Child Custody in Georgia – Experienced Child Custody Lawyers in Tbilisi

Child custody lawyer in Georgia – when parents separate, the most important issue is always the well-being of the children. Georgian law, under the Family Code of Georgia and the Civil Procedure Code, places the “best interests of the child” at the heart of all custody decisions. Whether your case is in Tbilisi City Court, Batumi City Court, or another regional court, custody proceedings require not only legal knowledge but also sensitivity and strategy. Our experienced child custody lawyers in Georgia provide both.

 

The Legal Process of Child Custody in Georgia

The legal process of child custody in Georgia begins with the filing of a custody petition in the local court. This is often part of a divorce case, but custody can also be determined independently if the parents are unmarried.

• Jurisdiction – Custody cases are generally filed in the district court where the child resides. In Tbilisi, this is the Tbilisi City Court.

• Court Role – The judge evaluates evidence, hears testimony, and may order expert psychological assessments of the child and parents.

• Mediation & Agreements – Parents may present a written custody and visitation agreement. If the court finds it consistent with the child’s interests, it will be approved.

• Expert Evaluations – In contested cases, the court often involves social workers, psychologists, or the State Care Agency to assess the child’s needs.

Our custody lawyers guide clients through every stage—preparing petitions, collecting evidence, and ensuring that the court fully considers the parent–child relationship.

 

Protecting Parental Rights and Visitation

The court in Georgia applies the principle that children should have meaningful contact with both parents unless there are serious risks. Visitation rights are therefore central to custody orders.

• Custody Types – The court may grant primary custody to one parent while the other receives visitation rights, or in some cases, establish shared custody.

• Parental Rights – Both parents retain rights to participate in important decisions (education, medical treatment, religious upbringing) unless those rights are limited by the court.

• Supervised Visitation – In cases involving safety concerns—such as violence, neglect, or cult influence—the court may order supervised visitation in the presence of social services.

• Cross-Border Custody – If one parent resides abroad, visitation can include travel arrangements or remote communication (video calls), often requiring additional court orders.

As experienced child custody lawyers in Tbilisi, we ensure that parental rights are not unfairly restricted and that visitation plans are realistic and enforceable. When necessary, we invoke protections under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), which guarantees respect for family life.

 

Key Factors Courts Consider in Custody Cases

When deciding custody, Georgian courts look at a variety of factors:

• Child’s age and emotional needs – Younger children often require stability and frequent contact with the primary caregiver.

• Parental involvement – Which parent has historically provided day-to-day care, education, and health support.

• Living conditions – Housing, financial stability, and the environment offered to the child.

• Psychological evaluations – Reports from licensed experts on the child’s emotional attachment and development.

• Special circumstances – Risks of violence, neglect, or exposure to harmful religious or social environments.

Our lawyers ensure that the court sees the full picture of your parenting capacity and that expert reports accurately reflect your child’s best interests.

 

Property, Support, and Custody Interactions

While custody is primarily about children, it often connects with other divorce issues:

• Child Support – The parent not living with the child usually contributes financially, based on income declared in RS.ge and other evidence.

• Property Division – Custody can affect how the marital home or other assets are divided if the child’s housing stability is a factor.

• Alimony – A parent with custody may also seek spousal support if financially dependent.

See also our page on Alimony in Georgia for more details.

 

How Our Child Custody Lawyers in Tbilisi Can Help

Child custody disputes are not only legal conflicts—they are deeply personal. Our child custody lawyers in Tbilisi combine legal expertise with human understanding. Here is how we help:

• Strategic Case Preparation – We gather financial records, school reports, medical documentation, and psychological evaluations to build a complete case.

• Courtroom Representation – We present evidence clearly and challenge unfair allegations or biased expert opinions.

• Negotiation and Mediation – We help parents reach custody agreements that avoid prolonged conflict, but always protect your rights.

• Cross-Border Enforcement – If custody or visitation rights must be enforced abroad, we assist with recognition of Georgian judgments under international conventions.

• Appeals and ECHR – When necessary, we pursue appeals up to the Supreme Court of Georgia or applications to the European Court of Human Rights if fundamental rights are violated.

 

Why Choose Us for Child Custody Cases

• Local Court Knowledge – We work daily in Tbilisi City Court and Batumi City Court, understanding local judges and procedures.

• Experience with Complex Cases – From parental alienation to international relocation, we have successfully handled difficult custody disputes.

• Focus on Children’s Well-Being – We work with child psychologists and social service experts to ensure the child’s best interests remain central.

• Clear Communication – We explain each step in plain language, so you know what to expect and how to prepare.

 

Practical Advice for Parents in Custody Disputes

• Document Everything – Keep records of your involvement in your child’s life (school, health care, activities).

• Avoid Conflict in Front of Children – Courts notice whether parents support or undermine the child’s relationship with the other parent.

• Act Early – Engage a child custody lawyer as soon as disputes arise; early legal strategy often determines outcomes.

• Be Honest with the Court – Judges value transparency. Concealing income or exaggerating allegations can damage credibility.

 

The outcome of a child custody case will shape your child’s future and your relationship with them for years to come. Having an experienced child custody lawyer in Georgia ensures that your parental rights are respected, the child’s interests are protected, and the legal process is navigated with professionalism and care. Our lawyers in Tbilisi are ready to stand by your side—whether through negotiation, court litigation, or international enforcement.