Family Court reforms to come into force from October

New timeframes for family court proceedings, clearer criteria on maintenance and stronger safeguards for children will come into force from 1 October as part of Malta’s Family Court reform.

The Justice and Family ministries on Tuesday published the Family Court Procedure Regulations 2026 and related subsidiary legislation needed to begin implementing the reform.

The legislation introduces a new procedural framework aimed at safeguarding the best interests of children, while setting clearer timeframes for family proceedings, and establishing the structures and professional roles needed to support the system.

The Justice Ministry said work is underway to implement the first phase of the reform, including strengthening the Child’s Lawyer function, establishing a Support Office and developing standard operating procedures.

It will also recruit and train specialised professionals required under the new framework.

The majority of the regulations will come into force on 1 October 2026, although some provisions will take effect at a later stage because they require further implementation measures, including the full establishment of specialised functions and support structures.

The ministry said work has already begun on the second phase of the reform, which will build on Tuesday’s legislation and address further aspects of family proceedings.

Justice Minister Clifton Grima said the legislation marks a shift towards a more humane and accessible family justice system centred on the best interests of the child.

He added that the next phase of the reform will focus on the Criminal Court’s handling of family-related cases.

“We are now looking at new, specific timeframes, clearer criteria regarding maintenance, and equal parental responsibilities concerning access, among other measures,” Family Minister Michael Falzon said.