What are the starting points for a mom (EU citizen) in the US trying to initiate child support proceedings for a minor (Us citizen) against a father (US citizen) working/residing in Switzerland? Mom and child reside in the US. Assume that initiating action in the US against the father is not an option.

Any kind of advice / tips / suggestions will be appreciated.

Thanks
F

You have to go to the Child Support Agency in the USA!!! They will then use the REMO agreement between countries to get him to pay the maintenance due.

The proceedings, the amount to be paid, etc ... will be calculated in the USA, not in Switzerland. The Swiss Government will only enforce the payments!!

I am doing the same, but I live in Switzerland and the father of my child lives in the UK. So, I went to the Child Support here in Switzerland.

It's very hard time and it will probably take very long, but I am hanging in there!!
Good luck!!!

JO

Hey JO,

I am being told that I should initiate proceedings in Switzerland. Could I email you privately and get some advice?

Thanks
F

Yes, of course you can!!!
However, I am pretty sure you have to start this in the USA!
I live in Switzerland and I started this in Switzerland. The father lives in the UK. I don't think the Swiss Child Support will take your case if you don't live here, but I can ask next time I see the lady that supports my case!
cheers!
JO

I know someone who tried to get child support from USA from the child's father in Switzerland some years ago and it did not work. From what I can remember the Swiss cannot enforce the law there to make him pay child support in USA. The USA will try, they always want to collect money but from the situation of my friend there was no way to enforce it. Maybe things have changed I do not know...Good Luck

Thanks for the responses.

I think I should clarify that I do not have an enforcement order... long story. I first need (a) an order for child support; and (b) enforcement order

Unless I am mistaken, you guys are talking about the enforcement aspect of things while I am at step 1

JO, how can I send you a private email? I cant seem to see the required options here.

Thanks
F

Here's some info you'll find hand..

A Caseworker’s Guide to Processing Cases with Switzerland

click on my name, then chose "send a message".