Section One: Community of Parents and Children 297
297Inserted by No I 1 of the FA of 25 June 1976, in force since 1 Jan. 1978 (AS 1977 237; BBl 1974 II 1). |
Art. 270298
A. Family surname I. Child of married parents 1 Where the parents are married to each other but bear different surnames, the child takes the surname that the parents decided would be given to their children when they married. 2 Within one year of the birth of their first child, the parents may request that the child take the surname of the other parent. 3 If the parents bear a joint family name, the child takes that name. 298Amended by No I of the FA of 30 Sept. 2011 (Name and Citizenship), in force since 1 Jan. 2013 (AS 2012 2569; BBl 200975737581). |
Art. 270a299
II. Child of unmarried parents 1 If one parent has parental responsibility, the child takes that parent's surname before marriage. If the parents share parental responsibility, they decide which of their surnames before marriage their children should take. 2 If joint parental responsibility is established after the birth of the first child, either parent may within a year of its establishment declare before the civil registrar that the child should take the other parent's name before marriage. This declaration applies to all common children, regardless of who is given parental responsibility. 3 If neither parent has parental responsibility, the child takes the mother's name before marriage. 4 A change in the allocation of parental responsibility has no effect on names. The provisions on changing names are reserved. 299Inserted by No I of the FA of 30 Sept. 2011 (Name and Citizenship) (AS 2012 2569; BBl 200975737581). Amended by No I of the FA of 21 June 2013 (Parental Responsibility), in force since 1 July 2014 (AS 2014 357; BBl 2011 9077). |
Art. 270b300
III. Consent of the child If the child has attained the age of twelve, his or her surname may only be changed if he or she consents. 300Inserted by No I of the FA of 30 Sept. 2011 (Name and Citizenship), in force since 1 Jan. 2013 (AS 2012 2569; BBl 200975737581). |
Art. 271301
B. Citizenship 1 The child acquires the cantonal and communal citizenship of the parent whose surname the child bears. 2 Where a child acquires the surname of the other parent while still a minor, the child acquires the cantonal and communal citizenship of that parent. 301Amended by No I of the FA of 30 Sept. 2011 (Name and Citizenship), in force since 1 Jan. 2013 (AS 2012 2569; BBl 200975737581). |
Art. 272302
C. Support and common welfare Parents and children owe each other such support, consideration and respect as the good of the family community requires. 302Amended by No I 1 of the FA of 25 June 1976, in force since 1 Jan. 1978 (AS 1977 237; BBl 1974 II 1). |
Art. 273303
D. Contact I. Parents and children 1. Principle 1 Parents not granted parental responsibility or whose children are not resident with them are entitled to reasonable contact with their minor children, and their children are entitled to contact with them.304 2 The child protection authority may remind parents, foster parents or the child of their duties and issue them with instructions where the exercise or failure to exercise contact entitlements is detrimental to the child or where such reminder or direction is required for some other reason. 3 Contact entitlements must be stipulated if either the father or the mother so requests. 303 Amended by No I 4 of the FA of 26 June 1998, in force since 1 Jan. 2000 (AS 1999 1118; BBl 1996 I 1). 304 Amended by No I 2 of the FA of 19 Dec. 2008 (Adult Protection Law, Law of Persons and Law of Children), in force since 1 Jan. 2013 (AS 2011 725; BBl 20067001). |
Art. 274305
2. Restrictions 1 The father and the mother must refrain from any conduct that impairs the child’s relationship with the other parent or makes the task of the person with custody more difficult.306 2 Where contact with the child is not in its best interests, or the parents breach their duties in the course of such contact or have not cared for the child to any meaningful degree, or other good cause exists, the parents’ right of contact with the child may be refused or withdrawn. 3 Where the parents have consented to the adoption of their child or their consent may be dispensed with, their right of contact with the child is extinguished as soon as the child is placed in foster care with a view to future adoption. 305Amended by No I 1 of the FA of 25 June 1976, in force since 1 Jan. 1978 (AS 1977 237; BBl 1974 II 1). 306 Amended by No I 4 of the FA of 26 June 1998, in force since 1 Jan. 2000 (AS 1999 1118; BBl 1996 I 1). |
Art. 274a307
II. Third parties 1 In extraordinary circumstances, a right of contact with the child may also be granted to other persons and in particular to relatives, to the extent this serves the child’s best interests. 2 The restrictions on parents’ visiting rights apply mutatis mutandis. 307Inserted by No I 1 of the FA of 25 June 1976, in force since 1 Jan. 1978 (AS 1977 237; BBl 1974 II 1). |
Art. 275308
III. Responsible authorities 1 Responsibility for orders regulating rights of contact with the child lies with the child protection authority at the child’s domicile and with that of his or her place of temporary residence, insofar as the latter has taken or is taking child protection measures. 2 If the court regulates parental responsibility, residence or the child maintenance contribution in accordance with the provisions on the divorce and protection of the marital union, it shall also regulate contact.309 3 Where no orders have yet been issued regulating the father’s and mother’s contact entitlements, no contact may be had against the will of the person granted parental responsibility or with whom the child resides. 308Amended by No I 4 of the FA of 26 June 1998, in force since 1 Jan. 2000 (AS 1999 1118; BBl 1996 I 1). 309 Amended by No I of the FA of 21 June 2013 (Parental Responsibility), in force since 1 July 2014 (AS 2014 357; BBl 2011 9077). |
Art. 275a310
E. Right to information 1 Parents who do not exercise parental responsibility should be informed of special events in the child’s life and consulted before important decisions affecting its development are taken. 2 They are entitled to obtain information concerning the child’s condition and development from third parties involved in its care, such as teachers and doctors, in the same manner as the person with parental responsibility. 3 The provisions governing responsibility for and limitations on contact with the child apply mutatis mutandis. 310 Inserted by No I 4 of the FA of 26 June 1998, in force since 1 Jan. 2000 (AS 1999 1118; BBl 1996 I 1). |
Section Two: Parents’ Duty of Maintenance 311
311Inserted by No I 1 of the FA of 25 June 1976, in force since 1 Jan. 1978 (AS 1977 237; BBl 1974 II 1). |
Art. 276313
A. General I. Object and scope 1 Maintenance is provided by caring for and raising the child and in the form of monetary payments.314 2 The parents must, each according to their own abilities, provide for the child’s maintenance, including the costs of caring for and raising the child, his or her education and measures taken for his or her protection.315 3 The parents are released from their duty of maintenance to the extent that the child may reasonably be expected to meet the costs thereof from his or her own earnings or other resources. 313Amended by No I 1 of the FA of 25 June 1976, in force since 1 Jan. 1978 (AS 1977 237; BBl 1974 II 1). 314 Amended by No I of the FA of 20 March 2015 (Child Maintenance), in force since 1 Jan. 2017 (AS 2015 4299; BBl 2014 529). 315 Amended by No I of the FA of 20 March 2015 (Child Maintenance), in force since 1 Jan. 2017 (AS 2015 4299; BBl 2014 529). |
Art. 276a316
II. Precedence of maintenance for minors 1 The duty of maintenance towards a minor shall take precedence over other maintenance duties under family law. 2 In justified cases, the court may disregard this rule, in particular in order to prevent any disadvantage to a child entitled to maintenance who is of age. 316 Inserted by No I of the FA of 20 March 2015 (Child Maintenance), in force since 1 Jan. 2017 (AS 2015 4299; BBl 2014529). |
Art. 277317
B. Duration 1 The parents’ duty of maintenance lasts until the child attains the age of majority.318 2 If at that juncture the child has not yet had a suitable education, the parents must pay for his or her maintenance, to the extent conscionable in the overall circumstances, until such time as the child can complete a suitable education within the customary timescale.319 317Amended by No I 1 of the FA of 25 June 1976, in force since 1 Jan. 1978 (AS 1977 237; BBl 1974 II 1). 318 Amended by No I 2 of the FA of 19 Dec. 2008 (Adult Protection Law, Law of Persons and Law of Children), in force since 1 Jan. 2013 (AS 2011 725; BBl 20067001). 319Amended by No I of the FA of 7 Oct. 1994, in force since 1 Jan. 1996 (AS 1995 1126; BBl 1993 I 1169). |
