My Swiss partner and I are likely to separate (we are not married), and I am expecting his child. In this situation it is unlikely I will be having the baby here is Switzerland, but before I leave I would like to seek legal advise and find out what his legal abligations are. I believe there are legal centres in each Canton offering low cont legal advise, could someone point me in the right direction in the Canton of Vaud? I do not speak French, can I make an appointment in English?

I am more familar with the Geneva area legal aid possibilites, but with a bit of googling found these for Lausanne, which appears to be closest to you. Please check if they do family law/parents rights.

Permanence juridique de l'ordre des avocats

La permanence :

- vous conseille verbalement sur toute question juridique
- vous oriente rapidement sur les démarches à entreprendre

Grand-Chêne 8
1003 Lausanne
Tél. 021 320 60 60

Bureau de l'assistance judiciaire

Place du Château 1
1014 Lausanne
Tél. 021 316 45 55

Thank you very much, that helps. If need be I can go to Geneva, only a 40 minute car drive.

If I phone them, do you know if it's likely I can converse in English?

I assume someone should speak english, call them up and ask for a meeting with an english speaking lawyer. Also, some of these offer a free consultation and others a low-cost alternative. Also good to ask for their fees and length of consultation period.

Hi Beatac

You might also wish to read up on a recent thread here:

Non-Swiss separating from Swiss partner ( cohabitation / unmarried with kids )

All the best.