Affinity

Affinity, or relationship by marriage, links one person to the relatives of their spouse or, where relevant, registered partner. It is not kinship by blood or adoption and usually creates fewer legal consequences. In Swiss law it may matter for impediments, recusal, conflicts of interest, family terminology and some procedural or administrative rules. Affinity normally does not create inheritance rights or general maintenance duties by itself. Its effects depend closely on the legal field and on whether the marriage or partnership still exists.