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 were identified through a targeted consultation with individuals who had divorced, separated or had a marriage annulled in the Bailiwick. The targeted consultation was part of a wider consultation piece with stakeholders directly involved with or affected by the matrimonial causes legislation and sought to gather information to evidence the needs for change.
Based on the information collated through the review, informed by the consultations, the options for changes to the legislation were appraised. The public's views on the resulting proposals were sought during March/April 2019. There were 158 responses to the consultation and the results have been captured in the Matrimonial Causes - Public Consultation Report [891kb].
For further information or to request paper or large print copies please contact Strategy & Policy, StrategicPolicy@gov.gg.
Closed: 28th April 2019
