Best Private Client Lawyers in Switzerland

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SWISS LAW INTERNATIONAL
Zurich, Switzerland

Founded in 1998
10 people in their team
Italian
German
English
Spanish
Welcome to our site!We are your experts in foreign law and immigration and present you directly here with a variety of interesting services. This enables us to assist you with all legal problems and inconveniences and to ensure that everything runs smoothly. Together with us, you are always on the...
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Niederer Kraft Frey AG
Zurich, Switzerland

Founded in 1936
500 people in their team
Romansh
Italian
French
German
English
The NKF StoryThe history of a premier Swiss law firmFind out more about the long history and the notable role that we have played in forming Swiss law.Constitution of Niederer Kraft FreyIt all began with three partners who decided to work together under the name of “Niederer, Kraft & Frey”....
Rechts Service
Basel, Switzerland

Founded in 2020
10 people in their team
Romansh
French
Italian
German
English
RS Rechtsservice AGbusiness philosophyThe concerns and interests of our customers are at the center of our service (law as a service). With our services, our expertise and our communication, we want to make it easier for everyone to access the law and provide the services with the necessary...

Founded in 2018
English
Schenkel & Serrago Rechtsanwälte AG, located in the heart of Lucerne, Switzerland, offers comprehensive legal services across various practice areas, including family law, real estate law, inheritance law, labor law, and criminal law. The firm provides public notary services, assisting clients...
Bär & Karrer AG
Zurich, Switzerland

Founded in 1969
50 people in their team
Romansh
Italian
French
German
English
Our core business is advising our clients on innovative and complex transactions and representing them in litigation, arbitration and regulatory proceedings. Our clients range from multinational corporations to private individuals in Switzerland and around the world.Most of our work has an...

Founded in 2015
English
Kellerhals Carrard Sion - Cabinet d'avocats - Notaire is a distinguished Swiss law firm offering comprehensive legal services across a wide spectrum of practice areas. The firm's seasoned professionals provide expertise in administrative law, bankruptcy proceedings, estate planning, labor...
comittment.ch
Lungern, Switzerland

English
Comittment.ch is a Swiss law firm specializing in estate planning, offering tailored solutions to individuals and families seeking to secure their financial legacies. The firm's experienced attorneys provide comprehensive services, including drafting wills, establishing various types of trusts, and...
WAEBER MAITRE
Geneva, Switzerland

Founded in 1908
50 people in their team
Romansh
French
Italian
German
English
YOUR HORIZONS, OUR MISSION.For more than 10 years, our private, commercial and institutional clients, in Switzerland and abroad, have trusted us and appreciated our values: rigor, anticipation, transparency, pragmatism.Thanks to our targeted skills, our experience and our network, we help companies...
Teichmann International
Frauenfeld, Switzerland

Founded in 1995
50 people in their team
Romansh
French
Italian
German
English
PROFILE LAW FIRMThe core business of our law firm is formed by the areas of corporate, commercial, labour, contract, family and criminal law. However, thanks to our expertise based on excellent training and experience, we can also offer comprehensive advice including process support for many other...
Bratschi Ltd.
Zurich, Switzerland

Founded in 2021
200 people in their team
Romansh
French
Italian
German
English
Dynamic and CommittedBratschi Ltd is one of Switzerland’s leading and rapidly growing law firms. We are a full-service law firm offering clients a broad range of first-class legal and counseling services. We focus on business and tax law and counseling for medium-sized enterprises.Our experienced...
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About Private Client Law in Switzerland

Private Client law in Switzerland refers to the legal services provided to individuals and families, often with significant personal assets or complex financial situations. This field encompasses areas like estate planning, inheritance law, tax planning, asset protection, trusts, succession planning, matrimonial property issues and charitable giving. Switzerland is known for its political stability, well-established legal framework and robust privacy laws, making it an attractive jurisdiction for wealth management and private client matters. Professionals in this area assist clients in organizing, protecting, and transferring their assets according to Swiss and international law.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

People seek legal help from Private Client lawyers in Switzerland for a variety of reasons, including:

  • Drafting or updating a will or testament
  • Planning business succession in a family enterprise
  • Managing cross-border assets or tax situations
  • Setting up trusts and foundations for asset protection or charitable purposes
  • Resolving inheritance disputes among heirs or beneficiaries
  • Complying with Swiss and international tax reporting requirements
  • Navigating marital property regimes in case of marriage, divorce, or death
  • Protecting vulnerable family members, such as minors or persons with disabilities

These situations can involve complicated local and international laws, making professional advice essential to avoid costly mistakes and ensure your intentions are legally protected.

