The Minister for Justice and Reform of the Construction Sector Jonathan Attard and the Minister for Social Policy and Children’s Rights Michael Falzon launched the public consultation on the reform in the Family Court . The consultation process is designed to gather a wide range of perspectives, ensuring that the voices of all stakeholders are heard.
“The experiences of the people we met were the foundation of the work that was being carried out by a multidisciplinary team in recent months to arrive at the first set of recommendations that we are presenting in this public consultation ,” said Minister Jonathan Attard, while maintaining that its aim is to address realities that were last touched upon in an attempt at reform 22 years ago.
He also stressed that the government is aware of the fact that this family sector is a sensitive one and one that the discussion about it often goes from one side to the other so it was necessary to take a wise step in this reform even after a public meeting attended by Prime Minister Robert Abela.
“We want to see more specialization so that we can help families reach fair resolutions with procedures that are not harsh and long-term with an emphasis on prioritizing the interests of the children and their needs,” continued Minister Jonathan Attard .
This first phase of the reform will give the opportunity for more reforms, including the introduction of a specialized Family Court and not a section in the Civil Court as it is today.
Minister Michael Falzon stated that, “This government really believes in the family and all its forms. We are making these changes in order to strengthen the legal system and see that no child is deprived of one parent or another. As a government aware of different realities that challenge the serenity of families. We chose to go through these changes because for us the family is a priority and remains the best thing.”
In a presentation made by Lawyer Sharon Mizzi together with Mrs. Joanne Battistino, the various proposals that are being put forward for this public consultation were explained.
The main themes that frame these same proposals include:
- Family Court re-established with a Code consolidating all family laws.
- Establishment of a Family Board with an important role at the beginning and throughout the mediation process in order to facilitate the judicial process.
- New terms for the mediation process so as not to prolong the procedures unnecessarily.
- Equal rights and responsibilities, co-parenting and decisions in the best interest of the child.
- To address issues during the case related to access and maintenance.
- Establishment of a Support Office in the Court made up of professionals from different disciplines to assist the people involved in the procedures of the Family Court.
- Support for victims of domestic violence.
- Strengthening the resources of professionals working in the field.
- To facilitate the process of dissolution of the communion of assets.
Present for the news conference was also the Permanent Secretary within the Ministry of Justice and Reform of the Construction Sector Johan Galea, representatives of the Technical Committees of Family and Parental Reform Alienation, the Commissioner for Children Antoinette Vassallo, the Chief Executives of the FSWS and the CSA and the Administration for Court Services.
All those who wish to submit their submissions can do so between today, September 30 and November 11, 2024. During this period, a number of activities aimed at the public will be organized. general, stakeholders in the sector, and even the professionals involved.
Submissions can be made via email consultation.justice@gov.mt or through the online consultation platform at publicconsultation.gov.mt .
Photo: MJR/MSPC
