The Labour Party has welcomed the start of the first phase in the implementation of the Family Court Reform, a wide-ranging reform that will create a fairer, more efficient and better-structured system for people going through the Family Court process.

The reform marks the implementation of commitments made by the Labour Government and included in this year’s electoral manifest, the PL said in a statement on Thursday.

The party said that Prime Minister and Labour Party Leader Robert Abela has spoken extensively about the importance of this reform, ensuring that people going through difficult family circumstances have access to a system that provides greater support and more efficient procedures.

“The reform also reflects the Labour Party’s longstanding values of standing with those who need support, strengthening public services and ensuring that people facing difficult moments in their lives can access the help and protection they need,” the PL said.

The reform also reflects the values that the Labour Party has consistently championed: standing alongside people and families during difficult moments in their lives, while ensuring greater support and protection through stronger and more effective institutions, it said.

“This is what a stronger focus on wellbeing means in practice: helping people navigate difficult circumstances and build easier, better and more fulfilling lives,” the party added.

The measures coming into effect gradually from today include introducing time limits for cases concerning separation, custody, access and maintenance, further strengthening mediation, and reviewing Family Court procedures to reduce unnecessary delays and make the process more efficient for families.

The reform provides for an autonomous Family Court, clearer timeframes for mediation and earlier submission of documentation. It also establishes a clearer legal basis for co-parenting, while access is treated as an obligation on both parents.

The role of the Child Advocate is strengthened, while court experts and therapists may be appointed as Support Persons where required. The reform also provides for measures in cases involving domestic violence, including the possibility of suspending mediation when a risk is identified, providing protective measures.

As with all reforms which the Labour Party in Government has pushed forward, these changes follow extensive consultation with professionals, lawyers, experts, members of the judiciary, the public and organisations within the sector.