The 2026 Guernsey Trust Law Reforms: A New Era For Trust Dispute Resolution

In Guernsey, trust disputes have traditionally been resolved by the Royal Court, which has developed a sophisticated body of trust jurisprudence and performs an important supervisory role in relation to Guernsey trusts. 

In May 2026, the States of Guernsey approved proposals for reforms to the primary piece of legislation that governs trusts in the jurisdiction (the Trusts (Guernsey) Law, 2007 (Trusts Law)) and directed the preparation of legislation to give effect to the amendments. 

The reforms are not intended to displace the Court's role. Instead, they seek to expand the range of tools available for resolving trust disputes, particularly in relation to alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods, privacy, standing, and Hastings-Bass relief. Ultimately, the reforms should increase the accessibility, flexibility, and confidentiality mechanisms for resolving trust disputes in Guernsey.