Local Laws Overview

Several key aspects of Swiss law are especially relevant for Private Client matters:

  • Inheritance Law: Swiss inheritance law is largely governed by the Swiss Civil Code. Forced heirship rules protect close relatives, guaranteeing them a legal share of the deceased’s estate that cannot be overridden by a will. However, there is also a portion known as the "freely disposable share" that the testator can allocate as they wish.
  • Taxation: Tax rules vary between Switzerland’s 26 cantons, especially regarding inheritance and gift taxes. While some cantons have abolished these taxes for direct descendants, others still impose them. Swiss residents are taxed on their worldwide assets, while non-residents are generally taxed only on Swiss-based assets.
  • Marital Property Law: The marital property regime chosen by spouses - such as community of property or separation of property - affects asset division in the event of divorce or death.
  • Trusts and Foundations: While Switzerland does not recognize trusts under domestic law, it respects foreign trusts due to its ratification of the Hague Trust Convention. Foundations are commonly used for estate planning and charitable goals.
  • Cross-Border Issues: Many clients are affected by cross-border considerations such as international succession, tax reporting, and recognition of foreign wills.

Swiss legal procedures and local requirements can be complex and vary by canton, emphasizing the importance of localized legal advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is forced heirship in Switzerland?

Swiss law requires a portion of an estate to go to certain close relatives, such as children and spouses. This limits the testator’s freedom to distribute their assets entirely according to their wishes but leaves a disposable share for other bequests.

Do I need a Swiss will if I own assets in Switzerland?

Having a Swiss will is often advisable to ensure your wishes regarding Swiss-based assets are respected and to facilitate smoother local probate procedures.

Are trusts recognized in Switzerland?

Switzerland recognizes foreign trusts, but does not have domestic trust law. Swiss courts will apply the law of the trust’s origin, as per international treaties.

What taxes apply to inheritances in Switzerland?

Inheritance tax varies by canton and relationship to the deceased. Direct descendants often pay little or no tax, while distant relatives or unrelated beneficiaries may face higher rates.

How does Swiss law handle cross-border estates?

Swiss authorities coordinate with foreign legal systems regarding cross-border estates. Proper planning is required to avoid conflicts between Swiss and international rules.

Can I leave all my assets to charity in Switzerland?

You can leave part of your estate to charity, but forced heirship rules may limit how much you can bequeath, depending on your family situation.

What happens if I die without a will in Switzerland?

Swiss intestacy law will determine heirs and their shares according to familial relationships, which may not reflect your personal intentions.

Are marital agreements enforceable in Switzerland?

Marital agreements specifying property regimes are generally valid if properly executed, but must conform to Swiss law and procedural requirements.

What role does a notary play in Swiss Private Client matters?

Notaries in Switzerland often authenticate wills, property transactions, and some marital agreements, with requirements differing by canton.

Is Swiss banking secrecy still in force?

Swiss banking secrecy has been reduced due to international cooperation on financial transparency. However, privacy remains a fundamental principle protected by law, especially for domestic matters.

Additional Resources

For further information and guidance on Private Client matters in Switzerland, you can consult:

  • Swiss Bar Association - national body for qualified lawyers
  • Federal Office of Justice - provides information on civil law topics including inheritance and family law
  • Cantonal notaries and legal registries - handle local procedural requirements
  • Swiss Association of Notaries
  • Swiss Bankers Association - guidance on managing financial assets
  • Swiss Tax Conference - for cantonal tax rulings and interpretation
  • Charity organizations and foundations - if considering charitable giving

Next Steps

If you believe you need legal assistance with a Private Client matter in Switzerland, consider the following steps:

  • Gather essential documents such as wills, property deeds, tax records, and any marital agreements.
  • Write down your key questions and objectives for your assets and family situation.
  • Identify qualified lawyers or notaries who specialize in Private Client law, preferably with experience in your canton and any relevant international matters.
  • Schedule an initial consultation to discuss your situation, verify their expertise, and understand the potential costs and timelines.
  • Regularly review your estate planning and asset management to ensure your arrangements remain up to date with your wishes and any changes in the law.

Proper legal advice in Switzerland can prevent disputes, minimize tax liabilities, and ensure your assets are managed in accordance with your wishes. Reaching out to a professional early in the process will set a solid foundation for the protection and succession of your estate.

Lawzana helps you find the best lawyers and law firms in Switzerland through a curated and pre-screened list of qualified legal professionals. Our platform offers rankings and detailed profiles of attorneys and law firms, allowing you to compare based on practice areas, including Private Client, experience, and client feedback. Each profile includes a description of the firm's areas of practice, client reviews, team members and partners, year of establishment, spoken languages, office locations, contact information, social media presence, and any published articles or resources. Most firms on our platform speak English and are experienced in both local and international legal matters. Get a quote from top-rated law firms in Switzerland - quickly, securely, and without unnecessary hassle.

Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation. We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.