Parslows was the first firm in Jersey to introduce fixed fee divorce packages, and we continue to offer them because they work. Knowing exactly what your divorce will cost removes one source of anxiety at what is already a difficult time.
Our fixed fee covers the divorce or civil dissolution proceedings from start to finish, whether you are commencing proceedings or responding to them. We handle the paperwork, the court filings, and the correspondence, keeping you updated at every stage.
What the fixed fee covers
Our fixed fee is for the legal work involved in ending your marriage or civil partnership. It does not cover matters relating to finances, assets, or children, which may need to be dealt with separately depending on your circumstances. We can discuss your options at the consultation.
Court fees are payable in addition to our fixed fee. Both are paid upfront when proceedings are issued.
Our fee is fixed provided the respondent agrees to the divorce or civil dissolution. If proceedings become defended, we will discuss the position with you at that point.
Getting started
Book a free 30-minute consultation with one of our divorce and civil dissolution lawyers. Consultations are usually available within a week.
We also hold divorce clinics on a regular basis throughout the year, offering another way to get initial advice and understand where you stand.
At your meeting, we will provide initial advice and gather the information needed to commence proceedings on your behalf or respond if you are the respondent. Once instructed, we prepare the court documents and manage the process from there.
If you are seeking legal aid for your divorce proceedings, Parslows can also assist. Contact us for further information (link to contact form)
How the divorce process works in Jersey
Under Jersey law, you must have been married for at least three years before you can apply for a divorce. The process involves a fair amount of paperwork, but as your lawyers we navigate you through it with as little stress as possible.
1. Divorce application
The petitioner files the following documents with the Royal Court:
- Petition, filed under one of the available grounds for divorce
- Original marriage certificate or certified copy (the court will not return this)
- Form 3 — Notice of Proceedings
- Form 4 — Acknowledgement of Service
- Form 5 — Statement of Arrangements for the Children, if applicable
- Court fee
2. Service on the respondent
Once the Royal Court has approved the documents, they are returned to Parslows for us to arrange service on the respondent. Service may be required through the Viscounts department. The respondent receives a copy of the petition along with Forms 3, 4, and 5 if applicable.
3. Acknowledgement by the respondent
The respondent has eight days from the day after receiving the documents to return Form 4 and Form 5 if applicable. If the respondent does not wish to defend the petition, the petitioner can apply to set the matter down for an undefended hearing.
4. Decree nisi
An application is made to the Royal Court for a decree nisi, which involves applying for a Greffier Certificate and filing an affidavit and associated forms. Provided the court does not consider there are issues it wishes to hear on, the decree nisi will be pronounced at the next available hearing date. These are held monthly.
The decree nisi does not give you the right to remarry — that only comes once the decree absolute is obtained.
It is advisable to finalise finances and other ancillary matters before applying for decree absolute. The divorce process does not automatically resolve financial ties, and this work is not included in our fixed fee. Unless additional steps are taken, either party may still be able to make a financial claim against the other in the future.
5. Decree absolute
Six weeks and one day after the decree nisi, the petitioner can apply for the decree absolute to formally dissolve the marriage. At this stage, you are free to remarry.
If you are considering issuing divorce or civil dissolution proceedings, or if you have been served with proceedings, please contact us to discuss our fixed fee packages.
Barbara Littler heads the Family Law team at Parslows LLP, with particular expertise in financial matters including complex high net worth cases.
