Blog - Kanzlei Pilatushof

Adjustment of Child Maintenance in the Event of Changes in Personal or Financial Circumstances

If personal or financial circumstances change after a divorce, the question often arises as to whether the maintenance already determined remains appropriate.

Can I still freely dispose of my assets after concluding an inheritance contract during my lifetime and upon my death?

A last will and testament or inheritance contract often contains provisions that differ from those stipulated by law. In an inheritance contract, two or more persons contractually undertake to bequeath their inheritance or a share thereof to each other or in a specific manner (Art. 494 para. 1 of the Swiss Civil Code). The inheritance contract can only be amended or revoked with the consent and cooperation of all contracting parties. In the case of a will, on the other hand, the testator may decide unilaterally at any time whether they wish to revoke or amend the will. The question often arises as to whether the obligations under the inheritance contract restrict the disposing person in the use of their assets during their lifetime or upon death.

Tax rulings – when are they binding?

Tax law provisions are generally abstract and formulated in broad terms. As a result, their application to specific cases often gives rise to interpretative questions. To obtain a binding clarification of the tax consequences before implementing a planned transaction, a ruling request can be submitted to the competent tax authority.

Incapacity to work through no fault of one’s own due to alcohol addiction – Entitlement to continued payment of wages

Alcohol addiction can have serious consequences – for one’s health, private life, and career. But what is the legal situation if an employee becomes unable to work due to alcohol dependence and has to surrender their driver’s license? Does the employer have to continue paying their wages? A recent ruling by the Federal Supreme Court provides clarity.

Pilatushof AG wishes you a Merry Christmas!

Personal Liability of the Board of Directors

The board of directors cannot be held personally liable as long as it acts within the scope of its duties. Personal liability arises only if a member of the board breaches their duties as a corporate body and thereby causes damage to the company, a shareholder or a creditor.

Who is responsible for clearing snow?

Winter has arrived: the streets are covered in snow and become icy. Behind this picturesque winter scenery lies the practical question of who must pick up the shovel and clear and grit the pavements. A distinction must be made between public and private land.

Changes in the Code of Obligations as of 1 January 2026

As of 1 January 2026, important amendments to the Code of Obligations (CO) will come into force, adopted by the Parliament and the Federal Council. The aim of the revision is to strengthen the rights of property owners in the event of defects and to enhance the protection of buyers and clients.

Cohabitation Agreement

Unmarried couples are not specifically protected by law when they wish to separate. They therefore need to make their own arrangements. Marriage brings various legal advantages that do not automatically apply in a cohabitation – that is, a marriage-like partnership without a formal wedding.

Rent Reduction Due to Cigarette Smoke

In a recent Federal Supreme Court decision (Federal Supreme Court decision 4A_425/2024 of 20 February 2025.), a rent reduction was granted in a case where cigarette smoke from another flat entered the rented premises on a daily basis. But what can tenants do if their own flat smells of smoke and the landlord takes no action?