About Family Court

The Family Court is a part of the Royal Court, known as the Family Division.

Contact details

Family Court

Before the Family Registrars

The lower family court deals with private family issues such as:

• Divorce applications (and the children and money issues that can happen when couples divorce)
• Civil partnership dissolution applications (and the children and money problems that can happen when couples end their partnership)
• Children applications (such as where a child lives, and what contact they have, money issues, a wishing to move with the child(ren) to another country) and parental responsibility
• Adoption applications
• Reciprocal enforcement of maintenance orders

The Royal Court

Before the Bailiff, Deputy Bailiff, Commissioners and Jurats. The higher court hears cases such as:

• Public law cases involving families and the Children’s Service
• Domestic violence injunctions
• Private law cases that have been referred up to the higher court by a Registrar
• Very urgent (or ex parte) applications (ex parte means that an application is made without the other party being informed)

There are two Registrars (Judges)

Judge Samantha McFadzean 

Judge Elizabeth Daultrey 

and three Family Proceedings Officers

Louise Bond, Manager

Kelly Bennett, Family Proceedings Officer 

Brian Katiyo, Family Proceedings Officer 

Court fees will be payable unless your financial circumstances are such that you are not required to pay. Further information can be obtained on request from the Viscount’s Department.

The court fees payable are shown under Family Division – Services and Fees. 

If you need a copy of a document from the Family Division (Registrars) find out what type of copy you need, such as a photocopy or a certified/signed and sealed copy.

Fill out the form and drop into Family Division, 3rd Floor, International House or email jgrprivatefamily@courts.je.

Payment can be made when you drop in your form or on collection of the document.

Download request for copies of documents from family court

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) includes methods like mediation and arbitration, which can be used to resolve family law disputes without going to court. Here are some key advantages of ADR over litigation:

1. Cost-Effective: ADR is generally less expensive than litigation since it avoids hefty court fees and prolonged legal processes
2. Time-Saving: ADR often resolves disputes much faster than litigation. Court cases can take months or even years, whereas mediation or arbitration can be completed in a much shorter time
3. Confidentiality: ADR sessions are private and confidential, unlike court cases, which are usually part of the public record. This can be particularly important for sensitive family matters
4. Less Adversarial: ADR focuses on cooperation and finding mutually agreeable solutions, which can reduce conflict and promote better long-term relationships between parties, especially important in family law cases
5. Flexibility: ADR allows for more flexible solutions tailored to the specific needs and circumstances of the family, rather than being restricted by rigid legal standards
6. Control Over Outcome: In ADR, the parties have more control over the process and the final agreement, unlike in court, where a judge imposes a decision
7. Preservation of Relationships: ADR can help preserve relationships, as it encourages communication and cooperation. This is particularly valuable when children are involved, as it helps maintain a cordial co-parenting relationship
8. Customized Process: ADR processes can be adapted to fit the unique needs of the disputing parties, unlike litigation, which follows a more standardized procedure

In summary, ADR offers a more cost-effective, faster, and less confrontational way to resolve family law disputes, while also maintaining privacy and providing tailored solutions.

For further information please see the Family Foundation page which is a free mediation service offered by the court and Family Mediation Jersey