If you’re an expat woman facing separation or divorce in Geneva, it can feel overwhelming, isolating, and frankly, terrifying.
But take a deep breath. You’re not alone, and you can get through this—step by step. We’ve put this guide together because we’ve seen so many of our expat friends run into the tough reality of divorce without knowing where to begin. This is our honest, no-fluff guide, curated from women who have actually gone through (or going through) the same process. While we aren’t lawyers and you should always seek professional advice, we hope this provides an easy starting point to help you feel less overwhelmed.
1. The Permit Panic: Can I Stay in Switzerland?
One of the more immediate questions that people looking at divorce is: “Can I stay in Switzerland after the divorce?”. It depends if…
- You have a C permit (settlement permit): Breathe. You’re good. Divorce doesn’t impact your residency.
- You have a B permit through your spouse (family reunification): Things get more complicated, especially if you’re a non-EU/EFTA national.
➡️ NON-EU/EFTA nationals that want to stay in Switzerland post-divorce will need to prove:
- Your marriage lasted at least 3 years (and yes, they do check)
- You’ve been living together at the same address
- You’re “integrated” into Swiss society (hello A1 French lessons)
- You have work, studies, or are otherwise self-sufficient
- You aren’t on social assistance (they really don’t like that)
- Or you’re a victim of domestic violence (which can be grounds to remain—but it needs to be reported and documented through proper channels).
➡️ EU/EFTA citizens can usually apply for a permit in their own name if they are working or financially self-sufficient.
Got kids? Having custody or visitation doesn’t automatically grant you the right to stay—but it can help. Authorities will look at the strength of your bond and how feasible it is to maintain it from abroad.
🔥 Hot tip: You must report any change of address after separation within 14 days to the canton. No ghosting the system.
👩⚖️ The Swiss government has a website that lays out the divorce process in Switzerland in laymen terms. Also worth checking out as a first stop.
2. Where Can I Find a Divorce Lawyer?
If you’ve been frantically Googling “English-speaking divorce lawyer Geneva,” you’re not alone. However, before you start contacting lawyers, consider reaching out to a mediator first. Think of mediators like a GP: they are a good first stop to guide you on the divorce process and even to specialists based on your needs. More importantly, it’s often free for the first few sessions.
Try:
💬 We chose mediation (mutual consent), which meant we didn’t have to go to court and were able to finalize everything in just five sessions. It was significantly more affordable (~CHF 600) than hiring lawyers.
Still want a lawyer? Check:
- ODAGE Directory – look for lawyers that specialize in family law
- CSP (Centre social protestant) – offers free legal clinics
- AFM and F-information – also offer free/low-fee legal consultations
- Centre LAVI – They provide also free legal advice but only for victims of crimes!
🧠 Pro Tip: Not all lawyers practicing family law are specialists. If your case involves complex custody, assets, or international relocation, seek a lawyer who really knows the ropes.
Typical fees? Hourly rates start around 200–500 CHF. Mediation or legal aid through canton programs are much cheaper—and sometimes free.
3. What About Money? (Brace Yourself)
It should come as no surprise that divorce can be brutal on your bank account. Especially in Switzerland.
💸 Tax Status Changes
If you were taxed through your spouse’s salary or under a family-based tax rate, things change once you’re separated or divorced.
Here’s how it works:
- In Switzerland, many expats are taxed at source (i.e., directly from your salary).
- If you were taxed under your spouse’s rate, you likely benefited from lower taxes—especially if you weren’t working or had children.
- After separation/divorce, you’ll be classified as “A0” — which means:
- Single
- No dependents
- One income
- 💥 Result: Higher tax deductions from your salary
BUT — there’s a silver lining:
You can request a “déclaration de rectification“ (a tax adjustment) every year to potentially reclaim overpaid taxes. For example:
- If you’re the main caregiver of the children
- If your income is lower than your ex’s
- If your financial situation justifies a different tax bracket
📅 IMPORTANT: This must be done within a specific window each year—usually by March 31st of the following year. Set reminders. Swiss tax authorities don’t chase you—you need to be proactive.
🏦 Pension Splitting – “What happens to our retirement savings?”
Switzerland has a mandatory pension system:
- 1st pillar (AVS/AHV) – Basic state pension
- 2nd pillar (LPP/BVG) – Occupational pension (linked to employment)
- 3rd pillar – Private, optional savings (voluntary)
👉 During divorce, the 2nd pillar (LPP) pension must legally be split 50/50 for the years you were married.
What this means:
- If your ex worked and you didn’t (or earned less), you’re entitled to half of their LPP contributions made during the marriage.
- The split is handled directly between pension institutions—not as a cash payout, but as a transfer into your own pension account.
Beware:
- This doesn’t apply to pension contributions before the marriage.
- If either of you has worked abroad or is self-employed (and doesn’t pay into a 2nd pillar), it gets more complicated and may involve international pension rules.
💔 Spousal Support – “Will I receive (or have to pay) alimony?”
Switzerland doesn’t automatically grant long-term alimony. Here’s how it works:
- If one partner became financially dependent during the marriage (e.g., stayed home with kids, gave up a career), they may receive temporary spousal support.
