Minister for Justice and the Reform of the Construction Sector, Jonathan Attard, has launched a new and innovative online service that facilitates research into the existence of secret wills, another important step towards a more modern, efficient, and accessible justice system for citizens.
At a conference held at Palazzo Conte, one of the new court buildings that also houses the Registry of the Court of Voluntary Jurisdiction, the minister explained how this service addresses a sensitive and highly responsible process that, until now, was carried out manually and involved delays of 2 to 3 weeks.
“Last year alone, over 13,000 requests were submitted for searches relating to secret wills. These figures show how essential this service is. Today, thanks to digitalisation, we are moving from a process that took weeks to one that takes only a few minutes,” said Dr Attard.
The minister remarked that, unlike a public will, a secret will is not registered in the Public Registry and its existence remains unknown until the person passes away. Only after death can an application be made to verify whether a secret will exist, and if the search is positive, a lawyer or notary may request its publication in accordance with the law.
With the new online service, citizens and professionals can submit requests from their office or home. Waiting times will be drastically reduced, as the certificate with the result will be issued immediately. This will also allow staff at the Court of Voluntary Jurisdiction to focus more on cases that require deeper analysis and judgment.
Minister Attard explained that this is a clear example of how technology is being used responsibly to enhance human work rather than replace it.
On the same occasion, Dr. Attard congratulated Judge Abigail Lofaro, who has been assigned to oversee all the Court of Voluntary Jurisdiction’s work and wished her success in her role.
The minister also thanked all stakeholders, with particular emphasis on the Chamber of Notaries, noting that ongoing dialogue with the professionals’ sector was crucial in bringing this project to fruition. He recalled that it was precisely discussions about delays in the process that triggered the shift from an archaic system to a digital one, and ultimately to a fully online service.
Dr. Attard reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to continue investing in justice, both through legislative reforms and tangible investment in improved working environments and conditions.
“There is a strong momentum for reform and progress in the justice sector. While considerable work remains, we are determined to continue delivering change,” the minister concluded, while thanking the Court Services Agency and all employees who contributed to making this service a reality.
This new service is concrete proof of the commitment to maintaining a modern, efficient, transparent justice system that upholds the dignity of citizens.
Photo (MJR)
