The first phase of the Family Court reform with important principles in favour of the best interests of children, people-centred justice and efficiency and quality in the judicial system, has been launched by Prime Minister Robert Abela.

The Prime Minister said that the country is taking another historic step in favour of families through the implementation of long-awaited reforms that bring with them new hope and a strong sense of humanity.

He stressed that this reform is based on broad consultation. “In recent months we have heard many voices and experiences that clearly show how the current system has not always served us well. There were parents who were denied access to their children for years due to lengthy processes, and grandparents who, after a separation, ended up completely cut off from their grandchildren. Above all, we have seen how children, those we are supposed to protect the most, sometimes ended up carrying an emotional burden that a sensitive system should have in reality avoided. Therefore, this reform is a crucial step in making family justice more accessible, more efficient and, above all, more humane.”

The Prime Minister explained that the core of the reform includes, among others, an autonomous Family Court, meaning that now this Court will no longer simply remain a section within the Civil Court, but a Court with specialised resources so that delicate family matters can be dealt with with urgency and sensitivity. In addition, there are now clearer and more expedited procedures, so that families no longer have to wait years for a decision, because justice that takes too long is justice denied.

The Prime Minister added that this reform is also translating into a strengthening and improvement in mediation, so that couples find a common path more quickly and families do not remain in a state of uncertainty for months. This is together with stronger protection for children, where the interest of the children is truly at the center of every decision. As well as fair and balanced treatment of parents, with rights and obligations recognised equally for parents, and effective enforcement of Court decisions, and finally so that orders regarding maintenance or access are no longer ignored.

Dr Abela said that this reform forms part of a broader commitment in favour of the family and children. He added that a few days ago a Green Paper was launched on the use of social media among adolescents and which seeks to protect children and vulnerable people in the digital world, along with other measures such as tax cuts for families, and investment in open spaces and community services.

Photo: DOI/OPM

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