16 September 2014
The Legislation Advisory Panel is asking for Islanders’ views on a proposed amendment to the Jersey law of succession.
The proposed change would ensure that a surviving wife, husband or civil partner would have the legal right, during his or her lifetime, to continue living in the matrimonial home, or the civil partnership home, after the death of a spouse or civil partner.
This legal right would replace existing ‘dower rights’ (the provision that the law makes for a widow) which would be abolished.
More security
The Panel thinks the change could give surviving spouses and civil partners more security than currently exists. But it would also affect who people can leave immoveable property to in their will.
The Jersey law of succession is being updated and Islanders are being asked for general comments about the suggested amendment, as well as more specific feedback on certain areas including:
- any perceived drawbacks or unfairness in the workings of the possible reform
- any additional provision that might need to be made in connection with such a reform
- the criteria for exclusion from automatic entitlement under the law.
The Chairman of the Legislation Advisory Panel, Senator Sir Philip Bailhache, said “Jersey’s succession law is in the process of review in order to ensure that it reflects modern day considerations. By participating in this consultation Islanders can ensure any concerns or feedback they may have will be taken into account by the Legislation Advisory Panel.”
You have until 30 November 2014 to give your views on the proposed change to the law.
Consultation on the amendment to the Wills and Succession (Jersey) Law 1993
gov.je