Malta [Case 6 : marriage brokerage contracts]

Abstract

The contract is valid, and Mr Lonely may not recover the deposit. Variation: The contracts are valid and Forever Happy is likely to be awarded its claim. Marriage brokerage has long been accepted under Maltese law and the courts have enforced claims brought by marriage brokers in the same way as those of any other commercial intermediary. Jurisprudence has held that the brokerage fee would be awarded to whoever intervenes in order to bring about the marriage, and for the broker to be entitled to a reward (a) his intervention would have to be either required or accepted, tacitly or explicitly, and (b) his efforts should ultimately fulfil the aim of bringing the parties to marriage.