Guernsey court deadlines
Civil cases in the Royal Court of Guernsey run under the Royal Court Civil Rules, 2007. Here are the periods you meet most often and how to count them.
Guide only. There is no calculator for this court yet. Use this page as a checklist and confirm every period against the current rules and any order in your case.
The courts
The Royal Court is Guernsey's principal court and hears civil claims above £10,000. Smaller money claims, known as petty debts, go to the Magistrate's Court. Appeals go to the Guernsey Court of Appeal and then to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council.
Common time periods
| Step | Time | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Serve the summons before tabling the Cause | At least 2 clear days before tabling | RCCR |
| Table defences after a claim is defended | 28 days, extendable by consent to 3 months | RCCR |
| Notice of a summary judgment application | At least 4 clear days | RCCR r. 20 |
| Notice of a general application (signification) | At least 4 clear days | RCCR r. 81 |
| Provide copies of documents after a request to inspect | Within 7 days of the request | RCCR r. 74 |
Causes are tabled before the Royal Court on Friday mornings at 9:30 a.m., so the 2 clear days of notice count back from that Friday.
Counting clear days
A period of clear days does not count the day of service or the day of the hearing. At least that many full days must fall between them. For example, 2 clear days before a Friday tabling means service by Tuesday at the latest.
Extending or shortening time
Rule 50 lets the Court extend or shorten the time for complying with any rule, practice direction or order, even if the application to extend is made after the time has run out. The 28-day period for defences can also be extended by agreement between the parties, up to 3 months, without going to Court.
Holidays
Guernsey has its own public holidays, including Liberation Day on 9 May. Check the States of Guernsey list for the year before you count across a holiday.
English authority
The English Civil Procedure Rules do not apply in Guernsey, but the Royal Court may look to the English White Book for guidance where the Guernsey rules are similar.
Sources
- Royal Court Civil Rules, 2007, as amended
- Court of Appeal (Guernsey) Law, 1961
Rules last checked October 2026.