No-fault divorce to come into force in Jersey

Separating couples in Jersey will be able to seek a no-fault divorce after politicians voted in favour of family law reforms.

The change means people will be able to apply for a divorce through a signed document and will no longer have to supply proof of reasons like adultery or unreasonable behaviour.

It also means couples will no longer have to be married or in a civil partnership for three years before they can divorce.

Deputy Mary Le Hegarat, Minister for Justice and Home Affairs said it was an "important and long overdue modernisation" to Jersey's family law.

The Draft Marriage and Civil Partnership Law will replace the Matrimonial Causes Law 1949 and parts of the Civil Partnership Law 2012.

The changes mean a couple, or an individual will be able to apply for divorce by submitting a signed statement confirming that the relationship has broken down.

Deputy Hegarat said the change "removes the requirement to assign blame" when a relationship breaks down.

She said the law would not make "ending a relationship easy" but it aimed to "remove unnecessary conflict, where possible."

"They do not always endure and the law should not make their ending more painful than necessary," she said.

"Importantly, these reforms also strengthen protections of any victims of domestic abuse by reducing opportunities for coercive and controlling behaviour.

"It protects children by reducing hostility and continues to align Jersey with best practice adopted elsewhere."

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