Determine the appropriate route
Article 1123 of the Civil Code distinguishes divorce through court proceedings when spouses have a dispute from other cases handled by a civil registration authority. SDA publishes divorce registration guidance. Ask which route and jurisdiction fit your circumstances, particularly where a spouse lives abroad or the marriage was registered elsewhere. Do not assume that a foreign marriage or citizenship automatically selects a particular Georgian procedure. Official source: Civil Code of Georgia.
Separate related disputes
List any disagreements concerning children, support, property or debts. Bring existing agreements and court decisions and explain any urgent practical needs. A lawyer should assess which issues can be addressed together and which need separate steps or advice in another jurisdiction. Avoid agreeing to a broad settlement without understanding the assets, obligations and rights it is intended to cover.
Prepare records and recognition questions
Gather identification and marriage records, the relevant addresses and information about assets and income that you want assessed. Explain where a Georgian decision or certificate will later be used. Ask about service of documents, translation, representation and recognition abroad. Before commissioning work, agree the deliverables and whether fees cover only registration, advice, negotiation or representation in proceedings. Official source: SDA: divorce registration.
Plan your next steps
- Write down the countries connected with the marriage and separation.
- Collect marriage records, agreements and prior decisions.
- Identify disputed issues and the outcome sought.
- Confirm jurisdiction and the registration or court route.
- Plan document service and any recognition abroad.
Legal review checkpoint
Ask the lawyer to identify what the proposed divorce service will actually resolve. A change in marital status, a property settlement and arrangements for children should be considered explicitly rather than assumed to be part of one package.
Confirm case acceptance, consultation language and any in-person work with your chosen lawyer.
For a matter in the capital, compare English-speaking lawyers in Tbilisi by practice area, working language and consultation fee.
Family Law and Civil Disputes in Georgia for Expats
Official sources
Prepared by GeoLawyer from the linked official sources. Editorial source check: . This is general information, not individual legal advice. Confirm the current requirements for your circumstances.