FAMILY AND DOCUMENTS

Divorce in Georgia by power of attorney: preparing documents from abroad

PRO Documents · Checked against official sources: 26.10.2026

Where spouses are outside Georgia, a representative may submit documents for divorce registration in cases provided for by law. The key is to agree the document package in advance and define the authority correctly so that the power of attorney, application and foreign documents can be accepted in Georgia.

Prepared on 26 October 2026 using official sources. Requirements for foreign documents depend on the issuing country and the circumstances; confirm the package before visiting a notary.

Determine the legal route before issuing a power of attorney

A representative submits documents but does not create a legal basis for divorce. Spouses who agree apply jointly. One spouse may apply alone on grounds prescribed by law, including where a divorce judgment exists.

Georgia may register the divorce if at least one spouse is a Georgian citizen or Georgian residence permit holder, or if an authorised Georgian body registered the marriage. Check these conditions, consent and any disputes before preparing documents.

Official source: Matsne · Law on Civil Status Acts · Articles 55–56

What authority to include in the power of attorney

SDA requires a duly certified power of attorney and the representative’s identity document. It is useful to name the body and actions specifically: representation in divorce registration, submission and signature of permitted applications, delivery and collection of documents, payment of fees and collection of the certificate.

Agree the scope with the person handling the case before notarisation. A generic authority to ‘represent interests’ may not describe the required actions, while unnecessary powers widen the mandate. State expressly if there are several representatives or substitution is permitted.

A power of attorney does not replace the other spouse’s consent and does not resolve property, maintenance or child-related disputes. An administrative procedure may be unavailable where there is a dispute.

Official source: SDA · Registration of Divorce

Notarisation, apostille or legalisation, and translation

A power of attorney is usually executed before a notary in the country of residence. Foreign-issued or certified documents submitted to a Georgian authority generally need an apostille or legalisation unless a treaty or Georgian law provides an exception.

The choice between an apostille and legalisation depends on the issuing country. Do not order an apostille automatically: first check the applicable convention and any bilateral exemption.

A duly certified Georgian translation will be needed for filing. Agree whether translation should occur before or after the apostille so that every certification and endorsement is covered.

Official source: SDA · Apostille and Legalization

Assemble a consistent document package

For a joint divorce application, SDA lists the spouses’ application, both identity documents and the marriage certificate. The representative adds the power of attorney and their identity document. A particular case may require originals, certified copies or further evidence.

Check names, dates, document numbers and marriage details across every document. If transliterations differ, agree how to address the discrepancy before filing.

Confirm which scans can be used for preliminary review and which originals must be shipped. Use tracked international delivery and retain copies of the entire package.

Official source: SDA · Registration of Divorce

Filing and using the certificate abroad

SDA states that registration takes five working days after filing and that the fee for registration and the certificate is GEL 60. This period excludes preparation, international shipping and corrections.

If the certificate will be used outside Georgia, check the destination country’s requirements in advance. A Georgian document may need an apostille or legalisation, a translation and, in some jurisdictions, registration or recognition of the change in marital status.

A practical sequence is: review scans, agree the power of attorney and application, notarise, obtain an apostille or legalisation, translate, send originals, file, and prepare the certificate for its destination country.