There has been some confusion this week over what matters should or should not complete in Court during lockdown.

As a consequence, it is worth clarifying what matters can proceed. In summary:

  • Only matters that were 'caught out' by the sudden lockdown this week (w/c 25 January), and which were beyond the point of no return – given the one working day's notice to lockdown before the next Contract Court –  were able to go ahead this week
  • For all other matters that are signed up to complete in the next few weeks, the Court will not hear them unless they are deemed absolutely essential
  • Those affected parties will need to negotiate a variation to the contracts to push back completion dates to a realistic date, ideally with a 'Covid clause' to cater for future lockdown
  • If you are affected you need to speak to the estate agent and your advocates

The takeaway point is that Guernsey is in full lockdown, and Contracts Court is closed to all but the most essential matters.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.