Today, July 1, 2014, joint parental custody becomes the norm. Switzerland is one of the last European countries to have a modern law on this. Here is our press release on this occasion:
Oliver Hunziker, president of the umbrella organization for shared parenting GeCoBi, speaks of a great day for children. "Finally, fathers in Switzerland will no longer be excluded from parental responsibility after a separation. This law sends a signal to all affected parents to work together to find viable solutions for childcare after a separation. It also sends a signal to the authorities to support, promote, and, where necessary, guide this approach."
The paradigm shift associated with the introduction of the new law reflects society's changing ideas about the division of roles in the family and creates the legal basis for modern care models.
Now it is up to the relevant authorities and courts to give the transition the necessary attention and support. Parents going through separation or divorce must be supported and, if necessary, guided by the authorities.
GeCoBi and its member organizations will continue to advise and support parents, but will also assist the authorities in the implementation.
The organization is concerned, however, about the developments in the revision of maintenance law. Oliver Hunziker explains: “It is worrying that the current revision will practically reverse the progress made toward joint custody. The proposed maintenance law contains no incentives to encourage fathers to participate more in childcare or to facilitate mothers' return to work. On the contrary, it promotes the traditional division of roles and particularly disadvantages fathers.”
GeCoBi will continue to advocate for modern family policy and up-to-date family law.
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