In the Auberge de Castille, Prime Minister Robert Abela launched 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. In a press conference, Prime Minister Robert Abela said that our 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.
The Prime Minister stressed that this reform is based on a broad consultation. “In recent months we have heard many voices and experiences that clearly show how the current system has not always been serving us well enough. 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 towards making family justice more accessible, more efficient and, above all, more humane”, said Dr Abela.
Robert Abela 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 specialized resources so that delicate family matters are 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 can find a common path more quickly and families will 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 centre 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 will no longer be ignored.
Dr Abela said that this reform forms part of a broader commitment in favour of families and children. He added that a few days ago a Green Paper was launched on the use of social media among teenagers and which seeks to protect children and vulnerable persons in the digital world, together with other measures such as tax cuts for families, and investment in open spaces and community services.
The Prime Minister pointed out that the Family Court Reform marks the fulfilment of an electoral promise, as he claimed that through it a new chapter has been opened. “A chapter where the Family Court now not only applies the law, but does so with heart, justice and humanity”, reiterated Dr Abela.
The Minister for Social Policy and Children’s Rights, Michael Falzon, stated that such a reform, took care that at its core, there are children. This is due to the sensitive nature of these cases, which leave so much psychological pressure on the parties concerned, especially the children themselves.
”With this reform, we will be more open to intentional manipulation, while providing a child’s lawyer even during the mediation process, and we will give stipulated time for those who are legal processes and mediation. These reforms are all intended to alleviate the wounds that every separation in the family brings with it,” stated Minister Michael Falzon.
The Minister for Justice and Construction Sector Reform Jonathan Attard stated that over the years he has met with various people who have shared with him the difficulties they have experienced due to family issues.
“Experiences that have clearly shown that we had to trigger a process of Reform in the Family Court, a process that is sensitive, efficient and humane. Today we are announcing a reform that places the entire system in a position to deliver better, fairer and more humane results. At its centre is the best interest of the child, not in words but as a modus operandi that should guide the judiciary, professionals and parties. This reform establishes a clear legal basis for the principle of co-parenting, while strengthening protection in cases of domestic violence and manipulation. Our goal is one: justice that arrives on time, that protects the family and that puts children at the forefront of every decision”, concluded Minister Attard.
Photos: DOI/OPM
