Personal contact («Persönlicher Verkehr»)

If a parent no longer lives with the children, the parent still has the right to contact with the child and vice versa (Art. 273 ZGB ). The Swiss Civil Code (ZGB) refers to this as personal contact. This means that they are allowed to visit each other (visiting rights) and talk to each other on the phone, chat or write emails. However, the extent of personal contact depends on the circumstances and the age of the child. As the child gets older, his or her opinion must also be taken more into account.
If there are problems between the parents regarding personal contact, they can ask the KESB for help. The KESB can, for example, regulate the right to personal contact with an official decision. If the child's welfare is jeopardised, it can restrict or, if necessary, even stop it.