The States of Guernsey are carrying out a review of the legislation that relates to divorce, marriage annulment and judicial separation.
The aim of the reform is to modernise and simplify the legislation to try to reduce 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 was prioritised in the Policy & Resource Plan (Billet d'Etat XII[1], June 2017) in support of achieving the 'One Community: inclusive and committed to social justice' outcome.
The Review relates to the Matrimonial Causes Law, (Guernsey) 1939 and how the process for divorce, annulment or judicial separation may be reformed. The Review's 
Terms of Reference [323kb] does not cover the Children (Guernsey and Alderney) Law, 2008, in terms of how arrangements for any children are agreed.
Following a period of research and information gathering, including stakeholder engagement and consultation, the main issues to be addressed were identified. Based on the information collated the options for changes to the legislation were appraised. The resulting proposals now require further consideration and need to be informed by the views of the wider community.
This consultation seeks views from the community on the proposals for change and, in particular, from those with a professional or personal interest in changes to the legal requirements for dissolution of marriage and in reducing family conflict.
Respondents can provide feedback via an online survey here that should take approximately 30 minutes. The consultation will close on the 28th April 2019.
All information collected will be kept strictly confidential and only used for the specified purpose of informing this particular review, in accordance with The Data Protection (Bailiwick of Guernsey) Law, 2017.
For further information or to request paper or large print copies please contact Strategy & Policy, StrategicPolicy@gov.gg.
Closed: 28th April 2019