Art. 278320
C. Married parents 1 For the duration of their marriage, the parents bear the costs of maintenance in accordance with the provisions of marital law. 2 Each spouse must give the other all reasonable assistance in discharging the duty to maintain children born prior to the marriage. 320Amended by No I 1 of the FA of 25 June 1976, in force since 1 Jan. 1978 (AS 1977 237; BBl 1974 II 1). |
Art. 279322
D. Court action I. Right to sue 1 The child is entitled to sue the father or the mother or both for maintenance in future and for one year prior to the bringing of such action. 2–3 ...323 322Amended by No I 1 of the FA of 25 June 1976, in force since 1 Jan. 1978 (AS 1977 237; BBl 1974 II 1). 323 Repealed by Annex No 2 of the Civil Jurisdiction Act of 24 March 2000, with effect from 1 Jan. 2001 (AS 2000 2355; BBl 1999 2829). |
Art. 280–284324
II. and III. ... 324 Repealed by Annex 1 No II 3 of the Civil Procedure Code of 19 Dec. 2008, with effect from 1 Jan. 2011 (AS 2010 1739; BBl 2006 7221). |
Art. 285325
IV. Amount of child maintenance contribution 1. Parents’ contribution 1 The child maintenance contribution should correspond to the child’s needs and to the parents’ financial circumstances and resources; the child’s assets and income must be taken into account. 2 The child maintenance contribution also serves to ensure that the child is cared for by the parents or by third parties. 3 The child maintenance contribution is payable in advance on the dates stipulated by the court. 325Amended by No I of the FA of 20 March 2015 (Child Maintenance), in force since 1 Jan. 2017 (AS 2015 4299; BBl 2014 529). |
Art. 285a326
2. Other payments for maintenance of the child 1 Family allowance credits paid to the parent required to pay maintenance must be paid in addition to the maintenance. 2 Unless the court rules otherwise, any child allowance, social security children’s supplement and similar child support benefits to which the parent subject to the duty of maintenance is entitled must be paid in addition to the child maintenance contribution. 3 Where as a result of old age or invalidity the parent subject to the duty of maintenance subsequently receives social security, children’s supplements or similar child support benefits which replace his or her employment income, he or she must pay said benefits to the child; by operation of law, his or her existing child maintenance contribution is automatically reduced by the amount of such new benefits. 326 Inserted by No I of the FA of 20 March 2015 (Child Maintenance), in force since 1 Jan. 2017 (AS 2015 4299; BBl 2014529). |
Art. 286328
V. Change of circumstances 1. In general 1 The court may order that the child maintenance contribution be automatically increased or decreased in the event of specified changes in the child’s needs, the parents’ financial resources or the cost of living. 2 If circumstances change considerably, at the request of one parent or the child the court will set a new level of child maintenance contribution or revoke it entirely. 3 Should the child have unforeseen, extraordinary needs the court may order the parents to make a special financial contribution.329 328Amended by No I 1 of the FA of 25 June 1976, in force since 1 Jan. 1978 (AS 1977 237; BBl 1974 II 1). 329 Inserted by No I 4 of the FA of 26 June 1998, in force since 1 Jan. 2000 (AS 1999 1118; BBl 1996 I 1). |
Art. 286a330
2. Shortfalls 1 If it was previously established in an approved maintenance agreement or a decision that no maintenance contribution could be set to provide due maintenance for the child, and should the circumstances of the parent liable to pay maintenance have since improved substantially, the child is entitled to claim payments that were not met by this parent during the previous five years in which payments were owed to provide due maintenance. 2 This claim must be brought within one year of it being known that the circumstances have improved substantially. 3 This claim passes with all rights to the other parent or to the state authority in as far as this parent or the state authority has met the missing share of the due maintenance. 330 Inserted by No I of the FA of 20 March 2015 (Child Maintenance), in force since 1 Jan. 2017 (AS 2015 4299; BBl 2014529). |
Art. 287331
E. Maintenance agreements I. Regular payments 1 Maintenance agreements are binding on the child only once they have been approved by the child protection authority. 2 Child maintenance contributions stipulated in such agreements may be modified, providing such changes have not been excluded with the approval of the child protection authority. 3 If the agreement is concluded in court proceedings, such approval must be given by the court. 331Amended by No I 1 of the FA of 25 June 1976, in force since 1 Jan. 1978 (AS 1977 237; BBl 1974 II 1). |
Art. 287a332
II. Scope of a maintenance agreement Where maintenance contributions are set in a maintenance agreement, the agreement must specify:
332 Inserted by No I of the FA of 20 March 2015 (Child Maintenance), in force since 1 Jan. 2017 (AS 2015 4299; BBl 2014529). |
Art. 288334
III. Final settlement 1 Full and final settlement of the child’s maintenance entitlement may be agreed if it is in the child’s best interests. 2 The settlement agreement becomes binding on the child only:
334Amended by No I 1 of the FA of 25 June 1976, in force since 1 Jan. 1978 (AS 1977 237; BBl 1974 II 1). |
Art. 289335
F. Fulfilment I. Entitlement 1 The right to child maintenance contributions is that of the child and, so long as he or she is a minor, is fulfilled by payment to the child's legal representative or to the person with whom the child resides, unless the court decides otherwise.336 2 However, where the state authority assumes the cost of maintaining the child, such claim and all attendant rights pass to the state authority. 335Amended by No I 1 of the FA of 25 June 1976, in force since 1 Jan. 1978 (AS 1977 237; BBl 1974 II 1). 336 Amended by No I of the FA of 20 March 2015 (Child Maintenance), in force since 1 Jan. 2017 (AS 2015 4299; BBl 2014 529). |
Art. 290337
II. Enforcement 1. Enforcement assistance 1 If a father or mother does not fulfil his or her obligation to provide maintenance, a specialist office designated by cantonal law shall, on application, help the child and the other parent to enforce the maintenance claim appropriately and free of charge. 2 The Federal Council determines the terms of enforcement assistance. 337Amended by No I of the FA of 20 March 2015 (Child Maintenance), in force since 1 Jan. 2017 (AS 2015 4299; BBl 2014 529). |
Art. 291338
2. Directions to debtors If the parents neglect to take due care of the child, the court may order their debtors to make payment in whole or in part to the child’s legal representative. 338Amended by No I 1 of the FA of 25 June 1976, in force since 1 Jan. 1978 (AS 1977 237; BBl 1974 II 1). |
Art. 292339
III. Security If the parents are persistently neglectful in their duty of maintenance, or if there are grounds to suspect that they are preparing to abscond or are dissipating or concealing their assets, the court may order them to furnish appropriate security for future child maintenance contributions. 339Amended by No I 1 of the FA of 25 June 1976, in force since 1 Jan. 1978 (AS 1977 237; BBl 1974 II 1). |
Art. 293340
G. Public law 1 Subject to the duty of relatives to provide support, public law determines who must bear the costs of maintenance if neither the parents nor the child may defray them. 2 Public law also governs the provision of advances to maintain the child if the parents fail to fulfil their duty of maintenance. 340Amended by No I 1 of the FA of 25 June 1976, in force since 1 Jan. 1978 (AS 1977 237; BBl 1974 II 1). |
Art. 294341
H. Foster parents 1 Foster parents are entitled to receive an appropriate fostering allowance unless otherwise agreed or clearly dictated by the circumstances. 2 Where children are fostered by close relatives or with a view to subsequent adoption there is a presumption that no remuneration is due. 341Amended by No I 1 of the FA of 25 June 1976, in force since 1 Jan. 1978 (AS 1977 237; BBl 1974 II 1). |
Art. 295342
J. Rights of the unmarried mother 1 Up to one year after the birth at the latest, the mother may file a claim against the father or his legal heirs for compensation:343
2 On grounds of equity, the court may award partial or full compensation for such costs if the pregnancy ends prematurely. 3 Third-party payments to which the mother is entitled by law or by contract must be taken into consideration to the extent justified in the circumstances. 342Amended by No I 1 of the FA of 25 June 1976, in force since 1 Jan. 1978 (AS 1977 237; BBl 1974 II 1). 343 Amended by Annex 1 No II 3 of the Civil Procedure Code of 19 Dec. 2008, in force since 1 Jan. 2011 (AS 2010 1739; BBl 2006 7221). |
