Starting July 1, Armenia will require parties to seek mediation in certain family disputes. This obligation stems from amendments to the 2022 Law on Mediation, marking a significant step in judicial and legal reform, according to Davit Gharibyan, Director of the Legislative Development Center of the Ministry of Justice.

"Extensive groundwork has been laid to ensure a smooth rollout. From July 1, mediation will be mandatory for cases involving divorce, visitation rights, and alimony. However, issues requiring state intervention, such as deprivation of parental rights or adoption, are excluded from this requirement," Gharibyan stated, Armenpress reports.

Senior legal expert Maria Petrosyan noted that courts registered 2,800 to 3,000 cases annually in 2023 and 2024 that could be resolved via mediation. She said these cases would now be redirected to the mediation system.

“This will help reduce the burden on courts. The reforms are not just about making mediation mandatory but about building a comprehensive mediation institution that includes all types of civil and labor disputes,” Petrosyan said, adding that mediation offers a more constructive way to resolve conflicts.

Gayane Demirchyan, president of the mediators' self-regulating organization, explained that individuals aged 25 and over with a higher education can become mediators after completing mandatory training by the Ministry of Justice. Training includes skills in negotiation, psychology, and conflict management, along with knowledge of mediation law.

Currently, 124 licensed mediators operate in Armenia, 123 of whom are active. About half are ready to handle mandatory family mediation. The training is structured to involve specialists from all regions, and almost every province now has full-time mediators. Remote mediation is also available.

Vanik Margaryan, chair of the organization's council, noted that although mediation services are paid, they are significantly more affordable than court proceedings.

"Out-of-court resolution is generally less costly and time-saving. This is a truly important institution, and mandatory mediation marks a major milestone. We hope to foster a culture of seeking mediation and encourage lawyers to see it as an effective tool, not a barrier," he said.