Act VII of 2026 amends the Code of Organization and Civil Procedure (Chapter 12) and related statutes to restructure Malta's family court jurisdiction and modernise family proceedings. The key change is the elevation of the Civil Court (Family Section) to a fully autonomous Family Court with its own President, administration, and dedicated judicial complement. Judges assigned to the Family Court must complete accredited family-law judicial training within one year of designation.

The Act introduces mandatory mediation for all matrimonial and contact disputes before a case is listed for hearing, with the mediator's report placed before the judge who must record reasons for not following any agreed terms. In children proceedings, the interests of the child are explicitly stated to be the court's paramount consideration, and a Children's Advocate Office is established — an independent body with power to instruct its own expert witnesses and to apply to be joined as a party in proceedings affecting minors.

Procedurally, the Act streamlines service of process in family cases, enables video-link evidence as of right for victims of domestic violence, and introduces a protective costs order mechanism to ensure that disparity of means between parties does not deny a financially weaker party access to justice. Enforcement of contact and residence orders is strengthened: breach may now result in a community service order or a suspended term of imprisonment in addition to existing contempt remedies. The Act enters into force on publication, with transitional provisions allowing pending cases to continue under former rules.

Family Court (Amendment) Act (Act VII of 2026)