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Key Facts: Fachanwalt SAV Familienrecht Exam

Specialist Title

Administering Body

Practice Requirement

Course Requirement

Examination Format

Examination Fee

Passing Requirement

Continuing Education

The Fachanwalt SAV Familienrecht is the Swiss Bar Association's specialist credential for family law attorneys. Requiring bar admission, 5+ years of practice, an approved case portfolio, university coursework, a written exam (3–4h), and an oral colloquium (30 to 60 min), it evaluates expertise across Matrimonial Rights & Property Regimes (25%), Divorce, Maintenance & Pension Splitting (25%), Parent-Child Law, Custody & Support (20%), Child & Adult Protection Law / KESB (15%), and Matrimonial Procedure, Violence Protection & Cross-Border Law (15%). This bank provides 100 high-yield English-language practice MCQs reflecting Swiss statutes and landmark Federal Supreme Court jurisprudence.

Sample Fachanwalt SAV Familienrecht Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your Fachanwalt SAV Familienrecht exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Spouse A is the sole registered owner of the single-family house in Winterthur that serves as the marital home (Wohnung der Familie) for Spouse A, Spouse B, and their minor children. Without Spouse B's knowledge or consent, Spouse A signs a notarized deed of sale selling the property to a third-party real estate investor. What is the legal effect of this sales contract under Swiss marriage law?

A.The alienation is absolutely invalid (nichtig) because a spouse cannot alienate or encumber the family home without the other spouse's express written consent under ZGB Art. 169 Abs. 1.

B.The alienation is fully valid and enforceable against Spouse B because Spouse A is the sole registered owner in the land register (Grundbuch) and has absolute authority of disposition.

C.The alienation is valid but gives Spouse B an immediate statutory compensation claim of 50% of the market value under marital property liquidation rules.

D.The alienation is provisionally valid for 30 days during which Spouse B must obtain a retroactive court injunction to contest the commercial transfer.

Explanation: Pursuant to Art. 169 Abs. 1 ZGB (Protection of the family home / Schutz der Wohnung der Familie), a spouse may not terminate a lease, alienate the house or apartment, or restrict rights in the family home without the express consent of the other spouse. This restriction applies irrespective of the matrimonial property regime and even if one spouse is the sole registered property owner or sole tenant. Dispositions undertaken without the requisite consent or judicial substitution (Art. 169 Abs. 2 ZGB) are legally ineffective and null and void (absolut unvollwirksam / nichtig) vis-à-vis the non-consenting spouse.

2During their marriage, Spouse A purchases groceries, household supplies, and children's clothing totaling CHF 4,500 on credit from a local department store. When Spouse A fails to pay the invoices, the department store initiates debt collection proceedings (Betreibung) directly and exclusively against Spouse B. Is Spouse B legally liable for these debts?

A.No, because under the principle of separate debt liability (Art. 202 ZGB), each spouse is exclusively responsible for debts contracted under their own signature.

B.Yes, because both spouses are jointly and severally liable (solidarisch haftbar) for legal acts concluded by either spouse to satisfy the ongoing everyday needs of the family (laufende Bedürfnisse) under ZGB Art. 166 Abs. 1 and 3.

C.No, because joint and several liability under ZGB Art. 166 only arises if Spouse B signed an explicit guarantee or statutory co-debtor agreement.

D.Yes, but only if the matrimonial property regime is Community of Property (Gütergemeinschaft) and not the statutory Participation in Acquired Property (Errungenschaftsbeteiligung).

Explanation: Under Art. 166 Abs. 1 ZGB, each spouse represents the marital union for the ongoing everyday needs (laufende Bedürfnisse) of the family during cohabitation. Pursuant to Art. 166 Abs. 3 ZGB, both spouses are jointly and severally liable (solidarisch haftbar) to third parties for acts within this scope of representation. Groceries, household consumables, and standard clothing for children constitute classic ongoing family needs, rendering Spouse B personally liable alongside Spouse A regardless of who executed the purchase.

