We place our family law expertise at your disposal to provide tailored services during what are often emotionally charged moments. Whether you are dealing with a divorce by mutual agreement or a unilateral petition, protective measures of the marital union (MPUC), child or spousal maintenance, parental authority, visitation rights, or a separation agreement, we work to defend your rights with integrity and to safeguard your interests. Sound legal advice is essential throughout divorce proceedings, starting from the separation and the implementation of protective measures of the marital union.

Our approach combines legal expertise, human understanding, and determination. It is essential for us to understand your priorities and to build with you solutions that are clear, lasting, and fair.

  • Separation
  • Marital union protection measures
  • Divorce with partial or full agreement
  • Mediation
  • Parental authority and custody
  • Protection of children and adults (guardianship)
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Amicable solutions

Wishing to Encourage Dialogue?

Aware that every situation is unique, we strive to prioritise dialogue between the parties in order to resolve disputes in a harmonious manner. This approach promotes mutually satisfactory agreements while reducing the stress and costs associated with court proceedings.

Our aim is to find fair solutions that respect the needs of each family member. Family mediation is also an option worth considering to avoid or defuse conflict.

Our lawyers are ready to assist you throughout these processes.

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Our other services

Succession law

Labour law

Obligations and contract law

Procedure, mediation and arbitration

Our publications

  • Droit des personnes et de la famille

    Adulthood according to federal judges

    29 June 2026
    by Pascal Rytz
    A while ago, my 17-year-old son received a payment order from the debt enforcement office at home concerning me, and he forgot to tell me about it. As a result, I have unfortunately received a notice of seizure! I did some research and discovered that debt collection documents can only be served at…
    Read more Adulthood according to federal judges
  • Droit des personnes et de la famille

    Dad, where are you? 

    16 March 2026
    by Pascal Rytz
    A friend of mine who is always having adventures is in a crazy situation. His pretty girlfriend is about to give birth to their first child, but now the neighbour is claiming to be the biological father and is ready to contest the acknowledgement of paternity! How does this work in practice? Is my friend really going to have to fight this claim? Dan, Geneva Yes, your friend can...
    Read more Dad, where are you? 
  • Droit administratif et fiscal | Droit des personnes et de la famille

    Are you still around?

    16 February 2026
    by Pascal Rytz
    There are friends we lose touch with, cousins we forget, neighbours who mysteriously disappear off our radar... And sometimes we wonder if he or she still lives nearby or is still with us? It's not that we necessarily want to inherit or send flowers, but human curiosity has a way of...
    Read more Are you still around?
  • Droit des personnes et de la famille

    Freedom of association: should we be splitting hairs?

    2 July 2025
    by Pascal Rytz
    "I'm a member of a student association that glorifies the mullet: only people with this legendary mane can join. We hold conferences and hair evenings. However, the university has just withdrawn our official label, deeming the exclusion of non-mulets to be discriminatory! We're walking on thin ice, aren't we? Your association can certainly continue...
    Read more Freedom of association: should we be splitting hairs?
  • Droit des personnes et de la famille

    Elections and foreigners

    23 June 2025
    by Pascal Rytz
    I enjoy strolling through the streets of Geneva, which have recently been plastered with countless posters for the forthcoming 'municipal' elections. I suppose it's too late to stand, but I might be interested in doing so in future elections. A friend told me that you can be elected even if you're a foreigner...
    Read more Elections and foreigners
  • Droit des personnes et de la famille

    Am I of legal age abroad too?

    23 June 2025
    by Pascal Rytz
    I moved to the United States to study for a few months. I've just turned 18 and I know that in this country, the age of majority is 21. I'm wondering whether, as a Swiss national, I can claim the age of majority applicable in my country of origin... K. As...
    Read more Am I of legal age abroad too?

What our clients say

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Aleksandar Ristov’s profile picture
Aleksandar Ristov
16 July 2026
Google Star 1Google Star 2Google Star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Espace Legal provided excellent support during a difficult family law case. They listened carefully, gave clear advice and were highly efficient: the case was resolved quickly and exceeded my expectations. I highly recommend them.
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Thibaut GILLIG’s profile picture
Thibaut GILLIG
19 January 2026
Google Star 1Google Star 2Google Star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I asked Maître Loïc Fässler to review a contract and was particularly impressed by the quality of his work. His analysis was thorough, his advice was spot on and he was very responsive. A highly professional service that I would recommend.
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Tom Kins' profile picture
Tom Kins
18 January 2026
Google Star 1Google Star 2Google Star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I would like to thank the law firm Espace Legal, and in particular Maître Faessler, who made himself available immediately to take on my case. He handled my case with the utmost care and was able to demonstrate his expertise not only in person but also through the complex task of reviewing the agreement relating to me. He was able to explain the ins and outs of the matter to me perfectly, without any fuss, in a simple and clear manner. Thank you once again for his responsiveness, speed and the precision of his work. I highly recommend this law firm.
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Anne Naef's profile picture
Anne Naef
7 November 2025
Google Star 1Google Star 2Google Star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Having to call on a solicitor in the course of one’s life is never easy – in fact, it can be particularly daunting. And yet… for the second time in my life, I turned to Maître Pascal Rytz and his team. And I knew I could put my heavy burdens down and place my trust in him. This second experience proved, if proof were needed, that I had once again made the best choice: amongst the burdens we carry to a solicitor, the most important is the question of justice and fairness, extending to infinity. For my part, there was also a significant emotional aspect. Is that not always present when one’s rights have been trampled upon? In this labyrinth, from the very first discussion – the question of the legitimacy of my case, the loss of self-confidence, the long, seemingly endless wait – Pascal Rytz was always there – the rock. Always a good listener, he knows how to ask the right questions with that unique decency and sensitivity. But make no mistake, his tactics are absolutely formidable. Being his client is an unrivalled privilege. And winning by his side is more than just a victory; it is a rediscovery of peace of mind. I would like to point out that his colleague, Maître Luc Zimmermann, has also demonstrated extraordinary calibre and talent. And for that, I am infinitely grateful to him. THANK YOU
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Properties investorsCK profile picture
Property investorsCK
26 July 2025
Google Star 1Google Star 2Google Star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We had an exceptional experience with Espace Legal – Avocats & Solutions. Right from the start, their team demonstrated professionalism, clarity and a deep commitment to finding the best legal solutions. We were fortunate to have Pascal Rytz as our case manager. His expertise, attention to detail and sincere dedication to our case gave us complete confidence throughout the process. Pascal was not only highly competent, but also empathetic and approachable, making it easier for us to understand and navigate complex legal issues. He always went out of his way to respond to our needs and answer our questions promptly. Thanks to Espace Legal and Pascal Rytz, we achieved a positive outcome and felt supported every step of the way. We warmly recommend their services to anyone seeking reliable and effective legal representation.

