Glossary · Swiss and international law
Matrimonial property liquidation (CC arts. 196 ss)
Division between spouses of assets acquired during marriage according to the applicable regime — participation in acquisitions by default in Switzerland.
Reference: CC art. 196-220
The ordinary regime in Switzerland is participation in acquisitions (art. 196 CC). Each spouse remains owner of their own assets; acquisitions (assets acquired for value during the marriage, salaries, returns) are split equally upon dissolution.
By marriage contract, the spouses may opt for:
- community of property (arts. 221 ss CC);
- separation of property (arts. 247 ss CC).
In cross-border situations, arts. 52 ss PILA allow the spouses to choose the law applicable to their matrimonial property regime.