Existing user? Sign in
Share your needs with us, get contacted by law firms.
Free. Takes 2 min.
Wohlen, Switzerland Attorneys in related practice areas.
Private client law covers the legal issues that affect individuals and families - for example family law, succession and wills, estate planning, property transactions, tax matters, powers of attorney and advance directives, and personal financial and wealth protection. In Wohlen - a municipality in the canton of Aargau - these matters are governed by Swiss federal law together with cantonal rules and local administrative practice. Many matters are handled locally - for example civil registry matters at the Zivilstandsamt, property transfers through a notary in the canton, and civil disputes at the district court - while tax, notarial and procedural details follow cantonal Aargau and federal frameworks.
People commonly seek a private client lawyer in Wohlen for situations that require specialist legal knowledge, careful documentation or representation. Examples include:
- Drafting or updating wills and succession plans to reflect Swiss law and local practice.
- Advising on matrimonial property regimes, prenuptial agreements or separation and divorce settlements.
- Handling probate, estate administration and disputes between heirs.
- Buying or selling real estate, and arranging the necessary notarial deeds and registrations.
- Tax planning and tax return issues at federal and cantonal levels - including cross-border tax issues for commuters or foreign residents.
- Setting up powers of attorney, living wills or mandates for adult protection - to ensure care, medical and financial decisions are handled as intended.
- Wealth protection, charitable giving, and setting up foundations or structuring cross-border assets.
- Obtaining legal aid, representing you in court or negotiating settlements and mediation in family disputes.
Key legal sources and local features relevant to private client matters in Wohlen include:
- Swiss Civil Code (Zivilgesetzbuch - ZGB): governs family law, matrimonial property regimes, inheritance law and the legal instruments used for advance care planning.
- Swiss Code of Obligations: affects contracts and commercial aspects of individual transactions.
- Cantonal law of Aargau: influences taxation, certain procedural rules and the organisation of notarial and court services within the canton.
- Notarial practice: transfers of real estate and many matrimonial agreements must be notarised by a public notary in Aargau. Notaries are central to secure and binding property and family-law transactions.
- Courts and administrations: civil disputes and probate matters are typically heard at the district court level (Bezirksgericht), with appeals to the cantonal court in Aarau. Local civil registry and population matters are handled by the Zivilstandsamt and Einwohnerkontrolle of Wohlen.
- Taxation: Switzerland uses a three-tier tax system - federal, cantonal and communal. Canton Aargau and the municipality of Wohlen determine local tax rates and allowances. Cross-border workers and residents must consider double taxation treaties and automatic exchange of information rules (CRS).
- Adult-protection rules: Swiss law provides for advance directives (Patientenverfugung), mandates and powers of attorney to appoint trusted persons to act for you if you cannot do so. These instruments must meet formal requirements and are often recommended to avoid court-ordered measures.
A will in Switzerland must meet strict formal requirements. A handwritten will must be entirely in the testator's handwriting and signed - it is a common and valid option. A public will is drawn up by a notary. You should bring proof of identity, a clear statement of your intentions, details about assets and beneficiaries, marriage or divorce certificates and any existing testamentary documents. A lawyer or notary can advise on the most appropriate form and wording given your situation.
If there is no will, Swiss intestacy rules under the Civil Code determine heirs - typically spouse and children have priority, followed by parents or siblings. The exact shares depend on family structure. Swiss forced heirship rules also protect certain close family members. A local lawyer can calculate entitlements and advise on estate administration at the district court if needed.
Yes. In Switzerland property transfers require a notarised deed and registration in the land register. A notary in the canton of Aargau will prepare and authenticate the purchase agreement, verify identities and ensure correct registration. A lawyer can assist with contract review and tax implications before signing.
Yes. Spouses can choose a matrimonial property regime - ordinary community of property, separation of property, or participation in acquisitions - or create tailored agreements. Those agreements must be notarised to be binding. Legal advice is important to draft provisions that will hold up under Swiss law and reflect both partners’ expectations.
Basic state pension (AHV) and occupational benefits (BVG) have rules for portability, lump-sum payments and transfers that depend on destination country, residency status and local agreements. For EU/EFTA countries there are coordination rules, but outcomes vary for non-treaty countries. Consult a lawyer or pension specialist before moving, especially if you have vested benefits or cross-border employment.
Cross-border tax treatment depends on bilateral treaties between Switzerland and the neighbouring state. Many cross-border workers are taxed at source on Swiss income but must also declare income in their country of residence. Canton and municipal tax rules, and the applicable double taxation treaty, determine final liability. A tax lawyer or tax advisor familiar with Aargau rules can clarify obligations and reliefs.
An advance directive (patientenverfugung) allows you to set medical wishes for future incapacity. A power of attorney or mandate for personal care and finances can appoint someone to act for you. These documents should be specific, signed and stored where they can be found when needed. Lawyers or notaries can draft legally robust documents that match Swiss requirements.
Fees vary by complexity, lawyer experience and billing method - hourly rates, fixed fees or retainers. Some matters - like notarial property transfers - have statutory or customary fee ranges. If you have limited means you may qualify for legal aid (unentgeltliche Rechtspflege) after a means and merits test. Always ask for a fee estimate and a written engagement agreement before work begins.
Ask about the lawyer's experience in the specific area you need, local court and notarial experience in Aargau, language skills, fee structure, expected timeline and who will do the work. Check for professional registration and any potential conflicts of interest. A first consultation often clarifies fit and next steps.
Yes. Mediation is commonly used for family disputes - such as divorce-related financial issues, parenting plans and inheritance disputes - and often leads to quicker, less costly and more controlled outcomes. Courts may encourage or require mediation in some family matters. A lawyer can advise on mediation options and represent you in negotiations or court if needed.
Useful local and cantonal bodies to consult when you need information or formal services:
- Gemeinde Wohlen - municipal offices for population register, local permits and community services.
- Zivilstandsamt Wohlen - civil registry for births, marriages, deaths and related certificates.
- Einwohnerkontrolle Wohlen - registration and residency matters.
- Bezirksgericht Bremgarten - district court for civil, probate and family matters in the region.
- Notariat Aargau - notaries who handle property transfers, matrimonial contracts and certain estate documents.
- Kanton Aargau Steuerverwaltung - cantonal tax office for tax assessments and questions about cantonal tax law.
- Eidgenössische Steuerverwaltung - federal tax authority for national tax matters and information exchange rules.
- Schweizerischer Anwaltsverband - Swiss Bar Association for information about lawyer qualifications and professional standards.
- Local debt counselling and social services - for people with financial distress or needing social support.
If you need legal assistance in private client matters in Wohlen take these practical steps:
- Gather key documents - ID, property deeds, recent tax returns, pension statements, existing wills or agreements and any relevant correspondence.
- Identify the main issue - estate planning, property transaction, family law, tax advice or probate - and decide whether you need urgent representation.
- Contact a local lawyer or notary who specialises in private client work and Aargau practice - ask for an initial consultation and a fee estimate.
- Consider mediation or alternative dispute resolution for family or inheritance conflicts to save time and expense.
- If you have limited means, ask about legal aid and how to apply locally - many cantonal courts provide information about the process.
- Prepare questions for your first meeting - about likely outcomes, timelines, costs and next steps. If you do not speak the local language fluently, request a lawyer who can advise in your language or arrange translation.
Getting timely, specialised advice helps protect your rights and gives you clearer options - local lawyers and notaries in Wohlen and canton Aargau can guide you through the formal steps and ensure your documents meet Swiss legal requirements.
