Georgia adopted a wide-ranging package in 2024 known as the Law on Family Values and Protection of Minors. While it does not overhaul the basic mechanics of divorce, it reframes how institutions consider the interests of children and family environments. Below we explain, in clear language, how this may affect divorcing spouses, custody evaluations, and international families who rely on Georgian procedures.

Key Takeaways for Parents and Couples

• Divorce routes remain intact: Uncontested cases can still proceed administratively; contested cases go to court.
• Higher scrutiny around minors: Courts and agencies may examine the child’s day-to-day environment more closely.
• Documentation matters: Parenting capacity, stability, schooling, and healthcare continuity should be evidenced in detail.
• International families: Expect more questions about practical care arrangements, cross-border schooling, and relocation plans.

Does the New Law Change How You Get Divorced?

The underlying paths to divorce in Georgia are unchanged:

• Administrative divorce is still possible for spouses who fully agree, typically where there are no disputed issues. It can be handled efficiently at the House of Justice (with appropriate documentation and, if needed, power of attorney).
• Judicial divorce remains the channel when there is disagreement about any material issue (children, property, support) or when legal clarification is needed.

What’s evolving is the context: decision-makers are likely to apply the “best interests of the child” standard with closer attention to stability, routine, and the everyday caregiving ecosystem.

Custody, Contact, and “Best Interests of the Child”

The law re-emphasizes the protection of minors. In practice, judges and social services may look for:

• Continuity: Who maintains schooling, healthcare, and extracurricular routines with minimal disruption?
• Care capacity: Work schedules, housing, support networks, and the child’s established bonds.
• Evidence quality: School notes, medical records, therapist opinions (where appropriate), and digital communications that reflect actual caregiving.

Practical tip: Treat custody evidence like a project file: label, date, and explain each item. Well-organized records shorten proceedings and improve credibility.

Implications for International Clients

Georgia remains attractive for international couples due to clear procedures and predictable formalities. Under the new climate, however, expect:

• Closer inquiry into relocation plans, schooling continuity across borders, and healthcare arrangements.
• Translation & legalization requirements for foreign documents (certified translations; Apostille where applicable).
• Recognition abroad: Plan ahead for how a Georgian decree and custody order will be presented in your home jurisdiction.

Our cross-border team helps align Georgian filings with likely recognition needs in the EU/EEA, UK, North America, and elsewhere.

Alimony, Property, and Timelines

The new package does not, on its face, rewrite alimony or property-division rules. However, where a case involves minors, added scrutiny can influence timelines:

• Contested custody matters may require more detailed reports and additional hearings.
• Uncontested divorces generally proceed at the usual tempo—prepare documents thoroughly to avoid avoidable delays.

Document Checklist We Recommend in 2025

• Passports/IDs, marriage certificate (with translation/legalization if foreign).
• Any prenuptial/postnuptial agreements.
• Child-focused evidence: school confirmations, attendance, medical/therapy records (where relevant), activity schedules.
• Housing proof and caregiving schedules (who does school runs, homework, appointments).
• Financial disclosures for support questions; asset lists for property matters.
• For international cases: travel consents, relocation plans, and recognition strategy (Apostille, certified translations).

When to Seek Legal Advice

If your case involves children, relocation, or cross-border assets, early legal planning is now crucial. A well-framed file—with clear, neutral evidence—reduces uncertainty. Our team at DivorceLawyers.ge advises both local and international clients and can coordinate translations, notarial steps, and recognition abroad.

FAQ — Family Values Law & Divorce in Georgia (2024/2025)

1) Is administrative divorce still available?

Yes. If both spouses agree and documentation is in order, administrative divorce remains available. Disputed issues move the case to court.

2) Does the new law change custody standards?

It reinforces the centrality of the child’s best interests and may increase scrutiny of caregiving stability, schooling, and health continuity. The legal standard stays the same, but evidence expectations are higher.

3) Will my case take longer now?

Uncontested cases typically proceed on normal timelines. Contested custody cases may take longer due to additional reporting and hearings.

4) We live abroad—can we divorce in Georgia remotely?

Often yes, via power of attorney and properly authenticated documents. Specifics depend on your circumstances; we coordinate notarization, Apostille, and certified translations.

5) How does this affect alimony and property division?

The package does not directly rewrite these areas. However, when minors are involved, case management may be more rigorous—so prepare disclosures diligently.

6) What documents do international families need?

Expect identity documents, marriage certificate, child records, and any foreign judgments or agreements—all with certified translations and Apostille where required.

7) Will a Georgian divorce be recognized in my country?

Recognition depends on your local law. Many jurisdictions accept Georgian judgments when properly legalized and translated. We tailor a recognition plan as part of your strategy.

8) Do I need mediation?

Mediation is not mandatory in every case, but it is often encouraged—especially where child arrangements can be settled cooperatively and documented clearly.

9) What evidence best supports “best interests”?

School confirmations, attendance, healthcare records, caregiver schedules, housing stability, and communications showing consistent, child-focused parenting.

10) Can I relocate with my child?

Relocation is assessed case-by-case. Courts consider educational continuity, healthcare, family ties, and the feasibility of maintaining contact with the other parent.

Need tailored guidance? Speak with our team at DivorceLawyers.ge — Contact.