3In the context of marital protection proceedings (Eheschutzverfahren), Spouse B suspects that Spouse A is concealing substantial liquid assets and securities held in Swiss private bank accounts. Spouse A refuses to disclose bank statements or tax filings. What procedural mechanism does Swiss law provide to enforce transparency?

A.Spouse B must wait until the formal divorce evidentiary phase (Beweisverfahren) because duty of information does not apply during Eheschutz.

B.Spouse B can only request a penal search warrant under StPO Art. 196 for suspected fraudulent bankruptcy.

C.The court can order Spouse A as well as third parties (employers, banks, insurance companies, tax authorities) to furnish all necessary documents and information under ZGB Art. 170 Abs. 2.

D.Spouse B is restricted to requesting a certified asset extract from the local debt collection registry (Betreibungsauszug).

Explanation: Under Art. 170 Abs. 1 ZGB, each spouse has a mutual statutory right to receive full information regarding the other spouse's income, wealth, and debts. Under Art. 170 Abs. 2 ZGB, if a spouse refuses to provide the requested information, the court may compel the refusing spouse or order third parties—specifically banks, employers, pension funds, insurers, and tax offices—to produce the relevant financial records and documentation.

4Spouse A earns CHF 14,000 net per month as a corporate lawyer, while Spouse B manages the household and cares for the couple's three young children without outside employment. Spouse A covers all household expenses and direct bills but refuses to give Spouse B any personal spending money, claiming Spouse B has no income. What statutory claim does Spouse B have under Swiss marriage law?

A.Spouse B has no legal claim because Swiss law only obligates spouses to provide physical shelter and direct consumables.

B.Spouse B can only claim a share of profits if Spouse A runs an incorporated family business under OR Art. 620.

C.Spouse B must initiate an immediate action for separation of property under ZGB Art. 185 to obtain a monthly wage.

D.Spouse B is entitled to a reasonable monetary amount for personal discretionary use (Betrag zur freien Verfügung) under ZGB Art. 164.

Explanation: Pursuant to Art. 164 ZGB, a spouse who manages the household, cares for the children, or assists the other spouse in their profession or business is entitled to receive regularly from the other spouse a reasonable amount of money for their own free personal use (Betrag zur freien Verfügung). This allowance is intended to ensure personal dignity and autonomy and is separate from the general household operational funds (Art. 163 ZGB).

5During marital protection proceedings (Eheschutz), Spouse A begins liquidating significant commercial real estate assets and transferring proceeds to offshore accounts to frustrate future maintenance and property claims. Spouse B petitions the court for emergency protective measures. Which order can the Eheschutz judge issue under ZGB Art. 178?

A.The judge may order a restriction of power of disposal (Verfügungsbeschränkung) and instruct the land registry to enter a priority notice (Grundbuchanmerkung) prohibiting unapproved encumbrances or transfers.

B.The judge may immediately order the total expropriation of Spouse A's real estate assets and assign them into a state trust.

C.The judge can only issue an informal moral reprimand (Ermahnung) because property ownership rights cannot be restricted prior to final divorce.

D.The judge must automatically convert the property regime to Community of Property (Gütergemeinschaft) with immediate co-ownership.

Explanation: Under Art. 178 Abs. 1 ZGB, to the extent required to secure the financial basis of the family or the fulfillment of a financial obligation arising from the marriage, the court may make dispositions of certain assets subject to the other spouse's consent or court authorization. Under Art. 178 Abs. 2 ZGB, the court may order appropriate security measures, specifically including the entry of a restriction of power of disposal (Verfügungsbeschränkung) in the land register (Grundbuch) pursuant to Art. 960 Abs. 1 Ziff. 1 ZGB.

6In a binding Eheschutz decision, Spouse A was ordered to pay CHF 2,800 monthly maintenance to Spouse B. Spouse A deliberately defaults on payments for four consecutive months despite having a steady employment salary of CHF 9,000 net. What statutory remedy allows Spouse B to secure future payments directly from Spouse A's employer?

