Guernsey's Royal Court issues new information about its services

Guernsey's Royal Court has issued new information about how its services will operate going forward.

Its remit covers marriages, birth registrations, deaths and various other important procedures.

This updates comes as the court says it wants to improve social distancing, while maintaining the critical services it provides.

Here is a list of the changes:

  • Petty Debts

Petty Debt hearings will now be suspended, initially until the end of May 2020.

  • Staffing

Half of its staff are now working from home.

  • Marriages

Basic provision of weddings at the Royal Court will be maintained, but normal services cannot be provided. Wedding services will still be offered in the marriage room in the Royal Court building, however only four witnesses will be permitted.

Only four witnesses will be permitted at weddings, due to social distancing. Credit: PA Images

  • Registration of Births

Births must be registered within 30 days of the birth. Traditionally new parents have attended the Greffe public counter often with their baby to register the birth, however a new procedure has been introduced whereby the court will accept the completed registration form scanned or a good photograph of it via email.

  • Registration of Deaths

This is a function which will be carried out by the Funeral Directors on your behalf. A digital process is being developed to remove the requirement for families to attend in person.

Drastic changes have already been made to funerals in Jersey. Credit: PA Images

  • Conveyances of Property

A Contract Court will continue each Tuesday and Thursday morning to allow the work of Conveyancing and Bonds. The court asks that all transactions use a Power of Attorney to remove the requirement for people to come to Court in person.

  • Courts

The court says it will maintain provision of Court hearings, however these may be a different looking service to normal. It is looking to use video conferencing where possible and other technology to maintain service whilst minimising person-to-person contact.

Video conferencing could be used in court to minimise person-to-person contact. Credit: ITV Channel TV

  • Public Counter

The public counter at the Court is still open, however people are urged to contact by phone or email.

  • Strongroom

The public is being asked not to attend the Strongroom until further notice.

  • Alderney & Sark

If you need to contact them, you are asked to do this by phone or email in the first instance.

More information on all of the above services can be found here.

Anyone requiring information for Alderney or Sark is asked to make contact via phone or email. Credit: ITV Channel TV

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