Divorce · Malta
Trusted divorce lawyers in Malta for your next step
We match you with an independent advocate who handles divorce proceedings in Malta. Get clear, practical guidance on the Maltese court process, matrimonial property rules and the documents you will need.
- Understand Malta’s mixed civil-law system and the Family Section of the Civil Court
- Be matched with a warranted Maltese advocate, not a call centre
- No cost to get matched; average first response within 24–48 hours
No obligation. No legal advice. We only introduce you to a specialised advocate.
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Tell us about your situation and receive a free, confidential case review.
Why choose a local advocate
Divorce in Malta: a civil-law process with common-law influence
Finding the right divorce lawyers in Malta starts with understanding how the country’s legal system works. Malta is a mixed jurisdiction: private law follows the continental civil-law tradition, rooted in the French Code Napoléon, while court procedure is adversarial and bears strong English influence. Family matters are heard by the Civil Court’s Family Section. We help you sort through this without giving legal advice. We match you with a warranted Maltese advocate who handles divorce proceedings, so you can ask the right questions about the community of acquests, maintenance, children and the practical steps ahead. This page explains the Maltese court framework, the role of the advocate and the key deadlines in plain language. It does not replace legal advice, but it helps you start the conversation with confidence.
Malta essentials
How divorce law works in Malta
These are verified features of the Maltese legal system that commonly matter when a marriage ends. They are not legal advice; use them to prepare for your first conversation with an advocate.
Court structure for family matters
Malta has a two-tier court structure, not split into federal and state courts. The Superior Courts include the Civil Court, whose First Hall has a Family Section and a Voluntary Jurisdiction Section. Maltese and English are both official languages; court documents and notarial deeds are generally drafted in Maltese, while legal education is imparted in English.
One unified legal profession
The terms lawyer and advocate are used interchangeably in Malta. There is no barrister/solicitor split. To practise, a person must hold a warrant issued by the President of the Republic under the Public Seal of Malta and take oaths before the Court of Appeal. In contentious proceedings before the Superior Courts, representation by an advocate is required.
Default matrimonial regime: community of acquests
Unless spouses opt by public deed for another regime, marriage in Malta creates the community of acquests. Property acquired through the spouses’ work or industry during the marriage, and the fruits of their separate property, form part of the community. The spouses cannot derogate from the mandatory provisions on this regime.
The notary public: a separate public-officer profession
Malta maintains a distinct profession of Notary Public, a public officer appointed by the State. Notaries authenticate and draft public deeds and acts, including marriage settlements, wills and acts relating to immovable property. A divorce advocate often works alongside a notary to complete the formalities that a property or succession matter may require.
Forced heirship and the reserved portion
Maltese succession law restricts testamentary freedom through the reserved portion. Descendants and the surviving spouse hold statutory rights over the estate. Children are entitled to one-third of the estate if there are up to four, or one-half if there are five or more. The surviving spouse is entitled to one-fourth where there are children, otherwise one-third.
Costs, tariffs and legal aid
Advocates’ and legal procurators’ fees are governed by statutory tariffs in the schedules to the Code of Organisation and Civil Procedure. Contingency-fee arrangements are prohibited. In civil cases, legal aid requires a means test and a merits test; the means test uses a net asset threshold of EUR 13,000 for the preceding twelve months.
Data comes from official sources (e-Justice, the Civil Code of Malta and Legal Aid Malta), retrieved in 2025.
Common concerns
Where divorce in Malta can feel uncertain
We help you find an advocate who can explain how Malta’s rules apply to your situation.
Unclear property rules
The community of acquests and the reserved portion can change what you think you own. A local advocate can clarify how these rules classify assets and what evidence matters.
Court and language formalities
Family matters are heard in a bilingual, codified system where Maltese is the language of the courts. Without local experience, deadlines and procedural steps can be easy to miss.
Costs and legal aid confusion
Statutory tariffs, legal aid thresholds and the ban on contingency fees make cost forecasting difficult. An independent advocate can explain the likely fee structure early in your case.
Why use European Lawyer Finder
A calm, structured way to find help
We are not a law firm. We match you with independent advocates and keep the process simple.
Pre-screened local advocates
We work with advocates who handle divorce and family law in Malta. Your details are sent only to law firms that match your situation and legal needs.
No cost to get matched
There is no charge for the matching service at any point. You decide whether to engage the advocate after your first conversation and a clear explanation of next steps.
Bilingual, plain-language support
Our team understands that Malta’s legal system operates in both Maltese and English. We help you prepare practical questions before you speak with a lawyer.
Confidential and quick
Your request is treated confidentially at all times. Most people receive a first response from a matched advocate within 24 to 48 hours, often sooner.
Where we can help
Legal matching across Europe
European Lawyer Finder covers Malta and other key European jurisdictions. If your divorce has a cross-border element, we can help you find a local advocate in the country that matters.
Frequently asked questions
Answers on divorce lawyers in Malta
What do divorce lawyers in Malta do?
Divorce lawyers in Malta are warranted advocates who handle divorce proceedings before the Maltese courts. They prepare the necessary procedural acts, represent you in the Family Section of the Civil Court, and advise on issues such as the community of acquests, maintenance and children. We match you with an advocate who does this work.
Which court handles divorce in Malta?
Family matters are heard by the Civil Court, one of Malta’s Superior Courts. The Civil Court’s First Hall has a dedicated Family Section. Malta’s court structure is two-tier, and representation by an advocate is required in contentious proceedings before the Superior Courts.
How does the community of acquests affect a divorce?
Unless spouses have chosen another regime by public deed, marriage in Malta creates the community of acquests. Property acquired through work or industry during marriage, and the fruits of separate property, form part of the community. A local advocate can explain how this applies to your assets.
Can a lawyer from another EU country represent me in Malta?
To practise in Malta, an advocate must hold a warrant issued by the President of the Republic. The warrant is open to citizens of Malta or another EU Member State who meet the qualifications, including knowledge of the Maltese language. We only match you with a warranted Maltese advocate.
How are legal fees for divorce lawyers in Malta regulated?
Advocates’ fees are governed by statutory tariffs in the schedules to the Code of Organisation and Civil Procedure. Contingency-fee arrangements are prohibited. Legal aid may be available in civil cases if you pass a means test and a merits test.
Do I need a notary public for a divorce in Malta?
Malta has a separate profession of Notary Public, who drafts and authenticates public deeds. In divorce-related property and succession matters, a notary may be needed to complete formalities. Your advocate can tell you whether notarial involvement is necessary in your case.
Get matched today
Find the right divorce advocate in Malta
Tell us briefly what you need. We will match you with a warranted Malta advocate who handles divorce proceedings and contact you within 24–48 hours. No obligation, no charge for the matching service.