Section Three: Parental Responsibility 344
344Inserted by No I 1 of the FA of 25 June 1976 (AS 1977 237; BBl 1974 II 1). Amended by No I 4 of the FA of 26 June 1998, in force since 1 Jan. 2000 (AS 1999 1118; BBl 1996 I 1). |
Art. 296345
A. Principles 1 Parental responsibility serves the best interests of the child. 2 Until such time as they attain the age of majority, children remain the joint parental responsibility of their father and mother. 3 Parents who are minors or subject to a general deputyship may not exercise parental responsibility. When the parents attain the age of majority, they are assigned parental responsibility. If the general deputyship is revoked, the child protection authority shall assign parental responsibility in a manner appropriate to the child's best interests. 345 Amended by No I of the FA of 21 June 2013 (Parental Responsibility), in force since 1 July 2014 (AS 2014 357; BBl 2011 9077). |
Art. 297346
Abis. Death of a parent 1 If the parents have joint parental responsibility and one parent dies, the surviving parent retains sole parental responsibility. 2 If a parent who has sole parental responsibility dies, the child protection authority shall assign parental responsibility to the surviving parent or if a legal guardian is appointed for the child, to the person more suited to safeguarding the child's best interests. 346 Amended by No I of the FA of 21 June 2013 (Parental Responsibility), in force since 1 July 2014 (AS 2014 357; BBl 2011 9077). |
Art. 298347
Ater. Divorce and other marital proceedings 1 In divorce proceedings or proceedings to protect the marital union, the court shall assign one parent sole parental responsibility if this is necessary to safeguard the child's best interests. 2 It may limit itself to regulating residence, contact or sharing of parenting duties if there is no prospect of the parents agreeing on these matters. 2bis When regulating residence, contact and the sharing of parenting duties it shall take account of the right of the child to maintain regular personal relationships with both parents.348 2ter Where joint parental responsibility is awarded, with respect to the child’s best interests, it shall consider the possibility of the child residing with both parents on an alternating basis, if this is requested by one of the parents or by the child.349 3 It shall request the child protection authority to appoint a legal guardian for the child if neither the mother nor the father can be expected to accept parental responsibility. 347 Amended by No I of the FA of 21 June 2013 (Parental Responsibility), in force since 1 July 2014 (AS 2014 357; BBl 2011 9077). 348 Inserted by No I of the FA of 20 March 2015 (Child Maintenance), in force since 1 Jan. 2017 (AS 2015 4299; BBl 2014529). 349 Inserted by No I of the FA of 20 March 2015 (Child Maintenance), in force since 1 Jan. 2017 (AS 2015 4299; BBl 2014529). |
Art. 298a350
Aquater. Recognition and court declaration of paternity I. Joint declaration by the parents 1 If the parents are not married to each other and if the father recognises the child, or the parent-child relationship is established by court judgment but joint parental responsibility was not ordered at the time of the judgment, joint parental responsibility is established based on a joint declaration by the parents. 2 In the declaration, the parents confirm that they:
3 Before making the declaration, the parents may seek advice from the child protection authority. 4 If the parents make the declaration at the same time as recognising paternity, the declaration is made to the civil registrar. A subsequent declaration must be made to the child protection authority at the child's domicile. 5 Unless and until the declaration has been made, the mother has sole parental responsibility. 350 Inserted by No I 4 of the FA of 26 June 1998 (AS 1999 1118; BBl 1996 I 1). Amended by No I of the FA of 21 June 2013 (Parental Responsibility), in force since 1 July 2014 (AS 2014 357; BBl 2011 9077). |
Art. 298b351
II. Decision of the child protection authority 1 If a parent refuses to make a declaration on joint parental responsibility, the other parent may request the child protection authority at the child's domicile to intervene. 2 The child protection authority shall order joint parental responsibility, unless the mother should retain sole parental responsibility or sole parental responsibility should be assigned to the father in order to safeguard the child's best interests. 3 At the same time as deciding on parental responsibility, the child protection authority shall regulate any other matters in dispute. An action for payment of the maintenance contribution may be brought before the competent court; in such a case the court also decides on parental responsibility and other matters relating to the child.352 3bis In its decision on residence, contact and the sharing of parenting duties, the child protection authority shall take account of the right of the child to maintain regular personal relationships with both parents.353 3ter Where joint parental responsibility is awarded, with respect to the child’s best interests, it shall consider the possibility of the child residing with both parents on an alternating basis, if this is requested by one of the parents or by the child.354 4 If the mother is a minor or subject to a general deputyship, the child protection authority shall assign parental responsibility to the father or appoint a legal guardian for the child, depending on which measure is more suitable to safeguard the child's best interests. 351 Inserted by No I of the FA of 21 June 2013 (Parental Responsibility), in force since 1 July 2014 (AS 2014 357; BBl 2011 9077). 352 Second sentence amended by No I of the FA of 20 March 2015 (Child Maintenance), in force since 1 Jan. 2017 (AS 2015 4299; BBl 2014 529). 353 Inserted by No I of the FA of 20 March 2015 (Child Maintenance), in force since 1 Jan. 2017 (AS 2015 4299; BBl 2014529). 354 Inserted by No I of the FA of 20 March 2015 (Child Maintenance), in force since 1 Jan. 2017 (AS 2015 4299; BBl 2014529). |
Art. 298c355
III. Paternity action If the court upholds a paternity action, it shall order joint parental responsibility unless the mother retains sole parental responsibility or sole parental responsibility is assigned to the father in order to safeguard the child's best interests. 355 Inserted by No I of the FA of 21 June 2013 (Parental Responsibility), in force since 1 July 2014 (AS 2014 357; BBl 2011 9077). |
Art. 298d356
IV. Change in circumstances 1 At the request of either parent, the child or ex officio, the child protection authority shall reassign parental responsibility if this is necessary to safeguard the child's best interests due to a substantial change in circumstances. 2 It may limit itself to regulating residence, contact or the sharing of parenting duties. 3 An action for a change to the maintenance payments may be brought to the competent court; in such a case the court may make a new ruling on parental responsibility and other matters relating to the child.357 356 Inserted by No I of the FA of 21 June 2013 (Parental Responsibility), in force since 1 July 2014 (AS 2014 357; BBl 2011 9077). 357 Inserted by No I of the FA of 20 March 2015 (Child Maintenance), in force since 1 Jan. 2017 (AS 2015 4299; BBl 2014529). |
Art. 298e358
Aquinquies. Change in the situation after the adoption of a stepchild in a cohabitation relationship If the person who adopts the child cohabits with the child’s mother or father, and there is a substantial change in the circumstances, the provision on the change of circumstances applies mutatis mutandis in the case of recognition and judgement of paternity. 358Inserted by No I of the FA of 17 June 2016 (Adoption), in force since 1 Jan. 2018 (AS 2017 3699; BBl 2015 877). |
Art. 299360
Asexies. Step-parents Each spouse must give the other reasonable support in exercising parental responsibility over the latter’s children and must represent the other spouse as circumstances require. 360Amended by No I 1 of the FA of 25 June 1976, in force since 1 Jan. 1978 (AS 1977 237; BBl 1974 II 1). |
Art. 300362
Asepties. Foster parents 1 If a child is placed in foster care with third parties, unless the relevant orders provide otherwise, these third parties exercise parental responsibility over the child in loco parentis to the extent required for the proper fulfilment of their duties. 2 Foster parents must be consulted before any important decisions are taken regarding the child. 362Amended by No I 1 of the FA of 25 June 1976, in force since 1 Jan. 1978 (AS 1977 237; BBl 1974 II 1). |
Art. 301363
B. Scope I. In general 1 The parents raise and care for a child with his or her best interests in mind and take all necessary decisions unless the child has capacity to act. 1bis The parent who is taking care of the child may decide alone if:
2 The child owes his or her parents obedience; according to how mature the child is, the parents shall allow the child the freedom to shape his or her own life and, wherever feasible, take due account of the child’s opinion in important matters. 3 The child is not permitted to leave the family home without the parents’ consent, nor may he or she be unlawfully removed from them. 4 The parents give the child his or her first name. 363Amended by No I 1 of the FA of 25 June 1976, in force since 1 Jan. 1978 (AS 1977 237; BBl 1974 II 1). 364 Inserted by No I of the FA of 21 June 2013 (Parental Responsibility), in force since 1 July 2014 (AS 2014 357; BBl 2011 9077). |
Art. 301a365
II. Deciding on the place of residence 1 Parental responsibility includes the right to decide on the child's place of residence. 2 If parents exercise joint parental responsibility and if one parent wishes to change the child's place of residence, this requires the consent of the other parent or a decision of the court or the child protection authority if:
3 If one parent has sole parental responsibility and if he or she wishes to change the child's place of residence, he must inform the other parent of this in good time. 4 A parent who wishes to change his or her own domicile has the same duty to provide information. 5 If required, the parents shall agree to modify the rules on parental responsibility, residence, contact and the child maintenance contribution in such a way as to safeguard the child's best interests. If they are unable to agree, the court or the child protection authority decides. 365 Inserted by No I of the FA of 21 June 2013 (Parental Responsibility), in force since 1 July 2014 (AS 2014 357; BBl 2011 9077). |
Art. 302367
III. Upbringing 1 The parents must raise the child according to their circumstances and encourage and safeguard the child's physical, mental and moral development. 2 The parents must arrange for the child, especially if he or she has physical or learning disabilities, to receive an appropriate general and vocational education that corresponds as closely as possible to the child’s abilities and inclinations. 3 To that end, the parents must co-operate as appropriate with school authorities and, where required, with public and charitable youth support agencies. 367Amended by No I 1 of the FA of 25 June 1976, in force since 1 Jan. 1978 (AS 1977 237; BBl 1974 II 1). |
Art. 303369
IV. Religious upbringing 1 The parents are free to determine the child’s religious upbringing. 2 Any agreement restricting this freedom is invalid. 3 Once a child is 16 years of age, he or she is free to decide his or her own religious denomination. 369Amended by No I 1 of the FA of 25 June 1976, in force since 1 Jan. 1978 (AS 1977 237; BBl 1974 II 1). |
Art. 304371
V. Representation 1. In relation to third parties a. In general 1 By operation of law, the parents are vested with the power to represent the child in all dealings with third parties to the extent they have parental responsibility for the child.372 2 If both parents have parental responsibility, all third parties acting in good faith may assume that each parent acts with the other’s consent.373 3 Parents acting as their child's representative may not provide any financial guarantees, establish any foundations or make gifts on behalf of the client, with the exception of customary occasional gifts.374 371Amended by No I 1 of the FA of 25 June 1976, in force since 1 Jan. 1978 (AS 1977 237; BBl 1974 II 1). 372 Amended by No I 4 of the FA of 26 June 1998, in force since 1 Jan. 2000 (AS 1999 1118; BBl 1996 I 1). 373 Amended by No I 4 of the FA of 26 June 1998, in force since 1 Jan. 2000 (AS 1999 1118; BBl 1996 I 1). 374 Amended by No I 2 of the FA of 19 Dec. 2008 (Adult Protection Law, Law of Persons and Law of Children), in force since 1 Jan. 2013 (AS 2011 725; BBl 20067001). |
Art. 305376
b. Child’s legal status 1 A child under parental responsibility may by his or her own acts establish rights and obligations and exercise strictly personal rights under the law of persons.377 2 The child is liable with all his or her assets for any obligations entered into, without regard to the parents’ property rights. 376Amended by No I 1 of the FA of 25 June 1976, in force since 1 Jan. 1978 (AS 1977 237; BBl 1974 II 1). 377 Amended by No I 2 of the FA of 19 Dec. 2008 (Adult Protection Law, Law of Persons and Law of Children), in force since 1 Jan. 2013 (AS 2011 725; BBl 20067001). |
Art. 306378
2. Within the family community 1 Children with capacity of judgement who are under parental responsibility may, with their parents’ consent, act for the family as a whole, but in so doing engage not themselves but their parents.379 2 If the parents are prevented from acting or if they have interests in a matter that conflict with those of the child, the child protection authority shall appoint a deputy or regulate the matter itself.380 3 In the event of a conflict of interests, the parents' powers become automatically void by law in relation to the matter concerned.381 378Amended by No I 1 of the FA of 25 June 1976, in force since 1 Jan. 1978 (AS 1977 237; BBl 1974 II 1). 379 Amended by No I 4 of the FA of 26 June 1998, in force since 1 Jan. 2000 (AS 1999 1118; BBl 1996 I 1). 380 Amended by No I 2 of the FA of 19 Dec. 2008 (Adult Protection Law, Law of Persons and Law of Children), in force since 1 Jan. 2013 (AS 2011 725; BBl 20067001). 381 Inserted by No I 2 of the FA of 19 Dec. 2008 (Adult Protection Law, Law of Persons and Law of Children), in force since 1 Jan. 2013 (AS 2011 725; BBl 20067001). |
Art. 307382
C. Child protection I. Appropriate measures 1 If the child’s best interests are threatened and the parents are unwilling or unable to remedy the situation, the child protection authority must take all appropriate measures to protect the child. 2 The child protection authority has the same duty with regard to children placed with foster parents or otherwise living outside the family home. 3 In particular it is entitled to remind parents, foster parents or the child of their duties, issue specific instructions regarding care, upbringing or education and appoint a suitable person or agency with powers to investigate and monitor the situation. 382Amended by No I 1 of the FA of 25 June 1976, in force since 1 Jan. 1978 (AS 1977 237; BBl 1974 II 1). |
Art. 308384
II. Deputyship 1 Where circumstances so require, the child protection authority shall appoint a child deputy whose function is to help the parents look after the child by providing advice and practical support. 2 It may assign special powers to the deputy, in particular to represent the child in the paternity action, in safeguarding the child's right to child support and the child's other rights and in supervising contact.385 3 Parental responsibility may be restricted accordingly. 384Amended by No I 1 of the FA of 25 June 1976, in force since 1 Jan. 1978 (AS 1977 237; BBl 1974 II 1). 385 Amended by No I of the FA of 21 June 2013 (Parental Responsibility), in force since 1 July 2014 (AS 2014 357; BBl 2011 9077). |
Art. 309386
386Repealed by No I of the FA of 21 June 2013 (Parental Responsibility), with effect from 1 July 2014 (AS 2014 357; BBl 2011 9077). |
Art. 310388
III. Revocation of the right to decide on place of residence 1 Where there is no other way to avert a threat to the child’s best interests, the child protection authority must remove the child from the parents or from any third parties with whom he or she is staying and place the child in a suitable location. 2 At the request of the parents or the child, the child protection authority must do likewise if relations between them have deteriorated to the extent that it is no longer conscionable for the child to remain in the family home and provided no other practical remedy is available in the circumstances. 3 Where a child has lived for some length of time with foster parents, the child protection authority may forbid the parents to take the child back if such action might pose a serious risk to the child’s development. 388Amended by No I 1 of the FA of 25 June 1976, in force since 1 Jan. 1978 (AS 1977 237; BBl 1974 II 1). |
Art. 311390
IV. Withdrawal of parental responsibility 1. Ex-officio 1 If other child protection measures have failed or offer little prospect of proving adequate, the child protection authority shall revoke parental responsibility:391
2 Where parental responsibility is withdrawn from both parents, a legal guardian is appointed for their children. 3 Unless expressly ordered otherwise, the withdrawal of parental responsibility is effective in respect of all the children, including those born subsequently. 390Amended by No I 1 of the FA of 25 June 1976, in force since 1 Jan. 1978 (AS 1977 237; BBl 1974 II 1). 391 Amended by No I 2 of the FA of 19. Dec. 2008 (Adult Protection Law, Law of Persons and Law of Children), in force since 1 Jan. 2013 (AS 2011 725; BBl 20067001). 392 Amended by No I of the FA of 21 June 2013 (Parental Responsibility), in force since 1 July 2014 (AS 2014 357; BBl 2011 9077). |
