In Switzerland, spouses can apply to the court without a lawyer and request a divorce together with the settlement of the ancillary consequences. The divorce must be pronounced by the court.
For the court proceedings, the granting of free legal aid and the appointment of a lawyer at court costs must be considered if the financial situation is tight. However, this only applies if the other spouse is not able to make an advance on legal costs.
Each spouse is free to engage a lawyer.
It is possible for both spouses to hire their own lawyer.
Often, however, only one lawyer is retained for cost reasons. In this case, it must be made clear from the outset whether the lawyer will represent the wife or the husband in the event of a conflict.
In mediation, a neutral expert (lawyer, other professions) supports the spouses in working out an amicable settlement. This can be submitted to the court.