A.Spouse B must initiate a criminal complaint for fraud under StGB Art. 146 before any civil salary deduction can occur.

B.Spouse B may petition the court for a direct debtor instruction (Schuldneranweisung) under ZGB Art. 177, ordering the employer to pay the maintenance directly to Spouse B.

C.Spouse B can only request a provisional seizure of household furniture under SchKG Art. 91.

D.Spouse B must wait until the child reaches age 18 to request a retroactive state compensation advance.

Explanation: Under Art. 177 ZGB (and similarly in divorce under Art. 132 ZGB), if a spouse neglects their duty to provide maintenance to the family, the court may direct that spouse's debtors (most commonly an employer paying salary, a pension fund, or a commercial tenant) to make payment in whole or in part directly to the entitled spouse. This direct debtor instruction (Schuldneranweisung / avis aux débiteurs) operates as a powerful, immediate enforcement tool bypassing normal debt collection stages.

7Under the statutory matrimonial property regime of Participation in Acquired Property (Errungenschaftsbeteiligung), Spouse A inherits a portfolio of blue-chip shares valued at CHF 300,000 from a deceased parent during the marriage. How is this portfolio categorized within Spouse A's matrimonial property masses?

A.It is categorized entirely as acquired property (Errungenschaft) because it was acquired during the course of the marriage.

B.It is split 50% into individual property (Eigengut) and 50% into acquired property (Errungenschaft) by statutory presumption.

C.It is categorized as individual property by law (Eigengut kraft Gesetzes) under ZGB Art. 198 Ziff. 2.

D.It becomes joint property (Gesamtgut) subject to immediate co-ownership by Spouse B.

Explanation: Pursuant to Art. 198 Ziff. 2 ZGB, assets that devolve upon a spouse by inheritance (Erbschaft) or otherwise gratuitously (Schenkung/Erbvorbezug) during the marriage constitute individual property by operation of law (Eigengut von Gesetzes wegen). Although acquired during marriage, gratuitous acquisitions do not stem from marital economic cooperation and therefore remain protected Eigengut.

8Spouse A owns an apartment building in Lucerne that is indisputably Spouse A's individual property (Eigengut). During the marriage, the building generates net rental income of CHF 60,000 per year, which is deposited into a dedicated savings account. The spouses have not concluded a marital agreement (Ehevertrag). How is this accumulated rental income classified at the liquidation of the property regime?

A.It remains Eigengut because it derives directly from an asset that is Eigengut (fruit follows the tree principle).

B.It is classified as joint property (Gesamtgut) subject to immediate equal physical partition.

C.It is treated as a non-compensable donation to Spouse B under ZGB Art. 248.

D.It is classified as acquired property (Errungenschaft) under ZGB Art. 197 Abs. 2 Ziff. 4.

Explanation: Under Art. 197 Abs. 2 Ziff. 4 ZGB, the income and yields derived from individual property (Erträge des Eigengutes, such as dividends, interest, and rental yields) constitute acquired property (Errungenschaft) by statutory rule. While the underlying capital asset remains Eigengut, its ongoing fruits fall into Errungenschaft during the marriage unless the spouses specifically agreed in a notarized marital contract (Ehevertrag) that revenues from Eigengut remain Eigengut (Art. 199 Abs. 2 ZGB).

9Spouse A purchased a commercial property for CHF 500,000 in 2018, financed with CHF 400,000 from Spouse A's Eigengut and a direct non-repayable contribution of CHF 100,000 from Spouse B's Errungenschaft. At the time of matrimonial property liquidation in 2026, the market value of the property has risen to CHF 750,000 without any further investments. What is the amount of Spouse B's value-increase claim (Mehrwertanteil) under ZGB Art. 206 Abs. 1?

A.CHF 150,000 (representing the original CHF 100,000 contribution plus a proportionate 20% share of the CHF 250,000 capital appreciation).

B.CHF 100,000 strictly, because contributions between spouses under Errungenschaftsbeteiligung are reimbursed at nominal value only.

C.CHF 225,000 (representing exactly 30% of the gross liquidation value).