Art. 312394
2. With the parents' consent The child protection authority shall withdraw parental responsibility:395
394Amended by No I 1 of the FA of 25 June 1976, in force since 1 Jan. 1978 (AS 1977 237; BBl 1974 II 1). 395 Amended by No I 2 of the FA of 19 Dec. 2008 (Adult Protection Law, Law of Persons and Law of Children), in force since 1 Jan. 2013 (AS 2011 725; BBl 20067001). |
Art. 313396
V. Change in circumstances 1 If circumstances change, the child protection measures in place must be adapted to suit the new situation. 2 On no account may parental responsibility be restored within less than one year of its withdrawal. 396Amended by No I 1 of the FA of 25 June 1976, in force since 1 Jan. 1978 (AS 1977 237; BBl 1974 II 1). |
Art. 314397
VI. Procedure 1. General 1 The provisions on the procedure before the adult protection authority apply mutatis mutandis. 2 In appropriate cases, the child protection authority may request the parents to attempt mediation. 3 If the child protection authority appoints a deputy, it shall state the tasks of the deputy and any restrictions on parental responsibility in the decision. 397 Amended by No I 2 of the FA of 19 Dec. 2008 (Adult Protection Law, Law of Persons and Law of Children), in force since 1 Jan. 2013 (AS 2011 725; BBl 20067001). |
Art. 314a398
2. Hearing for the child 1The child is heard in person in an appropriate manner by the child protection authority or by a third party appointed for this purpose, unless this is inadvisable due to the child's age or other good cause. 2 The record of the hearing contains only the findings of relevance to the decision. The parents are informed of these findings. 3 A child capable of judgement may appeal against a decision to refuse a hearing. 398Inserted by No II of the FA of 6 Oct. 1978 (AS 1980 31; BBl 1977 III 1). Amended by No I 2 of the FA of 19 Dec. 2008 (Adult Protection Law, Law of Persons and Law of Children), in force since 1 Jan. 2013 (AS 2011 725; BBl 20067001). |
Art. 314abis399
3. Representation for the child 1 If necessary, the child protection authority shall order the child to be represented and appoint a person experienced in welfare and legal matters as the child's deputy. 2 The child protection authority shall consider the appointment of a representative in particular if:
3 The child's deputy may file applications and appeals. 399Inserted by No I 2 of the FA of 19 Dec. 2008 (Adult Protection Law, Law of Persons and Law of Children), in force since 1 Jan. 2013 (AS 2011 725; BBl 20067001). |
Art. 314b400
4. Committal to a secure institution or psychiatric hospital 1 If the child must be committed to a secure institution or a psychiatric hospital, the adult protection provisions on care-related hospitalisation apply mutatis mutandis. 2 If the child is capable of judgement, he or she may petition the court directly. 400Inserted by No I 2 of the FA of 19 Dec. 2008 (Adult Protection Law, Law of Persons and Law of Children), in force since 1 Jan. 2013 (AS 2011 725; BBl 20067001). |
Art. 314c401
5. Right to notify 1 Any person may notify the child protection authorities if a child’s physical, mental or sexual integrity appears to be at risk. 2 If a report is in the interest of the child, persons who are subject to professional confidentiality under the Swiss Criminal Code402 are also entitled to notify the authorities. This provision does not apply to auxiliary persons bound by professional confidentiality under the Criminal Code. 401Inserted by No I of the FA of 15 Dec. 2017 (Child Protection), in force since 1 Jan. 2019 (AS 2018 2947; BBl 2015 3431). |
Art. 314d403
6. Duty to notify 1 The following persons, provided they are not subject to professional confidentiality under the Swiss Criminal Code404, are obliged to report if there are clear indications that the physical, psychological or sexual integrity of a child is at risk and that they cannot remedy the threat as part of their professional activities:
2 The duty to notify is fulfilled when a person notifies a superior. 3 The cantons may provide for further notification obligations. 403Inserted by No I of the FA of 15 Dec. 2017 (Child Protection), in force since 1 Jan. 2019 (AS 2018 2947; BBl 2015 3431). |
Art. 314e405
7. Cooperation and administrative assistance 1 The persons and third parties involved in the proceedings are obliged to cooperate in ascertaining the facts of the case. The child protection authority issues the necessary orders to protect any interests worthy of protection. If necessary, it shall issue an order for the compulsory enforcement of the duty to cooperate. 2 Persons bound by professional confidentiality in accordance with the Swiss Criminal Code406 are entitled to cooperate without having to be released from this confidentiality requirement beforehand. This provision does not apply to auxiliary persons bound by professional confidentiality under the Criminal Code. 3 Persons bound by professional confidentiality in accordance with the Swiss Criminal Code are obliged to cooperate if the person entitled to confidentiality has authorised them to do so or if the superior authority or the supervisory authority has released them from professional confidentiality at the request of the child protection authority. Article 13 of the Lawyers Act of 23 June 2000407 remains reserved. 4 Administrative authorities and courts shall pass on the necessary documentation, reports and information, provided there is no conflict with interests worthy of protection. 405Inserted by No I of the FA of 15 Dec. 2017 (Child Protection), in force since 1 Jan. 2019 (AS 2018 2947; BBl 2015 3431). |
Art. 315409
VII. Jurisdiction 1. In general 1 Child protection measures are ordered by the child protection authorities at the child’s domicile.410 2 If the child lives with foster parents or otherwise outside the parental family home or if there is risk in delay, responsibility also rests with the authorities of the place in which the child is currently staying. 3 If the latter authorities implement a child protection measure, they must inform the authority at the child’s domicile. 409Amended by No I 1 of the FA of 25 June 1976, in force since 1 Jan. 1978 (AS 1977 237; BBl 1974 II 1). 410 Amended by No I 2 of the FA of 19 Dec. 2008 (Adult Protection Law, Law of Persons and Law of Children), in force since 1 Jan. 2013 (AS 2011 725; BBl 20067001). |
Art. 315a411
2. In marital proceedings a. Jurisdiction of the court 1 If the court is called on to rule on relations between the parents and the children in accordance with the provisions governing divorce or protection of the marital union, it must also order all necessary child protection measures and instruct the child protection authority to implement them.412 2 The court may also modify child protection measures already in place to take account of changes in circumstances. 3 However, the child protection authority retains the power:413
411Inserted by No I 1 of the FA of 25 June 1976 (AS 1977 237; BBl 1974 II 1). Amended by No I 4 of the FA of 26 June 1998, in force since 1 Jan. 2000 (AS 1999 1118; BBl 1996 I 1). 412 Amended by No I 2 of the FA of 19 Dec. 2008 (Adult Protection Law, Law of Persons and Law of Children), in force since 1 Jan. 2013 (AS 2011 725; BBl 20067001). 413 Amended by No I 2 of the FA of 19 Dec. 2008 (Adult Protection Law, Law of Persons and Law of Children), in force since 1 Jan. 2013 (AS 2011 725; BBl 20067001). |
Art. 315b414
b. Amendment of court orders 1 The court has jurisdiction to amend court orders regarding custody awards and child protection:
2 In all other cases jurisdiction lies with the child protection authority.415 414 Inserted by No I 4 of the FA of 26 June 1998, in force since 1 Jan. 2000 (AS 1999 1118; BBl 1996 I 1). 415 Amended by No I 2 of the FA of 19 Dec. 2008 (Adult Protection Law, Law of Persons and Law of Children), in force since 1 Jan. 2013 (AS 2011 725; BBl 20067001). |
Art. 316416
VIII. Supervision of foster children 1 Any person taking in foster children requires authorisation from and is under the supervision of the child protection authority at his domicile or some other body designated by the canton. 1bis Where a child is fostered with a view to subsequent adoption, a single cantonal authority is responsible.417 2 The Federal Council enacts implementing regulations. 416Amended by No I 1 of the FA of 25 June 1976, in force since 1 Jan. 1978 (AS 1977 237; BBl 1974 II 1). 417Inserted by Annex No 2 of the FA of 22 June 2001 on the Hague Adoption Convention and Measures to Protect Children in respect of Inter-Country Adoption, in force since 1 Jan. 2003 (AS 20023988; BBl 1999 5795). |
