How to Get a Divorce in Georgia (Tbilisi)

Divorce in Georgia is a legally structured process that can be handled entirely through professional legal representation, without the personal participation of the client. Whether you are a Georgian citizen, a foreign national, or a couple who married in Georgia and now lives abroad, Georgian law provides clear mechanisms for dissolving a marriage in a lawful, enforceable, and relatively efficient way.

In practice, divorce in Georgia is completed either through the court system or, in limited circumstances, through the Public Service Hall. The correct route depends on whether the divorce is contested or uncontested and whether there are unresolved legal consequences such as property, children, or financial claims.

Contested and Uncontested Divorce in Georgia

An uncontested divorce is possible when both spouses agree that the marriage should be dissolved and there are no disputes regarding property, children, or financial obligations. In such cases, the procedure is usually straightforward and may be completed within a relatively short timeframe. The court’s role is typically limited to verifying that the legal requirements are met and issuing a formal decision on the dissolution of marriage.

A contested divorce applies where one spouse disagrees with the divorce itself or where there are disputes over marital property, financial obligations, or child-related matters. Contested cases are more complex and require a full court procedure, including written submissions, possible hearings, evidence review, and legal argumentation. Even in contested proceedings, the client does not need to attend court personally if represented by a lawyer under a duly executed Power of Attorney.

Legal Grounds for Divorce

Georgian law does not require proof of fault such as adultery or misconduct. The principal legal basis for divorce is the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage. This standard allows the court to dissolve a marriage where it is clear that marital relations can no longer be restored, without assigning blame to either party.

Dissolution of Marriage Through the Public Service Hall

In addition to court proceedings, Georgian law allows for the administrative dissolution of marriage through the Public Service Hall in specific situations. This option is generally available for uncontested divorces where both spouses agree to terminate the marriage and no disputes exist. We provide full assistance with this procedure, including document preparation, coordination with the Public Service Hall, and completion of the registration process. Where disputes exist, the court route remains mandatory.

Documents and Legal Preparation

The divorce process requires proper legal documentation, including the marriage certificate, identification documents, and, where applicable, documents supporting jurisdiction. If the client does not wish to appear in person, representation is handled through a Power of Attorney. For foreign clients, certified legal translations and apostille formalities may be required. All documents must be prepared in a form acceptable to Georgian courts or administrative authorities.

Court Procedure, Court Fees, and Legal Protection

Divorce cases are generally filed with the Tbilisi City Court or another competent court depending on jurisdiction. Court fees are moderate and are typically paid upon filing. In contested cases, the court may issue interim injunctions to protect the legal and financial interests of the parties while proceedings are ongoing. These measures may include the arrest (freezing) of property, prohibitions on selling or transferring assets, and other temporary restrictions designed to prevent irreversible harm before a final decision is issued.

If the opposing party submits counterclaims, such as financial or property-related demands, these are addressed within the same proceedings. Your lawyer prepares and files all necessary responses and supporting materials, and communicates with the court on your behalf.

First Instance, Second Instance, and Supreme Court Options

The court first issues a first-instance decision, which dissolves the marriage and, where relevant, resolves connected disputes. If a party disagrees with the judgment, an appeal may be filed to the second instance (appellate court) in accordance with procedural rules and deadlines. In exceptional cases involving significant legal questions or serious procedural violations, a further appeal may be considered by the Supreme Court of Georgia. This stage is not automatic and applies only where the case meets strict admissibility requirements.

Enforcement, Delivery Obligations, and Arrest on Property

Once a divorce decision becomes final, it creates binding legal consequences. If the judgment includes property division or transfer obligations, the parties must comply with those delivery obligations. If a party fails to perform voluntarily, enforcement mechanisms are available through compulsory execution procedures, including enforcement by a bailiff. In urgent situations during the proceedings, the court may also impose arrest on property or other interim measures to prevent asset dissipation and protect the claimant’s rights.

Client Participation Is Not Required

Clients do not need to participate personally in divorce proceedings. With a properly drafted Power of Attorney, the lawyer can manage the case end-to-end, including filings, court appearances, negotiations, appeals, and enforcement. This is especially helpful for clients who reside outside Georgia or prefer to keep the process private and efficient.

We Work With Local and International Clients

We regularly represent local Georgian clients as well as international clients, including those who married in Georgia and later relocated abroad. The process is structured to accommodate cross-border situations while ensuring full compliance with Georgian law and enforceability of the final court decision.

Professional Divorce Lawyer Assistance in Tbilisi

Divorce is not only a personal matter but also a legal procedure with practical consequences. Professional assistance helps avoid delays, protect assets through interim measures when needed, respond correctly to counterclaims, and ensure that the final decision is enforceable. Our team can handle uncontested divorces, contested disputes, property protection requests, and representation at all court instances where legally available.