Obligation to work

The obligation to work in the context of Swiss matrimonial law is a legal principle that underscores the individual responsibility of each spouse to contribute to their own subsistence following a separation. This notion is deeply rooted in the values of independence and personal responsibility, forming a crucial component of how Swiss law manages financial aspects in a divorce.

In Swiss jurisdiction, marriage is viewed as a collaboration where both individuals have reciprocal duties, including the duty to financially support each other. Following a divorce, this mutual obligation does not entirely disappear but is modified to adapt to the new reality of the individuals as autonomous entities. The obligation to work symbolizes this modification by requiring each party to make a reasonable effort to provide for their own needs.

This principle is not intended to be punitive or excessively constraining. Instead, it is based on a balanced assessment of each individual’s capabilities and circumstances. It acknowledges that, although divorce marks the end of the marital union, it does not completely absolve spouses of the responsibilities they had as married partners.

The obligation to work is also interconnected with other elements of divorce, such as alimony. It influences the determination of the necessity and amount of alimony that can be requested. If a spouse has the capacity to work but chooses not to do so, this can affect the court’s decision regarding alimony. 

Criteria of the obligation to work

The obligation to work in Swiss matrimonial law is a complex and multifaceted notion. It is not applied inflexibly but is assessed considering various criteria reflecting each party’s individual situation.

The age of the spouse is one of the central elements of this assessment. An older individual, especially if they are close to retirement age, may face obstacles in obtaining employment. Job opportunities can be restricted, and employability may decrease with age. Therefore, the obligation to work can be adjusted or even waived depending on the age of the spouse.

Health status is also a vital criterion. If an individual is afflicted with a disease or disability that renders them unfit for work, the requirement to find employment is naturally mitigated. Swiss legislation acknowledges that the ability to work can be compromised by health issues, and this factor is integrated into the assessment of the obligation to work.

Qualifications and professional experience are also key factors. A person cannot be forced to accept a position that is well below their skills and experience. For example, if a spouse has a long and specialized career, it would be unfair to expect them to take a job that does not match their professional profile. This consideration ensures that the obligation to work is fair and balanced.

Furthermore, family obligations can influence the obligation to work. If a spouse is responsible for caring for children needing constant attention, this can seriously limit their capacity to work. Swiss law recognizes that childcare can hinder the ability to work, and this is considered in assessing the obligation to work.

Link with the maintenance contribution

The maintenance contribution, in the context of Swiss matrimonial law, is a crucial tool to ensure that each party’s needs are met after divorce. It is designed to avoid a significant imbalance in the living standards of the spouses and is intrinsically linked to the obligation to work, with these two aspects often analyzed in parallel to ensure a fair and equitable distribution.

The determination of the maintenance contribution takes into account various factors, including the needs and resources of both parties, their health status, and the duration of the marriage, among others. The goal is to find an arrangement that respects each spouse’s ability to provide for their needs while considering the mutual responsibilities that may persist after divorce.

The connection between maintenance contribution and the obligation to work is significant. The obligation to work imposes a reasonable effort on each spouse to support themselves financially, according to their means. On the other hand, maintenance contribution intervenes when these efforts are insufficient to ensure a decent standard of living.

This relationship is complex and requires careful case-by-case evaluation. If a spouse can work but does not make sufficient efforts to do so, this could diminish or nullify their right to maintenance contribution. Conversely, if a spouse does not work due to legitimate family obligations, such as caring for children, or due to health problems, this could justify a maintenance contribution, even in the absence of work.

The obligation to work and maintenance contribution in Swiss matrimonial law symbolize the principle that divorce should not create a financially unstable situation for either spouse. Balancing these two aspects demands a meticulous and sensitive evaluation of each party’s capacities, needs, and resources. Therefore, they often require the counsel of a specialized lawyer to ensure adequate assessment and implementation of rights and responsibilities.