D.CHF 125,000 (representing the original contribution plus half of the unearned market appreciation).

Explanation: Under Art. 206 Abs. 1 ZGB (Variable investment participation / Mehrwertanteil), where a spouse has contributed to the acquisition, improvement, or preservation of an asset of the other spouse without corresponding counter-performance, and where the asset has increased in value, the contributing spouse is entitled to a claim corresponding to their proportional contribution share in the current value. Spouse B contributed CHF 100,000 / CHF 500,000 = 20% of the original cost. With a current value of CHF 750,000, Spouse B's claim is 20% * CHF 750,000 = CHF 150,000 (the nominal CHF 100,000 plus 20% of the CHF 250,000 value increase = CHF 50,000).

10Spouse A owned a residential building as Eigengut worth CHF 600,000 at the time of marriage. During the marriage, Spouse A invested CHF 200,000 from Spouse A's own Errungenschaft (saved employment salary) to construct a luxury extension. At the time of dissolution, the property is appraised at CHF 1,200,000. How is the internal compensation claim (Ersatzforderung) between Spouse A's Errungenschaft and Eigengut calculated under ZGB Art. 209 Abs. 3?

A.Errungenschaft receives a fixed nominal reimbursement of CHF 200,000 without any share in the value increase.

B.Errungenschaft is entitled to CHF 300,000 (representing its 25% proportional contribution share of the total CHF 800,000 investment base applied to the CHF 1,200,000 final value).

C.Errungenschaft takes the entire CHF 400,000 value appreciation because work during marriage is presumed to benefit the marital community.

D.Errungenschaft receives CHF 600,000 because Eigengut is capped at its historical entry value at marriage.

Explanation: Under Art. 209 Abs. 3 ZGB, where debts of one property mass were discharged by funds of the other mass, or where one mass contributed to the acquisition, improvement, or preservation of assets of the other mass, the compensation claim (Ersatzforderung) is calculated proportionally to the contribution if the asset has experienced a change in value. The total investment base was CHF 600,000 (Eigengut) + CHF 200,000 (Errungenschaft) = CHF 800,000. The contribution ratio of Errungenschaft was 200,000 / 800,000 = 25%. Applying 25% to the final value of CHF 1,200,000 yields a compensation claim of CHF 300,000 in favor of Errungenschaft.

About the Fachanwalt SAV Familienrecht Exam

The Fachanwalt SAV Familienrecht (Avocat spécialiste FSA droit de la famille / Avvocato specialista FSA diritto di famiglia) is the premier federal postgraduate specialist title for family law attorneys in Switzerland, established and governed by the Swiss Bar Association (SAV / FSA). To obtain this prestigious qualification, an attorney must possess active cantonal bar admission, complete a rigorous university-affiliated postgraduate curriculum (Fachanwaltskurs Familienrecht), document an extensive track record of complex family law cases, pass an intensive written specialist examination, and defend their practical expertise in an oral Fachgespräch before the SAV Fachkommission. The syllabus encompasses matrimonial property regimes (Errungenschaftsbeteiligung liquidation, value increase participation Art. 206, compensation claims Art. 209, add-backs Art. 208, and marital agreements), divorce and separation proceedings (Eheschutz, contentious divorce Art. 114/115), post-marital maintenance under the uniform two-stage method (Art. 125, BGE 147 III 265), occupational pension equalization (BVG-Vorsorgeausgleich Art. 122–124e), parent-child law (filiation, joint custody Art. 296/298, relocation Art. 301a, direct and care child maintenance Art. 276/285), child and adult protection under KESB (child protection measures Art. 307–312, advance directives Art. 360, curatorships Art. 390–398, involuntary placement FU Art. 426), family civil procedure under ZPO (investigative and official maxims Art. 296, summary proceedings, interim relief Art. 276), domestic violence protection (Art. 28b ZGB), and private international family law (IPRG and 1980 Hague Child Abduction Convention). NOTE: This 100-question practice bank is an English-language MCQ study adaptation for the Swiss Bar Association specialist title Fachanwalt SAV Familienrecht (Avocat spécialiste FSA droit de la famille) administered by the SAV/FSA Fachkommission Familienrecht.

