The reform of the Family Court is a key promise in the Labour Party's electoral programme and a clear demonstration of how a Labour Government, led by Prime Minister Robert Abela, delivers on its commitments, the Labour Party said Tuesday.

This reform reflects the values of social justice, solidarity, and the protection of the most vulnerable, which underpin the Labour Government's policy. 22 years after the last interventions in the Family Court, this historic reform is the result of a broad and open public consultation, which listened to the realities experienced by Maltese families and acted upon them, the PL added.

The reform, announced by Prime Minister Robert Abela, together with the Minister for Justice Jonathan Attard and the Minister for Social Policy and Children's Rights Michael Falzon, is "sensitive, humane, and focused on the real needs of families. Through this reform, a more modern, efficient, and fair legal framework is being created, which strengthens the mediation process with a new subsidiary law, clear time limits, and enhanced legal guarantees".

In cases of domestic violence, the Court will have the power to act immediately to protect vulnerable parties, placing family safety above all else, the PL said. The new framework also strengthens the enforcement of Court decisions and provides clarity regarding custody, access, care, and maintenance to reduce conflicts and increase stability in family life. The reform also introduces the concept of co-parenting, where the Court will consider the equal rights of each parent.

At the same time, if the Court finds intentional manipulation by any party, it will take the necessary measures. These measures protect parental rights while safeguarding the best interests of the children. At the heart of this reform are children.

The government, according to the PL, is ensuring that their voices are heard and their rights protected through the appointment of child lawyers, support persons, and experts, as well as through stronger coordination of mediation. These reforms are supported by significant investment in infrastructure and human resources, including a new building for the Family Court, which clearly reflects the Labour Government's vision: a more humane, modern, and people-centred justice system focused on families.

The Labour Party said it delivers on its promises and is therefore the only guarantee for a better future, even in the field of justice, unlike the Nationalist Party, which gives the impression of being a champion of the rule of law but, in reality, resists important changes in a sector that has long needed reforms for greater efficiency and reduced delays in the courts.

"It is a Labour Government that has implemented several significant reforms to strengthen Malta's justice system. The most recent and important reforms, in addition to the reform of the Family Court, include changes to judicial appointments, the separation of the roles of the Attorney General and the State Advocate, the reform of magisterial inquiries, investment in the digitalisation of court records, and the establishment of specialised courts, including a Commercial Court."