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In order to facilitate the application of alternative means of dispute resolution, the Republic of Latvia has adopted the Mediation Law (Mediācijas likums – in effect since 18 June 2014).
The model of mediation recommended by the court in civil proceedings came into effect on 1 January 2015. Judges are assigned the obligation to offer the parties the option of mediation to resolve the dispute at different stages of the proceedings (after commencement of a case, when preparing a case for trial and at the preliminary case hearing, and also during legal proceedings, until the examination on the merits is completed).
Several projects have been implemented to promote mediation as a way of resolving disputes:
1. Project – Free mediation in family disputes
The Council of Certified Mediators (Sertificētu mediatoru padome) is continuing to implement the ‘Mediation in family disputes’ programme in 2023, as it has been doing since 1 January 2017. Under the State-budget-funded programme, individuals have been eligible for State support giving them the opportunity to attend five free sessions with a certified mediator to resolve disagreements between parents that also affect children’s interests and find ways to improve relations between family members. Within the framework of the project, State support provides for the first five mediation sessions (60 minutes each) managed by a certified mediator, which are free of charge for the parties. If the dispute is not resolved within five sessions, the cost of further services should be covered by the parties. A certified mediator or the Council of Certified Mediators (Sertificētu mediatoru padome) should be consulted to assess a person’s eligibility. Information on the project is made available to persons concerned via the courts, and is transferred to local authorities, social services, family courts, etc.
To apply for the family mediation service, you would need to contact a certified mediator of your choice who is taking part in the programme or, if it is impossible to agree on the choice of mediator, contact the Council of Certified Mediators by email at smp@smp.lv or by calling 28050777.
More details on the programme can be found here.
2. Guidance
Anybody interested may obtain guidance on mediation and its applications by contacting the Council of Certified Mediators by email at smp@smp.lv or by calling +371 28 050 777.
Last update:
05/04/2024
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