Art. 317418
IX. Cooperation in youth support The cantons issue such regulations as are required to ensure effective cooperation between the authorities and official bodies in the areas of child protection under civil law, the criminal law relating to young offenders and other youth support activities. 418Amended by No I 1 of the FA of 25 June 1976, in force since 1 Jan. 1978 (AS 1977 237; BBl 1974 II 1). |
Section Four: Property of the Child 419
419Inserted by No I 1 of the FA of 25 June 1976, in force since 1 Jan. 1978 (AS 1977 237; BBl 1974 II 1). |
Art. 318420
A. Management 1 As long as they have parental responsibility for the child, the parents have the right and the duty to administer the child’s property. 2 If a parent dies, the surviving parent must file an inventory of the child's property with the child protection authority.421 3 If the child protection authority regards it as appropriate in view of the nature and extent of the child's property and the personal circumstances of the parents, it shall order an inventory to be prepared or regular accounts and reports to be submitted.422 420Amended by No I 1 of the FA of 25 June 1976, in force since 1 Jan. 1978 (AS 1977 237; BBl 1974 II 1). 421 Amended by No I 2 of the FA of 19 Dec. 2008 (Adult Protection Law, Law of Persons and Law of Children), in force since 1 Jan. 2013 (AS 2011 725; BBl 20067001). 422 Amended by No I 2 of the FA of 19 Dec. 2008 (Adult Protection Law, Law of Persons and Law of Children), in force since 1 Jan. 2013 (AS 2011 725; BBl 20067001). |
Art. 319423
B. Use of income 1 The parents are permitted to use the income from the child’s property for the child’s maintenance, upbringing and education and, where equitable, also for the requirements of the household. 2 Any surplus accrues to the child’s property. 423Amended by No I 1 of the FA of 25 June 1976, in force since 1 Jan. 1978 (AS 1977 237; BBl 1974 II 1). |
Art. 320424
C. Drawing on the child’s assets 1 Settlements, compensation and similar payments may be used in portions to fund the child’s maintenance in accordance with its current requirements. 2 Where necessary to meet the costs of maintenance, upbringing or education, the child protection authority may permit the parents to make use of other parts of the child’s assets in specific amounts. 424Amended by No I 1 of the FA of 25 June 1976, in force since 1 Jan. 1978 (AS 1977 237; BBl 1974 II 1). |
Art. 321425
D. Freely disposable property of the child I. Endowments 1 The parents are not permitted to draw on revenue from the child’s assets if, when given to the child, they were designated as interest-bearing investments or savings or use of the revenue by the parents was expressly excluded. 2 Management by the parents is excluded only where expressly so provided when the child is endowed with the assets. 425Amended by No I 1 of the FA of 25 June 1976, in force since 1 Jan. 1978 (AS 1977 237; BBl 1974 II 1). |
Art. 322426
II. Statutory entitlement 1 By testamentary disposition the child’s statutory inheritance entitlement may also be excluded from management by the parents. 2 If the testator appoints a third party to administer the bequest, the child protection authority may require the latter to carry out periodic accounting and reporting. 426Amended by No I 1 of the FA of 25 June 1976, in force since 1 Jan. 1978 (AS 1977 237; BBl 1974 II 1). |
Art. 323427
III. Employment income, professional and business assets 1 The child manages and enjoys the benefits of all fruits of his or her own labour and of those of his or her assets that are released by his or her parents for use in the child's professional or business activities. 2 If the child lives with its parents in the family home, they may require the child to make an appropriate contribution to his or her maintenance. 427Amended by No I 1 of the FA of 25 June 1976, in force since 1 Jan. 1978 (AS 1977 237; BBl 1974 II 1). |
Art. 324428
E. Protection of the child’s property I. Appropriate measures 1 Where there is no adequate guarantee that the child’s property will be diligently managed, the child protection authority takes the necessary measures to protect it. 2 In particular, the child protection authority may issue instructions regarding such management and, where the periodic accounting and reporting is insufficient, may order the parents to deposit the property or furnish security. 3 Procedure and jurisdiction are regulated mutatis mutandis by the provisions governing child protection. 428Amended by No I 1 of the FA of 25 June 1976, in force since 1 Jan. 1978 (AS 1977 237; BBl 1974 II 1). |
Art. 325429
II. Withdrawal of management 1 If there is no other way to avert a threat to the child’s property, the child protection authority shall appoint a child welfare advocate to manage it. 2 The child protection authority does likewise if a child’s property that is not managed by the parents is threatened. 3 Where there is serious concern that income from the child’s property or the amounts designated for use or released to cover the child’s needs are not being used as intended, the child protection authority may also appoint a child welfare advocate to manage those assets. 429Amended by No I 1 of the FA of 25 June 1976, in force since 1 Jan. 1978 (AS 1977 237; BBl 1974 II 1). |
Art. 326430
F. End of asset management I. Return of property On termination of parental responsibility or the parents’ management, the parents must hand over the child’s property together with a final statement of account to the adult child or to the child’s legal representative. 430 Amended by No I 2 of the FA of 19 Dec. 2008 (Adult Protection Law, Law of Persons and Law of Children), in force since 1 Jan. 2013 (AS 2011 725; BBl 20067001). |
Art. 327431
II. Liability 1 The parents are liable to make restitution as if they were authorised agents. 2 The parents must surrender the proceeds of any property alienated in good faith. 3 The parents do not owe compensation for any authorised expenditures on the child or the household. 431Amended by No I 1 of the FA of 25 June 1976, in force since 1 Jan. 1978 (AS 1977 237; BBl 1974 II 1). |
Section Five: Minors subject to Guardianship432
432Inserted by No I 2 of the FA of 19 Dec. 2008 (Adult Protection Law, Law of Persons and Law of Children), in force since 1 Jan. 2013 (AS 2011 725; BBl 20067001). |
Art. 327c
II. Of the guardian 1 A guardian has the same rights as the parents. 2 The provisions on adult protection, and in particular on appointing a and acting as a deputy and the involvement of the adult protection authority apply mutatis mutandis. 3 If the child must be committed to a secure institution or psychiatric hospital, the adult protection provisions on care-related hospitalisation apply mutatis mutandis. |
Title Nine: Family Community |
Chapter One: Duty of Assistance |
Art. 328433
A. Persons obliged to lend assistance 1 A person living in financial comfort has a duty to lend assistance to any lineal relatives of older or younger generations who would suffer hardship without such assistance. 2 The duty of maintenance of parents, spouses and registered partners is reserved.434 433Amended by No I 4 of the FA of 26 June 1998, in force since 1 Jan. 2000 (AS 1999 1118; BBl 1996 I 1). 434 Amended by Annex No 8 of the Federal Act on Partnerships of 18 June 2004, in force since 1 Jan. 2007 (AS 20055685; BBl 20031288). |
Art. 329
B. Scope and enforcement of the claim for assistance 1 The claim for assistance is directed against those with a duty to provide it in order of their inheritance entitlements; the amount is dependent on the degree of assistance required to maintain the indigent claimant and on the circumstances of the person obliged to provide it. 1bis No claim for support may be made if the hardship arises from a restriction in the ability to pursue gainful employment owing to the care of one’s own children.436 2 Where in the light of special circumstances the court deems it inequitable to require a person to fulfil his duty of assistance, the court may restrict such duty or revoke it entirely.437 3 The provisions governing child maintenance entitlement and the transfer of such entitlement to the state authority are applicable mutatis mutandis.438 436 Inserted by No I of the FA of 20 March 2015 (Child Maintenance), in force since 1 Jan. 2017 (AS 2015 4299; BBl 2014529). 437Amended by No I 2 of the FA of 25 June 1976, in force since 1 Jan. 1978 (AS 1977 237; BBl 1974 II 1). 438Amended by No I 2 of the FA of 25 June 1976, in force since 1 Jan. 1978 (AS 1977 237; BBl 1974 II 1). |
Art. 330
C. Maintenance of foundlings 1 Foundlings are maintained by the commune in which they have become naturalised. 2 If a foundling’s parentage is established, the commune may require those relatives with a duty of assistance and, as a last recourse, the state authority under such duty to compensate it for the costs incurred in maintaining the foundling. |