Assessment

Performance-based assessment

Time Limit

3–3 to 5 hours (written specialist examination) + 30 to 60 min (oral Fachgespräch)

Passing Score

Pass (Verified case portfolio + a passed written examination + successful oral defense)

Exam Fee

CHF 1,800 (Schweizerischer Anwaltsverband (SAV) / Fédération Suisse des Avocats (FSA) — Fachkommission Familienrecht)

Fachanwalt SAV Familienrecht Exam Content Outline

25%

Matrimonial Rights & Property Regimes

General effects of marriage (ZGB Art. 159–170), protection of the family residence (Wohnung der Familie Art. 169), representation of the marital union and joint liability (Art. 166), duty of mutual information (Art. 170), and marital protection proceedings (Eheschutzmassnahmen ZGB Art. 171–180, monetary allocation, home assignment, summary procedure). Comprehensive liquidation of matrimonial property regimes: Participation in acquired property (Errungenschaftsbeteiligung Art. 196–220), classification into individual property (Eigengut Art. 198) and acquired property (Errungenschaft Art. 197), presumption of Errungenschaft (Art. 200), variable investment participation and value increase claims (Mehrwertanteil Art. 206), compensation claims between property masses of the same spouse (Ersatzforderungen Art. 209), statutory add-backs (Hinzurechnung Art. 208), critical dates for asset composition and valuation (Art. 204/214), surplus liquidation (Vorschlagsbeteiligung Art. 215), contractual modifications via marital agreement (Eheverträge Art. 182–184 / 216), Separation of Property (Gütertrennung Art. 247–251), and Community of Property (Gütergemeinschaft Art. 221–246).

25%

Divorce, Maintenance & Pension Splitting

Divorce grounds and procedures under Swiss Civil Code: Joint petition divorce with complete agreement (Art. 111) or partial agreement (Art. 112), contentious divorce action following two years of factual separation (Art. 114), and divorce for severe unconscionable reasons (Unzumutbarkeit Art. 115). Post-marital maintenance (Nachehelicher Unterhalt ZGB Art. 125): clean-break principle, assessment of self-sufficiency capacity (Eigenversorgungskapazität), departure from rigid 10-year rule for life-shaping marriage (lebensprägende Ehe, BGE 147 III 249 / 308), Schulstufenmodell standard (BGE 144 III 481), mandatory uniform two-stage method with surplus sharing (zweistufige Methode mit Überschussverteilung, BGE 147 III 265 / 293 / 301), expanded civil subsistence minimum calculation, grounds for restriction/refusal (Art. 125 Abs. 3), modification, and extinction upon remarriage or qualified concubinage (ZGB Art. 129/130). Occupational pension equalization (BVG-Vorsorgeausgleich ZGB Art. 122–124e): 50:50 equal division of termination benefits acquired during marriage, pension-phase conversion to lifelong annuities (Art. 124a), compensation from other assets (Art. 124b), strict judicial review of waivers (Art. 124b Abs. 1), and indexing of pre-marital capital.

20%

Parent-Child Law, Custody & Support

Establishment and challenge of filiation (Kindesverhältnis ZGB Art. 252–269c): maternal filiation, presumption of paternity (Art. 255), acknowledgment (Anerkennung Art. 260), paternity action (Art. 261), challenge of paternity (Art. 256–259), legal parentage via sperm donation under Marriage for All (Art. 255a), and adoption rules (Art. 264 ff.). Parental custody and personal contact (ZGB Art. 296–306): principle of joint parental custody (gemeinsame elterliche Sorge Art. 296 Abs. 2 / 298a) as statutory rule, exceptional conditions for sole custody (Art. 298 Abs. 1), physical custody (Obhut), alternating custody (alternierende Obhut) assessment criteria, personal visitation rights (Besuchsrecht Art. 273), and relocation/change of child residence restrictions (Wohnsitzwechsel Art. 301a). Child maintenance (Kindesunterhalt ZGB Art. 276–293): direct child support (Barunterhalt), care maintenance (Betreuungsunterhalt Art. 285 Abs. 2, BGE 144 III 377), priority cascade in deficit situations (Manko-Kaskade), absolute protection of obligor's bare subsistence minimum, and adult child education support (Volljährigenunterhalt ZGB Art. 277 Abs. 2).

