Whether you are initiating the divorce or civil partnership dissolution process as the petitioner or responding to a divorce petition, you need clear direction at the outset.

Parslows experienced family law solicitors can assist you in making informed decisions about the way forward.

Jersey Divorce and Civil Partnership Dissolution

Parslows are experts in all areas of family law.

In all divorce or civil partnership dissolution cases, whether or not you or your partner have significant wealth, property and assets, you must have robust professional expert advice to achieve the best possible outcome.

Whether you are initiating the divorce or civil partnership dissolution process as petitioner, or responding to a divorce petition, you need clear direction at the outset. Parslows experienced family law solicitors can assist you in making informed decisions about the way forward.

Your objectives might be driven by concerns for your family or finances, or most likely both. You may be concerned about protecting substantial finances and property or unravelling complex financial arrangements arising out of divorce involving business assets. Either way, we have many years of experience in all areas of family law and divorce in Jersey.

In cases where you, or your partner, have issued proceedings in your home country, we can assist by applying for a Jersey freezing order or other injunctive relief to safeguard Jersey-based assets.

Why choose Parslows for your divorce or Jersey civil partnership dissolution

Couples who wish to dissolve their civil partnership or divorce in Jersey can do so by contacting Parslows, one of the leading law firms in Jersey. Our team of experienced solicitors will provide you with expert advice and guidance throughout the process, ensuring that your interests are protected at every step.

We understand that dissolving a civil partnership or divorce can be a difficult and emotional time, so we offer a sensitive and confidential service to all our clients. We also recognise that every situation is unique, so we tailor our services to meet your individual needs. So if you are considering dissolving your civil partnership or divorce in Jersey, contact Parslows today for expert advice and support.

Divorce and Jersey civil partnership dissolution FAQs

Can I divorce or obtain a civil partnership dissolution at any time after we are married?

Under Jersey Law, you generally have to have been married or in a civil partnership for at least three years before applying for a divorce or civil partnership dissolution.

Can I divorce my spouse or partner without their agreement?

In some cases, the answer is yes. For example, if you have been separated for at least two years, your spouse or partner cannot oppose a Petition.

What are the grounds for divorce or civil partnership under Jersey Law?

The grounds for a Jersey divorce are:

  • One-year separation with the consent of the other spouse
  • Adultery
  • Desertion for two years
  • The respondent has behaved in such a way that the petitioner cannot reasonably be expected to live with the respondent
  • Incurable mental illness
  • Serving a prison sentence of more than 15 years (or life).
Do I have to reside in Jersey to apply for a divorce?

Either party to a marriage or civil partnership can bring divorce or dissolution proceedings if either of them has been habitually resident in Jersey for the year ending with the date of issue of proceedings or if the parties are domiciled in Jersey.

Can I divorce in Jersey if I was not married there?

If a foreign marriage is validly contracted according to the law of the jurisdiction in which it took place, it will be recognised in Jersey.

Will the grounds for divorce affect the financial settlement?

Unless there are exceptional circumstances, the grounds for divorce will have no bearing on the eventual financial settlement. Adultery, for example, will not be considered an exceptional circumstance. [Link to financial settlement].

Will I need to attend the Royal Court in person to obtain my divorce?

Unless you or your partner intends to defend the divorce or civil dissolution proceedings, there are no requirements to attend the Royal Court. The application will be dealt with in the papers.

Once my case has gone to the Royal Court, can I remarry?

The Royal Court will, at first instance, issue a decree nisi. At this stage, your divorce is not final. You will be free to marry once you apply and receive your decree absolute.

How many times a year are divorce courts convened?

Undefended divorce hearings take place every month.

What is the procedure for a Jersey divorce?

The procedure for divorce in Jersey varies depending on whether it is contested or uncontested. Usually, an uncontested divorce will be a much easier process, but we’ve put together an easy-to-understand guide for Jersey divorces so you can understand the procedure completely.

Jersey divorce and civil partnership dissolution resources

At Parslows Jersey, we understand that going through a divorce or dissolving a civil partnership can be a difficult and emotional time. That is why we have compiled a list of free resources that can help you through the process. We hope that you find these resources informative and helpful as you move forward:

Speak to an expert Jersey divorce lawyer today

Whatever your requirements, it is essential to trust your divorce lawyer to deliver practical, accurate, and cost-effective legal advice. Parslows family law solicitors will work closely with you to build a trusting relationship, giving you expert advice and ensuring your needs are represented.

We understand that no situation is the same, so we take the time to understand your case and tailor our service to your specific needs. Our divorce solicitors will support you with sensitivity and determination to get the best result.

We have worked with business owners, families with significant wealth, high earners and their spouses to reach a favourable outcome in each of their divorces. Our highly experienced divorce solicitors are here to help and support you with any issue you may face. Having the right person on your side really matters.

If you’re considering a divorce or civil partnership dissolution and need legal advice, get in touch with Parslows. Request a free call back from one of the Parslows team today to get all the information you need.

What our clients say

“Careful consideration and time …”

Thank you for steering the dispute to family foundation, something my ex-partners legal advisor should have requested form the outset as a first step. A summons to Royal Court would have been a very bad situation for all parties.

I thank you for your careful consideration and time.