Chapter Two: Authority within the Household |
Art. 331
A. Requirement 1 Where by law, agreement or family custom persons living in common household have a head of the family, such person holds authority within the household. 2 The authority extends over all persons living in the household, whether relatives by blood439 or by marriage or employees or persons in a similar position based on a contractual relationship.440 439Term amended by No I 3 of the FA of 30 June 1972, in force since 1 April 1973 (AS 1972 2819; BBl 1971 I 1200). 440Amended by No II Art. 2 No 2 of the FA of 25 June 1971, in force since 1 Jan. 1972 (AS 1971 1465; BBl 1967 II 241). |
Art. 332
B. Effect I. House rules and welfare 1 The house rules to which the household members are subject must take due account of the interests of all involved. 2 In particular, the household members must be allowed the freedom required for their education, occupation and religious practices. 3 All property brought in by the household members must be kept safe and sound by the head of the family with the same care and attention given to his own property. |
Art. 333
II. Liability 1 If damage is caused by a member of the household who is a minor, suffers from a mental disability, is subject to a general deputyship, or is mentally ill, the head of the family is liable unless he can show that his supervision of the household was as diligent as would normally be expected in the circumstances prevailing.441 2 The head of the family is obliged to ensure that the condition of a household member who suffers from a mental disability or a mental illness does not result in risk or damage to himself or to others.442 3 Where necessary, the head of the family must notify the competent authority with a view to having the requisite precautionary measures put in place. 441 Amended by No I 2 of the FA of 19 Dec. 2008 (Adult Protection Law, Law of Persons and Law of Children), in force since 1 Jan. 2013 (AS 2011 725; BBl 20067001). 442 Amended by No I 2 of the FA of 19 Dec. 2008 (Adult Protection Law, Law of Persons and Law of Children), in force since 1 Jan. 2013 (AS 2011 725; BBl 20067001). |
Art. 334443
III. Claims of children and grandchildren 1. Requirements 1 Adult children or grandchildren who have contributed their labour or income to parents or grandparents with whom they live in a common household are entitled to suitable compensation in return.444 2 In the event of dispute the court determines the amount of compensation, the security required and the payment method. 443Amended by No I 1 of the FA of 6 Oct. 1972, in force since 15 Feb. 1973 (AS 1973 93; BBl 1970 I 805, 1971 I 737). 444 Amended by No I 2 of the FA of 19 Dec. 2008 (Adult Protection Law, Law of Persons and Law of Children), in force since 1 Jan. 2013 (AS 2011 725; BBl 20067001). |
Art. 334bis445
2. Asserting claims 1 The compensation due to children or grandchildren may be claimed on the debtor’s death. 2 It may also be claimed during the debtor’s lifetime if his property is distrained or he is declared bankrupt, the common household ceases to exist or the business changes hands. 3 The claim is not subject to prescription, but must be brought at the latest on division of the deceased debtor’s estate. 445Inserted by No I 1 of the FA of 6 Oct. 1972, in force since 15 Feb. 1973 (AS 1973 93; BBl 1970 I 805, 1971 I 737). |
Chapter Three: Family Property |
Art. 335
A.Family foundations 1 A body of assets may be tied to a family by means of a family foundation created under the law of persons or inheritance law in order to meet the costs of raising, endowing or supporting family members or for similar purposes. 2 It is no longer permitted to establish a fee tail. |
Art. 338
II. Duration 1 Joint ownership in undivided shares may be constituted for a limited or indefinite duration. 2 If constituted for an indefinite duration, it may be terminated by any co-owner subject to six months’ notice. 3 Where the co-owned asset is an agricultural enterprise, such notice must always expire on a spring or autumn date in accordance with local custom. |
Art. 339
III. Effect 1. Type of ownership 1 Joint ownership in undivided shares binds the co-owners together in common economic activity. 2 Unless otherwise provided, they enjoy equal rights in the co-owned property. 3 For the duration of their joint ownership in undivided shares, they may neither seek a division of the property nor dispose of their own share. |
Art. 341
b. Manager's powers 1 The co-owners may appoint one of their number to act as their manager. 2 The manager represents the co-owners in all external dealings and directs their economic activities. 3 Where representation by the other co-owners is excluded, such exclusion may be invoked against third parties acting in good faith only if the sole representative is entered in the commercial register. |
Art. 342
3. Common property and personal property 1 The property under joint ownership in undivided shares is owned collectively by all the co-owners. 2 The co-owners are jointly and severally liable for debts encumbering such property. 3 Except where otherwise agreed, all property belonging to a co-owner besides that owned collectively in undivided shares, and all property inherited or acquired in some other manner without valuable consideration during the co-ownership is the personal property of that co-owner. |
Art. 343
IV. Dissolution 1. Grounds Joint ownership in undivided shares is dissolved:
|
Art. 344
2. Notice, insolvency, marriage 1 If one co-owner gives notice to terminate joint ownership in undivided shares or is declared bankrupt, or if his share is realised after having been distrained, joint ownership in undivided shares may be maintained by the other co-owners provided they reach a settlement with him or his creditors. 2 A co-owner who marries is entitled to request such settlement without giving notice of termination. |
Art. 345
3. Death of a co-owner 1 On the death of a co-owner, heirs who are not also co-owners are entitled only to settlement of his share. 2 Where he is survived by issue entitled to inherit his share, with the consent of the other co-owners such issue may accede to the joint ownership in undivided shares in his place. |
Art. 347
V. Revenue-generating co-ownership 1. Nature 1 The co-owners may entrust the exploitation and representation of the collectively owned property to one of their number on condition that he pay each co-owner a share of the net profit annually. 2 Unless otherwise agreed, such share is determined equitably on the basis of the average revenues generated by the property over a sufficiently long period and with due regard to the work done by the person managing it. |
Art. 348
2. Special grounds for dissolution 1 If the collectively owned property is not properly managed or the managing co-owner fails to meet his obligations towards the other co-owners, the joint ownership in undivided shares may be dissolved. 2 Where there is good cause, a co-owner may request the court to authorise him to assume joint management of the property, taking due consideration of the provisions governing the division of the estate. 3 In all other respects, revenue-generating joint ownership in undivided shares is subject to the provisions governing the joint ownership in undivided shares of a collectively managed business. |
Art. 349–358446
446 Repealed by No I 4 of the FA of 26 June 1998, with effect from 1 Jan. 2000 (AS 1999 1118; BBl 1996 I 1). |
Art. 359447
447Repealed by No II 21 of the FA of 15 Dec. 1989 on Approval of Cantonal Decrees by the Federal Government, with effect from 1 Feb. 1991 (AS 1991 362; BBl 1988 II 1333). |
Division Three: The Protection of Adults448
448 Amended by No I 1 of the FA of 19 Dec. 2008 (Adult Protection Law, Law of Persons and Law of Children), in force since 1 Jan. 2013 (AS 2011 725; BBl 20067001). |
Title Ten: Own Arrangements for Care and Statutory Measures |
Section One: Own Arrangements for Care |
Subsection One: The Advance Care Directive |
Art. 360
A. Principle 1 A person with capacity to act may instruct a natural person or legal entity to take responsibility for his or her personal care or the management of his or her assets or to act as his or her legal agent in the event that he or she is no longer capable of judgement. 2 He or she must define the tasks that are to be assigned and may issue instructions on how these tasks are to be fulfilled. 3 He or she may provide for a replacement for the event that the appointee is not suitable for the tasks, does not accept the mandate or terminates the mandate. |
Art. 361
