Family: what changes — Monsieur Hard, Lausanne

What changes, depending on your situation

Marriage or registered partnership: the matrimonial property regime. Without a contract, the default is participation in acquired property. A marriage contract can be useful, depending on your wealth.
Marriage or living together: the beneficiaries. If you are married, your spouse is in principle the priority beneficiary of your 2nd pillar (occupational pension, LPP) and third pillar (pillar 3a). If you live together unmarried, your partner can be named as beneficiary if the regulations allow it, generally after 5 years of living together or with a child in common. Notify your pension fund or foundation in writing.
Birth: the child’s health insurance. It is compulsory. You can choose a different health insurer from your own: compare.
Birth: family allowances. Apply for them through your employer, or through your compensation fund if you are self-employed.
Divorce: splitting the 2nd pillar. LPP assets built up during the marriage are in principle split half and half. Ask your pension fund for a statement.

Common mistakes

Living together unmarried and not naming your partner as beneficiary of your 2nd and 3rd pillars.
Insuring your child with the same health insurer as the parents without comparing children’s premiums.
Not checking how the 2nd pillar split is calculated in a divorce.

What I do for you

I review your insurance, your pensions and your taxes in the light of your new situation. We identify what needs adjusting, then move forward step by step.

Frequently asked questions

Does marriage change my taxes?

Yes. In Switzerland, married couples are taxed jointly. Depending on each partner’s income, the effect can be positive or negative. A calculation will tell you.

Does my child need to be insured from birth?

Yes. The child’s health insurance must be taken out within 3 months of the birth, with effect from the day of birth. The simplest is to deal with it beforehand.

If I divorce, what happens to my third pillar?

Pillar 3a assets saved during the marriage are in principle included in the division of property, depending on the matrimonial property regime. An agreement or the court sets the division.

In collaboration with Callenium GmbH, a non-tied insurance intermediary.