The States of Guernsey are reforming the legislation that relates to divorce, annulment and judicial separation.
The aim of the reform is to modernise and simplify the legislation to try to reduce unnecessary conflict, whilst ensuring that the legislation is inclusive and fair, and is consistent and compliant with international standards. The current law has been amended and changed over time but never substantially reformed.
The Review of the Matrimonial Causes Law (the Review) was prioritised in the Policy & Resource Plan (Billet d'État XII, June 2017) in support of achieving the 'One Community: inclusive and committed to social justice' outcome.
The Matrimonial Causes Law Reform policy letter has recently been published and includes reforms setting out how the process for divorce, annulment or judicial separation can best assist couples to legally separate and is reflective of today's society. The Review's Terms of Reference considers the changes to be made to the Matrimonial Causes Law, (Guernsey) 1939. The Review did not consider how arrangements for any children are agreed, as this is covered by a separate piece of legislation the Children (Guernsey and Alderney) Law, 2008.
Through direct consultation with the public, captured in the Matrimonial Causes - Public Consultation Report, a total of 158 responses to the consultation showed there was majority support for the proposals to reform the current law.
It is expected that the States of Deliberation will consider the Matrimonial Causes Law Reform policy letter in early 2020.
For further information please contact Strategy & Policy: StrategicPolicy@gov.gg.
Closed: 28th April 2019
