Marital counselor

In Switzerland, the concept of a marital counselor can be defined as a trained and accredited professional who works with couples or individuals in the context of marriage, separation, and divorce. A marital counselor differs from other types of therapists through their specific focus on marital and family issues and their deep understanding of the laws and regulations governing these relationships in Switzerland. Their role is not limited to resolving emotional or relational problems; they also serve as mediators, educators, and guides through the complex legal system related to matrimonial law. The duality of this function requires expertise in the fields of psychology, relational therapy, and law, making the marital counselor a key figure in the landscape of Swiss matrimonial law.

The legal framework in Switzerland is based on various codes and regulations, including the Civil Code (CC) and the Civil Procedure Code (CPC), governing aspects of marriage, separation, and divorce. As such, the recognition and regulation of marital counselors are important to ensure the quality and integrity of the services offered. Their role in the Swiss legal system is not only therapeutic but also legal, and can have profound implications on the outcome of a marriage or separation.

In Switzerland, marital counseling is often sought both before and after marriage. Before marriage, marital counselors can help couples understand their legal rights and responsibilities under Swiss law, in addition to providing emotional and relational support. During the marriage, they can assist in resolving conflicts and navigating legal challenges that may arise. In the case of separation or divorce, the marital counselor can play a crucial role in helping the couple understand their legal options and facilitating communication between the parties.

Role of the marital counselor in marriage

Marriage represents a significant step in a couple’s life, and the marital counselor plays a crucial role in this transition. In Switzerland, this role often begins with pre-marital preparation. Marital counselors help prospective spouses understand their respective obligations and rights, as per Swiss law. These sessions can address issues such as property management, marital contracts, and mutual expectations. Pre-marital preparation aims to establish a solid foundation for the couple, preparing them for the relational and legal challenges that might arise.

During the marriage, the role of the marital counselor extends to supporting and facilitating communication in the couple. Marriages can be tested by many difficulties, including financial disagreements, family issues, and daily life challenges. The marital counselor in Switzerland is often called upon to help couples navigate these challenges, offering a safe and confidential space to discuss and resolve problems. Their expertise allows for the application of proven methods to improve communication and resolve conflicts, adhering to professional and ethical standards.

Legal challenges can also arise during the marriage, and marital counselors must be prepared to assist couples in facing them. This can include assistance in family law matters, such as child custody, maintenance obligations, and other issues requiring an understanding of Swiss laws and regulations.

In Switzerland, the role of the marital counselor during marriage is not only to provide emotional and relational support but also to help the couple understand and navigate the legal framework. This duality of role highlights the importance of training and expertise in matrimonial law, in addition to counseling skills.

Role of the marital counselor in separation and divorce

Separation and divorce are often difficult and emotionally charged moments in a couple’s life. In Switzerland, the marital counselor is increasingly recognized as a key player in these processes, offering not only emotional support but also illumination and guidance in the legal labyrinth accompanying these transitions.

One of the most important roles of the marital counselor in this context is that of a mediator. Family mediation has become a popular alternative to litigation in Switzerland, offering a more amicable and often less expensive path to resolving disputes. The marital counselor, with their knowledge of relational dynamics and family law, is well placed to assist couples in finding mutually acceptable solutions without resorting to courts. This process requires a deep understanding of Swiss law and skills in negotiation and conflict resolution.

In the context of divorce, the marital counselor can become an even more valuable resource. The divorce process can be emotionally devastating and extremely complicated legally. In Switzerland, divorce can be requested by mutual consent or for cause. In both scenarios, the marital counselor can assist in facilitating communication between the parties and working with lawyers to ensure the process proceeds as smoothly as possible.

The marital counselor contributes to making the divorce process more humane, helping couples understand their emotions and guiding them in making informed decisions regarding child custody, property division, and other complex legal matters. Their role in divorce is not limited to therapy but also encompasses education and collaboration with other legal professionals.

Separation and divorce are never easy experiences, but with the aid of a trained and competent marital counselor, the process can become more manageable and less painful. In Switzerland, where matrimonial law is strict and complex, the role of the marital counselor in separation and divorce is indispensable. Their expertise in relationships and the law creates a bridge between the often disparate worlds of emotion and legality and guides couples through one of the most challenging periods of their lives.

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The next steps

You make an appointment with one of our lawyers
We establish together the next steps
We draw up the documents (agreement and petition) by one of our lawyers
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We send the documents to the court
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PBM Avocats – Law firm based in Geneva and Lausanne. Lawyers registered at the bars of Geneva and Vaud.

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PBM Avocats in Geneva

Boulevard Georges-Favon 26

1204 Genève

T. : +41 22 348 32 35

PBM Avocats in Geneva

Boulevard Georges-Favon 26

1204 Genève

T. : +41 22 348 32 35