(Translated by Google, see the original)
Published on Google Google
Margarita Balabanova’s profile picture
Margarita Balabanova
3 July 2025
Google Star 1Google Star 2Google Star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I would recommend Maître Fessler and his colleagues at the firm. They are professional, efficient and competent.

(Translated by Google, see the original)
Published on Google Google
Adel Bennaceur's profile picture
Adel Bennaceur
25 June 2025
Google Star 1Google Star 2Google Star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I would like to express my sincere thanks to the whole team for their exceptional support throughout my case. From the very first meeting, I felt listened to, supported and completely at ease. Their professionalism, their willingness to help and their kindness were a real source of comfort to me at every stage of the process. Thanks to their meticulous work and unwavering commitment, the case was won, and I could not have hoped for a better outcome. A huge thank you to Maître Ritz and the whole team – you made all the difference. I would recommend them without the slightest hesitation!
Published on Google Google
Nunes Nuno's profile picture
Nunes Nuno
24 June 2025
Google Star 1Google Star 2Google Star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Hello, I would like to thank the whole team at Espace Légal SA; they all listened carefully to my case and found just the right words and approach to put my mind at ease. During my first appointment, I immediately sensed something that is rare these days: their sincerity, commitment and attitude. They demonstrated unrivalled professionalism, a willingness to listen and a level of advice rarely seen during my years in Switzerland. They prioritise the client’s best interests above all else, and that… that is priceless. I would recommend them to anyone in need. NN
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Paraskevi Stakia's profile picture
Paraskevi Stakia
23 June 2025
Google Star 1Google Star 2Google Star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I would like to express my complete satisfaction with this law firm, whose exemplary professionalism deserves to be highlighted. The team stands out for its in-depth legal expertise, its meticulous approach to handling cases and its remarkable efficiency. Their resolutely strategic approach never overlooks the human aspect; quite the contrary: their attentive listening, their kindness and their pursuit of amicable solutions, where circumstances permit, demonstrate an ethical approach that is deeply respectful of the human dimension. High-quality support, characterised by professionalism, clarity and consideration. I recommend this firm with the utmost confidence.”
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Rosa Garrasi's profile picture
Rosa Garrasi
23 June 2025
Google Star 1Google Star 2Google Star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Maître Ryts, who has been my solicitor for over 15 years. He has always defended me very well, whether in my divorce or in various complex legal disputes over the years. He is an excellent solicitor: competent, a good listener, compassionate and always available. He has advised and represented me with professionalism, firmness and kindness. Thanks to him, I have been able to navigate difficult situations with confidence and peace of mind. I would recommend him without hesitation. Thank you so very much, Maître, for your unfailing commitment and support throughout all these years.
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Frequently asked questions

To answer frequently asked questions about personal and family law, particularly divorce in Switzerland, we have prepared this concise FAQ.

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In Switzerland, there are two main types of divorce proceedings.

Divorce on unilateral application Divorce: Only one of the spouses wishes to divorce. This request can be made after a separation of two years or immediately if there are serious grounds that make the continuation of the marriage unbearable, such as domestic violence.

Divorce by joint petition The two spouses agree to divorce. This procedure can be with full agreement (the spouses agree on all the effects of the divorce) or with partial agreement (the spouses agree on the principle of the divorce but not on all its effects).

The consequences of a divorce on the right of residence in Switzerland depend on the type of residence permit held.

B permit obtained through family reunification : The right to remain in Switzerland after divorce is subject to certain conditions, such as the duration of the marriage, integration in Switzerland or major personal reasons.

C licence : Holders can generally remain in Switzerland after the divorce.

In a divorce, the court decides on the allocation of parental authority, custody of the children and visiting rights. Decisions are based on the welfare of the child. Maintenance obligations (alimony) are also set to ensure the financial support of minor children, and sometimes adult children, as well as, in some cases, the ex-spouse.

These answers provide general information on divorce in Switzerland. For advice tailored to your specific situation, we recommend that you consult a lawyer specialising in family law.

Do you need our services?

Contact us

Espace Legal

Nyon

Rue Porcelaine 13
CH-1260 Nyon
Phone number: +4122 365 55 55
E-mail: info@espace.legal

Geneva

Rue du Rhône 118
CH-1204 Geneva
Phone number: +4122 365 55 55
E-mail: info@espace.legal

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  • Lawyers
    • Pascal Rytz
    • Adelina Sabedini
    • Loïc Fässler
    • Luc Zimmermann
  • Services
  • Chronicles
  • Change language to Français
Book an appointment
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