Every divorce incurs various costs, including lawyer and court costs. Court costs differ by canton. Here is a list of minimum fees in different cantons:
- Aargau: 1'800 CHF
- Appenzell Innerrhoden: 1'600 CHF
- Appenzell Ausserrhoden: 1'200 CHF
- Bern: 1'800 CHF
- Basel-Landschaft: 1'700 CHF
- Basel-Stadt: 830 CHF
- Glarus: 1'800 CHF
- Graubünden: 1'500 CHF
- Lucerne: 1'800 CHF
- Nidwalden: 1'800 CHF
- Obwalden: 1'800 CHF
- St. Gallen: 1'800 CHF
- Schaffhausen: 2'000 CHF
- Solothurn: 1'500 to 1'700 CHF depending on the court
- Schwyz: 2'000 CHF
- Thurgau: 1'400 to 1’800 CHF depending on the district court
- Uri: 1'700 CHF
- Zug: 1'800 CHF
- Zurich: 1'200 to 2'600 CHF depending on the district court
Unfortunately, the court cannot be chosen based on these costs. The court at the residence of at least one spouse always has jurisdiction.
Lawyer costs depend greatly on the lawyer chosen and the complexity of your divorce. Swiss divorce lawyers generally charge 300 to 600 CHF per hour. The hours needed depend on both partners' willingness to agree, whether each has a lawyer or one is instructed jointly, the complexity of the facts and your property regime. Very complex divorces can quickly reach five figures. In simple cases where most matters are already agreed, lawyer costs are comparatively low.
In short: Depending on canton, case complexity and lawyer, joint divorce costs may range from the low four figures to mid or high five figures. Contact us for a free quotation.