Questions we are asked most often.

About the firm

How do I arrange a first consultation?

Call +356 99427333, email richard@sladdenadvocates.com, or send a message through the contact form on our homepage. We will arrange a meeting at either our Valletta or our Rabat office, whichever is more convenient.

What does a first consultation cost?

Fees depend on the nature and complexity of the matter. We will be clear about costs at the outset, and the purpose of a first meeting is to establish what your options are and what pursuing them is likely to involve.

Which languages do you work in?

We advise in English, Maltese and Italian.

Do you act for clients who are not resident in Malta?

Regularly. Sladden & Sladden is a member of Global Law Experts, an international network through which clients are referred to the firm for Maltese matters. Dr Sandra Sladden is recognised as the recommended family law expert in Malta and Dr Richard Sladden for contractual and related matters.

Where are your offices?

We have two offices in Malta. Valletta: 22, Flat 12, Vincenti Buildings, Strait Street, Valletta VLT 1432. Rabat: 86, Triq Ir-Rebha (Victory Street), Rabat RBT 1503.

Is everything I tell you confidential?

Yes. Every enquiry is treated in the strictest confidence, including enquiries that do not result in us being instructed.

By area of law

Do I have to be separated before I can file for divorce in Malta?

Not necessarily. If you are already legally separated, by court judgment or by public deed, there is no further waiting period. If you are not legally separated, a joint application generally requires that the spouses have lived apart for at least six months of the preceding year, and a unilateral application at least one year out of the preceding two. We will confirm which route applies to your circumstances at the first meeting. More on family law & cross-border matters →

How long does a separation take in Malta?

A separation by mutual consent can often be concluded within a few months, depending on how quickly terms are agreed and the court authorises the deed. A contested separation is considerably longer, because it proceeds through mediation and then litigation before the Family Court. More on separation →

Does divorce in Malta require both spouses to agree?

No. A divorce can be sought unilaterally by one spouse. Where the spouses are not already legally separated, a unilateral application generally requires a longer period of living apart than a joint one. More on divorce →

Is a Church annulment recognised in Maltese civil law?

The civil and ecclesiastical processes are distinct. Those who need a marriage set aside for civil purposes and who also wish to remarry in the Church commonly need to address both. We advise on which applies to your situation. More on annulment →

Can I challenge a public tender that was awarded to someone else?

Often, yes, but the time limits are short and strictly applied. If you believe a contract has been irregularly awarded, contact us as soon as the award is published rather than after the contract has been signed. More on civil law & public procurement →

Can you review a contract drafted by the other side?

Yes, and it is usually money well spent. We will identify what the terms actually commit you to, what is missing, and which points are realistically negotiable. More on commercial law →

I have been asked to attend a police interview. Do I need a lawyer?

Speak to one first. What is said at the investigation stage shapes everything that follows, and the right to legal assistance exists precisely for that moment. More on criminal law →

How quickly should I act on an unpaid debt?

Promptly. Claims are subject to prescription periods, and the practical prospects of recovery fall the longer a debt is left. An early judicial letter also demonstrates that the creditor is serious. More on debt settlement & recovery →

Should I have a promise of sale reviewed before signing?

Yes. The promise of sale sets the conditions of the eventual contract, including what happens if a condition is not met. Reviewing it beforehand is far less expensive than unwinding it later. More on property law →

Do you draft construction contracts?

Yes, and we review them for clients on both sides. Payment terms, variations, delay and defects are where construction disputes concentrate, and they are all matters of drafting. More on real estate & construction →

Should I register my trademark in Malta or across the EU?

It depends where you trade and where you intend to. We advise on the options and the cost difference before anything is filed. More on intellectual property →

Do you advise councils on procurement?

Yes. Councils are contracting authorities, and we advise on running a tender correctly as well as on defending an award that is challenged. More on local councils →

Can you advise on AI compliance obligations?

Yes. We advise on the regulatory frameworks applying to AI systems and on the contractual allocation of risk when AI is deployed in a business, an area that is developing quickly. More on ai and technology law →

Do you act in defamation and media matters?

Yes, we advise on media law matters and on the legal exposure created by published material. More on media and telecommunications →

Do I need Maltese-specific terms for an online shop?

If you are established in Malta or selling to Maltese consumers, yes. Generic template terms drawn from another jurisdiction frequently fail to meet local and EU consumer requirements. More on e-commerce law →

Do you advise on player contracts?

Yes, on negotiation and drafting for players and for clubs, including the employment and image-rights aspects. More on sports law →

Do you draft drilling agreements?

Yes, we draft and review them, with particular attention to how risk and liability are allocated between the parties. More on oil and gas law →

Is custody automatically shared between parents in Malta?

Joint custody is common but not automatic. The Family Court decides on the best interests of the child, and where parents agree terms, those terms are ordinarily reflected in the separation deed. More on child custody & access →

Are pre-nuptial agreements recognised in Malta?

Yes. Maltese law allows spouses to regulate their matrimonial property regime, and such agreements are made by public deed. We advise on the requirements and on the regime that fits your circumstances. More on pre-nuptial agreements →

Do you act for employers or for employees?

Both, though never on both sides of the same matter. Acting for each gives us a realistic view of how a case will be met. More on employment law →

How long do I have to challenge a tender award?

The periods are short and strictly enforced. Contact us immediately once an award is published; waiting until the contract is signed usually forecloses the remedy. More on public procurement →

Can I leave my estate to whomever I choose?

Not entirely. Maltese law reserves a portion of the estate for certain heirs. We advise on what can be freely disposed of and on planning within those limits. More on wills & succession →

Can I object to a development near my property?

In appropriate cases, yes, within the defined window. The objection needs to engage with planning policy, and we advise on standing and on the strength of the case. More on planning & development →