Elizabeth Couch
Partner | Guernsey
Overview
Elizabeth is a Guernsey Advocate and joined Collas Crill in January 2021 as Partner of the International Private Client and Trusts Team.
Elizabeth is a highly regarded family law practitioner in Guernsey. She specialises in all areas of family law and has extensive experience in all matters relating to family breakdown, divorce and cohabitation. She has a particular focus in advising HNW clients in complex ancillary relief matters and private law children cases, which can involve cross jurisdictional issues. Her clients include husbands and wives, cohabitants and children.
Experience
Elizabeth was called to the Bar of England and Wales in 2003 and practiced at 4 Paper Buildings, London, a leading chambers of specialist family law barristers until 2012 when she returned to Guernsey.
Elizabeth qualified as a Guernsey Advocate in 2016 and appears regularly before the Royal Court of Guernsey. In 2020 Elizabeth represented the wife before the Guernsey Court of Appeal in Q v Q [2020]GCA016.
Prior to joining Collas Crill in January 2021, Elizabeth was a partner at Browns Advocates, Guernsey.
Background
Elizabeth is a patron of the Guernsey Health Improvement Commission. She enjoys boating, sea-swimming and running on the cliffs.
Memberships
Resolution
Family Law Bar Association
Inner Temple
Changing your name in Guernsey is relatively straightforward but usually requires a brief Court attendance. We can guide you smoothly through the process.
When managing a divorce or separation, the welfare of the children is paramount. With this in mind, we will help you through the legal process with a sensitive and yet practical approach.
Child Law - the basics
Flow chart of applications relating to children
Different types of Court order
Family Proceedings Advisory Service
International relocation
Child abduction and how to prevent it
Domestic abuse and violence
The Child, Youth & Community Tribunal
Grandparents' rights
Adoption
Common questions
There is no such thing as 'common law marriage', nor are there any specific rules relating to cohabitation. On separation, the issues can become complex requiring expert guidance.
We provide practical advice in plain English on all aspects of divorce and separation. We will guide you through the legal process as quickly, painlessly and cost effectively as possible.
Divorce - the basics
Grounds for divorce
Same sex marriage and divorce
Defended divorce
Flow chart of an undefended divorce
Alternatives to divorce
Ten practical tips for getting divorced
Common questions
Our legal team has extensive expertise in all areas of family law and is known for providing a personalised, responsive service to clients.
Financial issues can be one of the more challenging aspects of divorce and separation. We provide robust, cost effective advice on the various options available to separating parties.
Options at a glance
Finances - the basics
Flow chart of a financial application
Different types of Court order
How the Court decides who gets what
Financial dispute resolution hearings
Alternatives to Court
Common questions
On the breakdown of a marriage or relationship, either party or children may need protection. The law aims to provide immediate protection for those who need it, and if you find yourself in this position then it is essential that you act quickly. We offer expert advice and guidance in this area.
In an ever-shrinking world, disputes involving international family law are becoming more and more common. We offer specialist legal advice in this area.
Judicial separations are unique to Guernsey and present a quick and cost effective way of securing an agreement in relation to children and finances. We will advise and guide you smoothly through the process.
While prenuptial agreements are not legally binding, they are becoming an increasingly common feature of modern-day marriage. We offer expert advice and guidance in this area.
Shared residence of children in Gsy
Historically, custody orders for children were almost always granted in favour of the mother. For many years, certainly in a traditional household, the father's role was...
As the Channel Islands and the rest of the world role encourage adults to roll up their sleeves for their COVID-19 vaccination, so begins a flurry of research to get shots...
End of the blame game in divorce?
Long-awaited changes to divorce legislation are likely to come into effect in Guernsey and England and Wales later this year, allowing divorce on a no-fault basis. In an...
Collas Crill expands to family law
Collas Crill has extended its family law services in the Channel Islands as part of its private client offering with the appointment of new Guernsey-based partners Adrian...
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Basic requirements All divorce proceedings in Guernsey are dealt with in the Royal Court. Divorce proceedings can be issued in Guernsey if either party to the marriage...
There is only one ground for divorce, that is that the marriage has irretrievably broken down. The Court cannot hold that a marriage has irretrievably broken down unless the...
Defended divorce proceedings occur when a divorce petition is issued, and either the respondent does not accept that the marriage has broken down irretrievably or does not...
Flow chart of an undefended divorce
1 Petitioner signs divorcen petition. Petitioner sends divorce papers to Court and sends copy to respondent and co-respondent (adultery petitions...
On separation, there are a number of alternatives to issuing divorce proceedings. These are some examples: Do nothing One of the many myths about divorce is that you have...
Ten practical tips for getting divorced
1. Do not employ an aggressive advocate We have all heard the one about “go and see xxx, they will get you everything…”. What is less often mentioned is that employing an...
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