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A Statement of Claim launches a civil lawsuit in Swiss courts by spelling out what happened and what you want the court to do about it. It's the formal document that tells your side of the story, laying out the key facts, legal grounds, and specific remedies you're seeking from the other party.

Under Swiss Civil Procedure Code, your Statement of Claim must include clear details about all parties involved, the exact amount of any monetary claims, and supporting evidence for your case. Swiss courts expect this document to be precise and well-structured - it sets the framework for the entire legal proceedings and can't be substantially changed once filed without special permission.

File a Statement of Claim when someone owes you money, breaches a contract, or causes damages that informal negotiations haven't resolved. In Switzerland, this formal court filing starts your legal action to recover losses, enforce agreements, or protect your rights under Swiss law.

Time matters - Swiss law sets strict deadlines for filing claims, often between 1-10 years depending on the case type. Important triggers include unpaid invoices, property disputes, employment conflicts, or business partnership disagreements. Filing promptly helps preserve evidence, meets legal time limits, and shows the court you're serious about resolving the dispute through proper channels.

• Simple Claims - Used for straightforward monetary disputes under 30,000 CHF in Swiss courts, requiring basic facts and relief sought
• Complex Commercial Claims - For business disputes over 30,000 CHF, needing detailed evidence and legal arguments
• Employment Claims - Tailored for workplace disputes, focusing on labor law violations and contractual breaches
• Property Claims - Specific format for real estate conflicts, including tenant rights and property damage
• Debt Collection Claims - Specialized version for recovering unpaid debts, following Swiss debt enforcement procedures

• Legal Counsel: Draft and file Statements of Claim, ensuring they meet Swiss court requirements and present compelling legal arguments
• Plaintiffs: Individuals or businesses initiating legal action, providing key facts and evidence to support their claims
• Court Officials: Review and process claims, ensure compliance with Swiss Civil Procedure Code, and manage case progression
• Defendants: Receive and respond to claims, often through their own legal representatives
• Expert Witnesses: Provide specialized knowledge or technical expertise to support claims when required

• Document Key Facts: Collect dates, amounts, names, and addresses of all parties involved in the dispute
• Gather Evidence: Compile contracts, correspondence, invoices, photos, or witness statements supporting your claim
• Identify Legal Basis: Note specific Swiss laws or contractual provisions that establish your right to claim
• Calculate Damages: Determine exact amounts claimed, including interest calculations where applicable
• Draft Timeline: Create chronological order of events leading to the dispute
• Review Requirements: Check local court formatting rules and filing deadlines

• Party Details: Full names and addresses of plaintiff, defendant, and legal representatives
• Court Information: Name and location of the competent Swiss court
• Legal Grounds: Specific articles from Swiss law supporting your claim
• Factual Background: Clear chronological description of relevant events
• Prayer for Relief: Precise statement of what you want the court to order
• Evidence List: Numbered index of all supporting documents
• Value of Claim: Exact amount in Swiss Francs for court fee calculation
• Signature Block: Date, place, and plaintiff's or representative's signature

A Statement of Claim differs significantly from a Witness Statement in Swiss legal proceedings, though both play crucial roles in court cases. The key distinctions matter for how you prepare and use each document.

• Primary Purpose: A Statement of Claim initiates legal proceedings and outlines your entire case, while a Witness Statement provides specific factual testimony about events relevant to the case
• Legal Effect: Statements of Claim establish the scope and boundaries of the entire legal dispute, but Witness Statements serve as supporting evidence within those boundaries
• Content Structure: Claims require formal legal arguments, relief sought, and jurisdiction details; Witness Statements focus purely on personal observations and direct knowledge
• Timing: The Statement of Claim comes first in proceedings, while Witness Statements typically follow during the evidence-gathering phase