A total of 2,171 marriages and 887 separations were registered in Malta and Gozo in 2024, according to information tabled in Parliament by Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri in response to questions from MP Edward Zammit Lewis.

Between 2022 and 2024, Malta saw 6,277 marriages, with the highest number—2,249—recorded in 2022.

In Gozo, 574 marriages were registered over the same period, with 2023 seeing the highest yearly total of 208.

In contrast to marriage registrations, the courts handled a significant number of separation cases in 2024.

Malta’s courts saw 734 direct mediations for personal separations between married individuals, while Gozo reported 46 such cases. Over the three-year period, Malta recorded 2,158 mediations, compared to 109 in Gozo.

Contentious personal separation cases—where the court intervenes to resolve disputes—totalled 313 in Malta and 28 in Gozo over the three years.

Last year alone, Malta registered 97 contentious separations, while Gozo had 10.

Mediation is a collaborative approach aimed at resolving separations amicably. A neutral mediator facilitates discussions between both parties to reach agreements on matters like child custody and property division, avoiding conflict and lengthy court proceedings.

On the other hand, contentious separations occur when disagreements escalate, requiring court intervention. This formal legal process often involves disputes over assets, custody, or other critical issues, making it more adversarial.

What do you make of these numbers?