Family Law March 20, 2023

“Relief is an understatement …”

Thank you for the decree absolute from Natalie. Relief is an understatement! Thank you to both of you [Natalie and Catia] for all your work, understanding, compassion and support through the most awful of times.

Family Law July 18, 2022

“Huge thank you …”

Huge thank you to you Natalie and your colleagues involved with my separation agreement and making things so simple and fast in what has been a difficult time. I look forward to receiving my updated draft Will for my perusal and finalisation.

I will certainly recommend you to everyone and I have told my daughter to contact you re her Wills as she has now been waiting 9 months with numerous chaser e mails to another firm and still nothing to sign!

Family Law July 13, 2022

“Thank you so much …”

Just a quick note from me, thank you so much for all your help on this Natalie.  I appreciate I have probably been quite persistent (putting it kindly) in contacting and requesting updates and appreciate how you have handled this and dealt with the stressful situation last week.

Family Law October 25, 2021

“I am so very grateful …”

Thank you so much for all your help Natalie.  You are making this incredibly difficult time far easier and for that I am very grateful.

Family Law May 11, 2021

“Thank you so much ….”

Thank you so much for your kindness and professionalism today. You made a difficult day much easier.

Family Law October 29, 2020

“Natalie and the team worked together seamlessly …”

‘Natalie and the team worked together seamlessly as a team for me consciously keeping my costs throughout as low as possible, whilst at the same time in my opinion giving me the best advice and always making sure I understood any ramifications of our decisions. They were at all times extremely kind, friendly, polite and punctual and the time spent in the offices was always friendly and not intimidating at all, almost family like. Legal 500 2021 client testimonial 

Family Law October 1, 2020

“I think the key is the whole firm feels like a real team …”

‘Parslows were head and shoulders the friendliest and most welcoming, right from their receptionist’s warm welcome. The whole team instantly realised my position and distress, they put me at ease and explained the best way forward and the likely costs moving forward. After walking into their firm a complete mess I left feeling a lot happier and comfortable that we could all work well together, I have been working with them now for over a year and simply can’t praise them enough. I think the key is the whole firm feels like a real team.’ Legal 500 2021 client testimonial 

Family Law September 14, 2020

“Thank you again for getting me home …”

The move went well despite the Covid situation and to have my family with me is great.  Thank you so much for getting me home.

Family Law August 3, 2020

“You make an awesome team …”

I cannot tell you enough how much I appreciate all your and Natalie's hard work. You make an awesome team and I can’t thank you enough.

Family Law June 15, 2020

“A very well deserved thank you for all the work …”

I’ve never really given a thank you that was deserved for all the work carried out by Parslows and the efforts that you put in over the full duration of the case. Your patience during some very tedious moments, advice and with support from the team throughout, was very much appreciated.

Family Law February 24, 2020

“Will utilise your services in the future …”

Thank you to the Parslows team for the services they have provided to me over the last 12 months. Will utilise your services in the future (hopefully not necessary) if and when required. Have a lovely weekend.

Family Law November 18, 2019

“I would recommend you to anybody going through the same proceedings …”

I cannot express enough how grateful I am for your work on this case, it has been painful to say the least but I couldn’t fault you Natalie for your ongoing support.  I would recommend you to anybody going through the same proceedings.

Family Law November 5, 2019

“No praise high enough …”

I  can't thank you and the team highly enough for all you have done. In a few weeks I’ll be back again as I want to make a new will. But really…. without you and the team I would been been totally lost. There is no praise high enough for you all.

Family Law October 10, 2019

“Thank you for making this possible …”

Thank you for making this possible. You and Natalie and everyone at Parslows have been wonderful over this long and at times rather traumatic 16 months.

Family Law September 25, 2019

“Efficient and professional …”

Thank you for your services ..... I have been very pleased with the efficient and professional service which you provide.

Family Law July 2, 2019

“Thank you for your continued help …”

Thank you for your continued help and support in this matter and thank you to the family team.

Family Law May 10, 2019

“You were amazing …”

Hi Natalie, honestly thank you so much for today, you were amazing and got every point over perfectly! Hopefully some positive steps forward but watch this space!

Family Law April 29, 2019

“You are a credit to your industry …”

Thank you for getting me to this point. Your help and support has been paramount in getting us here.  You are a credit to your industry.

Family Law September 27, 2018

“You are an absolute star …”

You are an absolute star. I wouldn’t have done this without you.

Family Law July 23, 2018

“I took your advice … he has paid all maintenance owed ….”

Just a quick update regarding my problem with my ex paying the maintenance he owed.  I took your advice and contacted a debt collection agency which we use in work.  Today he has paid all maintenance owed and agreed to increase his maintenance payments to the correct amount.  I am in shock!  I wanted to thank you for your advice and for taking the time to help me I really appreciate it.

Family Law July 2, 2018

“Gratitude for your professionalism and conduct …”

I am whole heartedly relieved with final closure and agreement of the proposed settlement offer. Please can I extend my gratitude for your professionalism and conduct in reaching the final outcome.

Family Law February 15, 2018

“You’ve really helped in so many ways …”

Thank you very much [Natalie], and thank you again for all your help, advice, patience and guidance over the last year or so. You’ve really helped in so many ways and it really is appreciated.

Family Law November 27, 2017