Parental responsibility means the right and duty to make decisions the child cannot yet make themselves, such as school choice, relocation or medical procedures.
Since 2014, joint parental responsibility has been the rule upon Swiss divorce. It is generally departed from only if joint responsibility is not in the child's best interests, for example where a parent has previously been violent.
Parental responsibility must not be confused with physical care. Physical care means authority to live with the child and handle everyday matters. If the child lives with both parents in approximately equal, not necessarily identical, proportions, this is alternating care. If predominantly with one, it is sole physical care. Alternating care is generally possible only if both parents live nearby enough for the child to manage life from two homes.
In short: In Switzerland, parental responsibility is generally entrusted to both parents upon divorce. Exceptions apply only where this would conflict with the child's welfare.
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