'No-fault' divorces allowed after 'long overdue' law change

Friday, 27 February 2026 09:00

Major changes have been agreed to the island's 80-year-old divorce law.

Politicians have voted through reforms that will modernise Jersey's divorce law, and bring the island in line with England and Wales.

Separating couples won't have to have been married or in a civil partnership for three year before they can get a divorce.

The law also now allows 'no-fault' divorces, meaning separating spouses will not have to prove or give a reason, such as adultery or unreasonable behaviour, to end a marriage or civil partnership.

The ability to contest a divorce will also be removed, meaning that once a relationship has ended, and one side has applied for dissolution, the other cannot stop or delay the process.

Read: 'No-fault' divorce moves a step closer

Deputy Mary Le Hegarat, Minister for Justice and Home Affairs, says it's a long overdue modernisation:

"It removes the requirement to assign blame when these relationships break down, recognising that they do not always endure and that the law should not make their ending more painful than necessary.

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

No fault divorces have been in place in England and Wales since 2022.