Child access and maintenance in times of crisis.

It goes without saying that in times of crisis children are among the vulnerable groups in our society. Children rely heavily on their parents and if those parents are not together due to a separation or divorce it does nothing to improve their situation. Fortunately the Maltese divorce law catered for the needs of children who’s parents are going through a divorce. Matters like child maintenance and access have to be agreed upon before a divorce can be finalised.

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The Cohabitation Bill

The institute of cohabitation is no new phenomenon in the Maltese culture, yet, it is one within the ambit of Maltese law. This lack of legislation has left cohabiting couples with no rights at law, both pending the relationship itself and even after its termination, whether by choice or by death. Consequently, the Government has now proposed a cohabitation Bill aimed at securing cohabitants’ rights at law, whether of the same or of different sex.
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Divorce versus separation

Until recently divorce in Malta was not regulated under Maltese Law and couples whose marriages have broken down could only apply for a legal separation. However, with the introduction of divorce in Malta couples are now able to obtain a divorced if they qualify in the eyes of the court and in accordance with the provisions of the law. Continue reading “Divorce versus separation”

Cohabitation for gay couples

Cohabitation is a state of fact, a choice made by several couples and a social reality, and the government is therefore obliged to regulate it by law. Previously  cohabitation for gay couples in Malta was not regulated at all but with the proposed change of the cohabitation bill on the 28th of august 2012 it would be regulated. Continue reading “Cohabitation for gay couples”

Divorce law

Divorce is the complete and total dissolution of a marriage that existed between the spouses. Therefore once it is granted the couple is no longer deemed to be married in the eyes of the law and thus is able to remarry. Divorce in Malta has always been a very vastly debated topic mostly because of the Catholic Church’s influences on the Maltese islands and its inhabitant’s beliefs that discouraged attempts of to introduce a divorce law. Continue reading “Divorce law”