- The court considers:
- Length of the marriage
- Age and health of each partner
- Work experience and earning capacity
- Childcare responsibilities
⌛ Support is usually time-limited—meant to help the lower-earning spouse become financially independent again, not to provide lifelong income.
💬 “I had been out of the workforce for 8 years raising kids. The court granted me support for 3 years while I retrained and found part-time work.”
Quick Summary
| Financial Element | What Happens in Divorce? |
|---|---|
| Taxes | You’re reclassified as A0 (single, no kids) → higher tax rate. Reclaim via déclaration de rectification. |
| 2nd Pillar Pension | Split 50/50 for the married years. Complex if foreign/self-employed pensions involved. |
| Spousal Support | Not automatic. Short-term support is possible if you are financially dependent. |
| Child Support | Separate from spousal support. Based on income & child’s needs (covered in Section 4). |
Budget Checklist:
Here’s a basic monthly budgeting framework to help you get organized:
✅ Essential Expenses
| Category | Notes | CHF Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Rent & Charges | Apartment rent, heating, water, etc. | CHF 1,200–3,000+ |
| Health Insurance | Mandatory in CH. Compare providers (Assura, Helsana…) | CHF 300–600/adult |
| Child Insurance | Often cheaper than adult plans | CHF 80–150/child |
| Groceries | Lidl, Denner, Aldi are more affordable than Coop/Migros | CHF 400–800 |
| Transport | TPG pass or car costs | CHF 70–250 |
| Phone + Internet | Salt, Yallo, UPC, Sunrise—check for budget deals | CHF 40–100 |
| Childcare/School Lunches | After-school care, canteen fees | Varies: 0–500+ |
| Debts / Loans | Credit cards, personal loans | ___ |
✅ Important but Often Forgotten
| Category | Why It Matters | CHF Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Savings (Emergency Fund) | Aim for 3–6 months’ expenses if possible | Start small |
| Legal/Divorce Costs | Lawyer, mediator, admin fees | Varies |
| Pension Contributions | If you work part-time/freelance, don’t forget this! | ___ |
| School Expenses | Supplies, outings, birthday parties | CHF 50–100 |
| Clothing & Kids’ Needs | Shoes, seasonal clothes | CHF 50–150 |
| Self-Care | Therapy, gym, social outings—even small things count | CHF ___ |
✅ Income & Support
| Source | Notes | CHF Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Your Salary/Income | After-tax (net) income | ___ |
| Child Support (Pension alimentaire) | Decided by court or mediation | ___ |
| Spousal Support | If applicable—temporary or longer term | ___ |
| Social Benefits | Check with Hospice Général or OCP | ___ |
| Legal Aid or Housing Subsidies | Depending on your income | ___ |
| Family Allowances (Allocations familiales) | Available if employed | CHF 300+/child |
4. What Happens with the Kids?
Switzerland’s default stance? Shared parental authority.
This means:
- Even if you have physical custody, both parents share decision-making on things like schooling, religion, and healthcare.
- You’ll need your ex’s consent to relocate abroad with your child. You can’t just pack up and leave—even if you have custody.
If you can’t agree with your ex, you’ll need to file for mesures protectrices de l’union conjugale (MPUC). This legal framework determines:
- Custody & visitation (garde/visite)
- Child support (pension alimentaire)
- Spousal support (if applicable)
👶 Social services may be involved to assess the child’s best interests.
5. How Long Does Divorce Actually Take?
It depends.
Is it a mutual consent? (The dream scenario)
- No big financial or custody issues? You are both on the same page?
→ You could be done in 3–6 months with just one court appearance (often online)
Is it a contested divorce?
- Kids or financial issues involved? You can’t agree on any of the major issues?
→ Expect a wait. Swiss law requires 2 years of separation before one party can force divorce. The process includes:- Mediation (strongly encouraged)
- Paperwork, evidence, and legal exchanges
- Court hearings
- Social services assessments (if children involved)
6. Where Can I Find Support During This Process?
Divorce is incredibly heavy—emotionally, mentally, and practically. It’s perfectly okay to admit you need a hand or an ear. If you’re feeling isolated, remember you are not alone; there are resources out there to help you through it.
🫶 Support & Resources:
- AVVEC – Hotline & support for domestic/intimate partner violence
- Le Pertuis – Emergency shelter & support
- Single Parents Support Group – led by Leslie Burgat
- AFM, F-information – Legal and social support
- Facebook group: Divorce or Divorcing in Switzerland (Women Only) – Join for Geneva-specific WhatsApp chat, recs, and virtual hugs
🧠 Therapy & Counseling:
- Your GP can prescribe family or individual therapy which is often covered by insurance
- Like dating, finding the right therapist or mediator can take time.
You Are Not Alone
If this blog feels like too much info, or if you’re still stuck staring blankly —that’s okay. So many women have walked this path before you. Not perfectly. Not without (A LOT) of cries and frustration. But step by step, they found their way through.
And you will, too.
You’re not just going through a breakup—you’re building a new chapter. And there’s a quiet kind of power in that.
If this post helped even a little, please share it with a friend who might need it. 💌
Leave a comment