Published on 3 February 2026

International Maintenance Matters

Introduction

If a person liable for maintenance is residing abroad and fails to meet their obligations, various agreements provide for cross-border assistance for persons entitled to maintenance for the collection of maintenance payments in the contracting states.

The agreements serve as a bridge between one legal system (country) and another. Central authorities in the respective countries cooperate and help with the enforcement of maintenance payments.

Contact points

For persons entitled to maintenance residing in Switzerland

For people entitled to maintenance residing abroad

If no Central Authority is listed for the country of residence of the person entitled to maintenance, there is no agreement with Switzerland for asserting claims through official channels. If the person liable for maintenance lives in Switzerland, it is possible to contact a lawyer in Switzerland:

Application Procedure

Further information

Federal Office of Justice

Central authority for international maintenance matters
Bundesrain 20
CH-3003 Bern