B. Execution and revocation I. Execution 1 The advance care directive must be executed in holographic form or publicly authenticated. 2 A holograph advance care directive must be handwritten, dated and signed by the client from beginning to end. 3 On request, the Civil Register Office shall record in the central database the fact that a person has executed an advance care directive and the place where it is kept. The Federal Council shall issue the required provisions, in particular on the access to the data. |
Art. 362
II. Revocation 1 The client may revoke the advance care directive at any time in either of the ways provided for its execution. 2 He or she may also revoke the advance care directive by destroying the document. 3 If he or she executes a new advance care directive without expressly revoking the previous directive, the new advance care directive replaces the previous one unless it is clearly no more than an amendment to the same. |
Art. 363
C. Decision on effectiveness and acceptance 1 Where the adult protection authority learns that a person is no longer capable of judgement, but it is unaware if there is an advance care directive, it shall enquire at the Civil Register Office. 2 If there is an advance care directive, the adult protection authority shall verify if:
3 If the appointee accepts the advance care directive, the authority shall advise him or her of his or her obligations under the provisions of the Code of Obligations449 on agency contracts and issue him or her with a formal document stating his or her powers. |
Art. 365
E. Fulfilment 1 The appointee shall represent the client in accordance with the advance care directive and fulfil his or her duties with due care in accordance with the provisions of the Code of Obligations450 on agency contracts. 2 Where transactions must be carried out that are not covered by the advance care directive, or if the appointee has an interest in a matter that conflicts with that of the client, the appointee shall notify the adult protection authority immediately. 3 In the event of a conflict of interest, the powers of the appointee cease to apply by law. |
Art. 366
F. Remuneration and expenses 1 If the advance care directive has no instructions on the remuneration of the appointee, the adult protection authority shall specify appropriate remuneration provided this appears justified given the extent of the duties or if the services provided by the appointee are normally remunerated. 2 The remuneration and the required expenses are charged to the client. |
Art. 368
H. Intervention by the adult protection authority 1 If the interests of the client are endangered or no longer protected, the adult protection authority may take the required measures ex officio or at the request of a closely associated person. 2 It may in particular issue the appointee with instructions, order the appointee to file an inventory, regular accounts and reports or revoke all or some of his or her powers. |
Art. 369
I. Regaining the capacity of judgement 1 If the client regains the capacity of judgement, the advance care directive shall by law cease to have effect. 2 If the interests of the client are endangered thereby, the appointee must continue to carry out the tasks assigned to him or her until the client can safeguard his or her own interests. 3 The appointee is bound as if the directive still applies by transactions that he or she enters into before he or she learns that the directive has ceased to apply. |
Section Two: Statutory Measures for Persons lacking Capacity of Judgement |
Title Eleven: Official Measures |
Section Two: The Deputyship |
Sub-Section Three: End of the Deputyship |
Sub-Section Four: The Deputy |
Art. 400
A. Appointment I. General requirements 1 The adult protection authority shall appoint as deputy a natural person who has the personal aptitude and knowledge to carry out the planned tasks, who has the time required to do so and who can carry out the tasks in person. Where circumstances require, it may appoint two or more persons. 2 The person may only be appointed with their consent.452 3 The adult protection authority shall ensure that the deputy receives the instructions, advice and support that he or she requires 452 Inserted by No I 1 of the FA of 29 Sept. 2017, in force since 1 Jan. 2019 (AS 2018 2801; BBl 2017 18113205). |
Art. 401
II. Wishes of the client or his or her closely associated persons 1 If the client proposes someone as his or her deputy, the adult protection authority shall agree to the proposal provided the person proposed is suitable and is prepared to accept the deputyship 2 It shall if possible take account of the wishes of family members or other closely associated persons. 3 If the client rejects a specific person as the deputy, the adult protection authority shall respect this wish provided it is reasonable. |
Art. 402
III. Appointment of two or more persons 1 If the adult protection authority appoints two or more persons as deputies, it shall specify whether their tasks should be carried out jointly or who is responsible for which tasks. 2 Two or more deputies may be required to carry out their tasks jointly only if they agree to do so. |
Art. 403
B. Incapacity and conflict of interests 1 If the deputy is unable to act or if the deputy's interests conflict with those of the client, the adult protection authority shall appoint a substitute deputy or regulate the matter itself. 2 In the event of a conflict of interests, the powers of the deputy cease to apply by law in the relevant matter. |
Art. 404
C. Remuneration and expenses 1 The deputy is entitled to appropriate remuneration and to the reimbursement of necessary expenses from the assets of the client. In the case of professional deputies, the remuneration is paid and expenses reimbursed by the employer. 2 The adult protection authority determines the level of remuneration. It takes account in particular of the extent and the complexity of the tasks assigned to the deputy. 3 The cantons shall issue implementing provisions and rules on remuneration and reimbursing expenses if they cannot be paid out of the assets of the client. |
Sub-Section Five: Deputyship Tasks |
Art. 405
A. Assumption of office 1 The deputy shall obtain the information required to fulfil his or her tasks and shall make personal contact with the client. 2 If the deputyship involves asset management, the deputy shall immediately make an inventory of the assets to be managed in cooperation with the adult protection authority. 3 If justified in the circumstances, the adult protection authority may order a public inventory to be made. This has the same effect for creditors as a public inventory under the law of succession. 4 Third parties are obliged to provide all the information required for the inventory to be made. |
Art. 406
B. Relationship with the client 1 The deputy shall carry out his or her tasks in the interests of the client, take account of the client's opinions, where possible, and respect the client's desire to organise his or her life in a way that corresponds to his or her abilities and accords with his or her wishes and ideas. 2 The deputy shall try to develop a relationship of mutual trust with the client and to prevent any deterioration in the client's debility or to reduce the effect thereof. |
Art. 408
D. Asset management I. Tasks 1 The deputy shall manage the assets with due care and carry out all the legal acts connected with their management. 2 In particular the deputy may:
3 The Federal Council shall issue provisions on the investment and safe custody of assets. |
Art. 410
III. Accounts 1 The deputy shall keep accounts and submit them to the adult protection authority for approval at regular intervals specified by the authority, and at least every two years. 2 The deputy shall explain the accounts to the client and provide him or her with a copy on request. |
Art. 411
E. Reporting 1 The deputy shall submit a report on the client's situation and the deputyship to the adult protection authority as often as necessary, but at least every two years. 2 The deputy shall if possible consult the client when preparing the report and provide the client with a copy request. |
Art. 412
F. Special transactions 1 The deputy may not provide any financial guarantees, establish any foundations or make gifts on behalf of the client, with the exception of customary occasional gifts. 2 Assets that are of special value to the client or his or her family shall not be disposed of if possible. |
Art. 413
G. Duties of care and confidentiality 1 In fulfilling his or her tasks, the deputy shall have the same duty of care as an agent under the provisions of the Code of Obligations453. 2 The deputyship is subject to a duty of confidentiality unless this is contrary to overriding interests. 3 Third parties must be notified of the existence of the deputyship provided this is required for the deputy to duly fulfil his or her tasks. |