Family mediation is a humane and less stressful way to resolve conflicts, which is particularly important during family disputes. Divorce, property division, or child-related issues are always emotionally burdensome. Court proceedings often exacerbate hostility, increase costs, and damage children's psychological well-being. In contrast, mediation creates a safe environment where family members, with the help of a neutral third party — the mediator — can calmly discuss problems and make decisions that are best for everyone, especially minors. Family mediation is becoming increasingly in demand in Georgia as it gives parties control over their future and avoids decisions imposed by a judge. Legal.ge offers access to specialized family mediators who possess both legal and psychological skills.
What Does Family Mediation Cover?
Family mediation covers almost all legal issues related to family relationships. This process can be conducted before or in parallel with court litigation. Key areas include:
- Divorce and Related Issues: Agreeing on divorce terms in a peaceful environment, without the stress of a courtroom.
- Child Custody and Visitation: Parents agreeing on who the children will live with and what the visitation schedule with the other parent will look like.
- Alimony and Child Support: Determining financial obligations by developing a plan tailored to the children's needs.
- Division of Marital Assets: Fair distribution of property, business shares, and debts acquired during the marriage.
- Inheritance Disputes: Resolving conflicts between heirs regarding property division while preserving family ties.
- Elder Care: Agreements between siblings regarding the care of aging parents and the sharing of associated costs.
Real-World Scenarios Where You Need a Family Mediator
Imagine a couple planning to divorce but unable to agree on the apartment and the children's schedule. In court, they would fight against each other, causing trauma to the children. With a mediator, they sit at a table and create a "parenting plan," detailing holidays, birthdays, and living arrangements. Another example is an inheritance dispute: three children cannot agree on a deceased parent's house — one wants to sell, another to live there, and the third to rent it out. Mediation helps them find a creative solution (e.g., one buying out the others' shares) instead of selling the property at auction for a fraction of its value.
Georgian Legal Framework
Family mediation relies on the "Civil Code of Georgia" (Family Law section) and the "Law of Georgia on Mediation". Notably, under the "Civil Procedure Code of Georgia", certain categories of family disputes are subject to mandatory judicial mediation. This means a judge can send parties to a mediator before hearing the case. However, parties always have the right to choose private mediation before approaching the court. The legislation places special priority on the best interests of the child, which is the main guiding principle of the mediation process. An agreement reached concerning children or property can be approved by the court and become binding.
The Process Step-by-Step
The process begins with selecting a mediator on Legal.ge. It is crucial that the mediator has the trust of both parties. The first stage is individual interviews, where the mediator listens to parties separately to understand their emotional state and real desires (which might be hard to say in front of the other party). Then, joint sessions are held, where parties discuss issues point by point (e.g., children first, then property). The mediator ensures the conversation is constructive and free of insults. Upon reaching an agreement, a mediation settlement agreement is drafted. In the case of divorce, this agreement is submitted to the court, which approves it and formally dissolves the marriage.
Why Choose a Specialist on Legal.ge?
Family disputes are the most sensitive legal area. They require not only knowledge of the law but also high emotional intelligence. Family mediators featured on Legal.ge are specially trained professionals capable of managing complex conflicts. Our platform allows you to review their profiles in advance and choose a specialist with whom you feel comfortable. Find your mediator on Legal.ge and protect your family's peace and future.
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