Changes to Swiss civil status
In Switzerland, up until 30 June 2022, a distinction was made between “ordinary” marriage for opposite-sex couples and “registered partnerships” for same-sex couples.
As of 1 July 2022, the Swiss Civil Code will only contain rules relating to “marriage for everyone”, which will therefore apply to opposite-sex couples and same-sex couples in exactly the same way. While it will no longer be possible to enter into new “registered partnerships”, the effects of partnerships validly entered into until 30 June 2022 inclusive will continue.
At the same time, the Swiss Federal Council and Parliament are potentially considering the establishment of a Swiss PACS (civil solidarity pact) to provide some sort of framework for all “couples” who do not wish to marry, but would still like their “union” to be more than a simple cohabitation. Under a PACS, couples could then perhaps have assistance and maintenance obligations, reciprocal powers of representation or even the right to a survivor’s pension following the death of the “spouse”.
Author: SwisNot, Bern