15%

Child & Adult Protection Law (KESB)

Child protection measures (Kindesschutzmassnahmen ZGB Art. 307–315b): statutory instructions and warnings (Art. 307), child educational and supervision curatorship (Kindesbeistandschaft Art. 308), deprivation of parental care and foster/institutional placement (Obhutsentzug Art. 310), and withdrawal of parental custody as measure of last resort (Entzug der elterlichen Sorge Art. 311/312). Adult protection law (Erwachsenenschutzrecht ZGB Art. 360–456): Advance care directives (Vorsorgeauftrag Art. 360–369, formal validity requirements, validation procedure by KESB), living wills / health care proxies (Patientenverfügung Art. 370–373), statutory representation by spouse/partner (Art. 374–376), official curatorship models (Beistandschaften Art. 390–398: accompanying Art. 393, representative Art. 394/395, advisory Art. 396, comprehensive Art. 398), involuntary civil placement for care (Fürsorgerische Unterbringung FU ZGB Art. 426–439, statutory criteria, medical vs KESB orders, 10-day judicial appeal to cantonal court Art. 439), and KESB administrative and procedural safeguards (Art. 443–450f).

15%

Matrimonial Procedure, Violence Protection & Cross-Border Law

Civil procedure in family matters under Swiss Civil Procedure Code (ZPO Art. 271–307): procedural maxims, unrestricted investigative and official maxims for child matters (uneingeschränkte Untersuchungs- und Offizialmaxime Art. 296 ZPO), dispositive and limited social investigative maxims for spousal property/maintenance claims, mandatory child hearing standards (Kindesanhörung Art. 298 ZPO), independent child representation (Kindesvertretung Art. 299 ZPO), summary proceedings in Eheschutz (Art. 271 ZPO), interim relief in divorce actions (vorsorgliche Massnahmen Art. 276 ZPO), and federal appeal standards to the Federal Supreme Court (BGG Art. 72/98). Protection against violence, threats, and harassment (ZGB Art. 28b): restraining orders, exclusion from the home (Wegweisung), electronic monitoring (Art. 28b Abs. 3), and procedural cost waivers (Art. 114 lit. f ZPO). Same-sex marriage legal framework (Ehe für alle, effective 1 July 2022) and partnership conversions. Cross-border family law: Swiss Private International Law Act (IPRG Art. 43–85, habitual residence jurisdiction, choice of law), Lugano Convention (LugÜ Art. 5 No. 2 maintenance jurisdiction), and 1980 Hague Child Abduction Convention (HKÜ / BG-KID, wrongful removal, mandatory return, strict interpretation of grave risk exceptions under Art. 13 HKÜ).

How to Pass the Fachanwalt SAV Familienrecht Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: Pass (Verified case portfolio + a passed written examination + successful oral defense)
Assessment: Performance-based assessment
Time limit: 3–3 to 5 hours (written specialist examination) + 30 to 60 min (oral Fachgespräch)
Exam fee: CHF 1,800

Keys to Passing

Work through all 100 available questions
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Fachanwalt SAV Familienrecht Study Tips from Top Performers

1Master Complex Matrimonial Property Liquidation: Be fluent in distinguishing Eigengut (ZGB Art. 198) from Errungenschaft (Art. 197), computing variable value increases (Mehrwertanteil ZGB Art. 206) with nominal floor protection, tracing internal compensation claims (Art. 209), and applying statutory add-backs (Art. 208).

