Changes to the Wills and Successions (Jersey) Law 1993

The main changes are: 

1. giving a spouse or civil partner the right to life enjoyment of the family home (i.e. the home that the spouse or civil partner lived in with the deceased) if their spouse or civil partner dies and does not leave it to them in their will 
2. making the legal concept of the “principal heir" gender neutral
3. making the inheritance rights of relatives of the whole and half blood (which are relevant when a person dies without a will and has no surviving spouse/civil partner or children) apply equally to the inheritance of immovable (i.e. real) property and movable (i.e. personal) property or, alternatively, removing this distinction entirely
   

The Panel is also proposing to make some other changes to update the 1993 Law to modern drafting standards. This section is more technical and so it may be more appropriate for lawyers practising in this area to comment on the proposed changes. However, all views are welcome and will be considered on an equal basis. 

It is recommended that the following documents are read in full prior to completing the survey. 

The full details of the proposals can be found in the consultation document:

Changes to the Wills and Successions (Jersey) Law 1993​ consultation document​

Draft Law reflecting th​e Panel's proposal

A marked up version of the Wills and Succession (Jersey) Law 1993 showing the effect those changes would have on that Law