European Union: Family Law

Third-country nationals seeking to bring family members to Malta face two distinct immigration pathways, each with different eligibility criteria, employment rights, and legal frameworks. Understanding the differences between the formal legal route under Subsidiary Legislation 217.06 and the more flexible Family Members Policy can significantly impact the success and timeline of family reunification applications.

Cross-border parental responsibility disputes raise complex questions of jurisdiction, particularly where children have become settled in another country. The Cyprus Court of Appeal recently examined whether Cypriot courts had jurisdiction over four children who had relocated to Germany, where they were living, attending school, and integrating socially.

The Italian Supreme Court has recognised the validity of pre-divorce financial agreements under specific conditions, marking a significant shift in Italian family law. While these arrangements allow spouses to regulate certain economic aspects in advance of potential separation, they remain subject to strict judicial scrutiny and must not violate non-disposable rights, children's interests, or mandatory support obligations.

Divorce in Cyprus is governed by the Marriage Law (Law 104(I)/2003) and the Family Courts Law (Law 23/1990), which apply to civil and religious marriages registered in Cyprus or abroad.

Child custody matters often arise during the most challenging moments in a family's life.

Sicily has become one of the most desirable locations for US and international couples planning a legally valid destination wedding in Italy.

In a recent case handled by our firm, Phoebus, Christos Clerides & Associates LLC, we successfully defended a claim involving an alleged personal loan between two individuals who shared a close familial bond.

In this episode of Law Booth, Maria Camilleri, Senior Associate within the Firm's Local Litigation Department, is once again joined by Tania Farrugia, a Senior Clinical Psychologist, for Part 2 of their discussion...

Italy's Constitutional Court has now officially opened the door to international adoption for single individuals.