2Apply the Two-Stage Maintenance Algorithm with Precision: Practice constructing expanded civil subsistence minimums (erweitertes Existenzminimum including basic amount, actual housing, mandatory health insurance, direct taxes, and professional expenses), calculating care maintenance (Betreuungsunterhalt Art. 285 Abs. 2) based on the caring parent's deficit, and applying the Manko-Kaskade priority rules under BGE 147 III 265.

3Internalize Federal Supreme Court Jurisprudence on Lebensprägung & Schulstufenmodell: Master BGE 147 III 249 and BGE 147 III 308 (overcoming rigid 10-year marriage duration presumptions) and BGE 144 III 481 (Schulstufenmodell expecting 50% employment from youngest child entering school, 80% from secondary school age 12, and 100% from age 16).

4Understand BVG-Vorsorgeausgleich Rules Thoroughly: Know how to split termination benefits acquired during marriage under ZGB Art. 122, convert retirement pensions into lifelong annuities under Art. 124a, and apply the strict conditions under Art. 124b for judicial validation of pension waivers.

5Review Adult Protection & Involuntary Placement (FU): Memorize ZGB Art. 426 criteria for FU (mental disorder, mental disability, severe neglect, lack of alternative care), the maximum 6-week duration of medical emergency placement (Art. 429), and the strict 10-day judicial appeal window under Art. 439.

6Differentiate Procedural Maxims in Family Litigation: Always distinguish between matters concerning minor children (governed by the unrestricted investigative maxim and official maxim under ZPO Art. 296) and spousal property/maintenance claims (governed by the dispositive and limited social investigative maxim under ZPO Art. 272).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Fachanwalt SAV Familienrecht specialist qualification?

The Fachanwalt SAV Familienrecht (Avocat spécialiste FSA droit de la famille) is the prestigious postgraduate specialist title conferred by the Swiss Bar Association (SAV / FSA). It certifies attorneys who possess verified advanced theoretical knowledge, practical litigation experience, and professional competency in Swiss matrimonial property, divorce, maintenance calculation, occupational pension splitting, child and adult protection (KESB), and family civil procedure.

What are the formal requirements to obtain the Fachanwalt SAV title?

Candidates must be admitted to a Swiss cantonal bar (Anwaltspatent), demonstrate at least 5 years of active legal practice post-admission with a substantial documented caseload in family law, complete the accredited university-affiliated postgraduate specialist course (Fachanwaltskurs Familienrecht, approx. 120–150 lecture hours), pass a comprehensive written examination (Klausur), and successfully defend their expertise in an oral Fachgespräch before the SAV Fachkommission Familienrecht.

How does the Swiss two-stage maintenance calculation method apply?

Following landmark Federal Supreme Court rulings (BGE 147 III 265, 147 III 293, 147 III 301), Swiss courts must apply a uniform two-stage method with surplus sharing (zweistufige Methode mit Überschussverteilung) for both child maintenance (Barunterhalt and Betreuungsunterhalt) and post-marital maintenance (ZGB Art. 125). Courts first establish the expanded civil subsistence minimum of all family members, compare total income to total basic needs, and then allocate any surplus equitably (usually 50:50) while strictly respecting the absolute limit of the debtor's bare subsistence minimum.

What are the recertification and continuing education obligations?

Under the SAV Specialist Title Regulations, certified specialists must maintain active bar registration and complete at least 10 hours of certified continuing legal education (ständige Weiterbildung) in family law annually, documented through accredited seminar attendance and published legal scholarship.

Why is this specialist test bank presented in English?

This 100-question practice test bank is an English-language study adaptation created for systematic exam preparation, knowledge benchmarking, and structured conceptual revision. It reflects the complete SAV specialist curriculum while rigorously retaining authentic Swiss statutory articles (ZGB, ZPO, BVG, IPRG) and official legal terminology in German and French.

What is the passing standard for the written and oral evaluations?

To be awarded the specialist title, a candidate must have their practical case portfolio approved by the SAV Fachkommission, achieve at least 60% on the written specialist examination, and obtain a passing majority evaluation in the oral Fachgespräch colloquium.