Mandatory mediation as a means of family dispute resolution in the Republic of Armenia

Abstract

Mediation is one of the several alternative dispute resolution methods that has been practiced in different nations throughout history. Among all the legal fields, however, family mediation that deals with the issues of divorce, child custody, and distribution of financial obligations is the area of mediation practiced most all around the world. In the Republic of Armenia application of mediation in resolving family disputes is still in its early stages. There are both legal and social barriers impeding the development of mediation in Armenia, however, lack of public awareness is the primary reason why mediation is not widely practiced in Armenia and in many developing countries. In Armenia, mediation had not been regulated as a formal method of dispute resolution until 2015. Through comparison with international practice of mandatory mediation, this paper advances to analyze the present problematic situation and make recommendations on the possible solution of the problem.