Current Issues in the Legal Regulation of Family Mediation: Domestic and International Experience

The study of international experience in the formation and development of the institution of family mediation that serves as an important tool for resolving conflicts in family relationships contributes to the scholarly understanding of its necessity in marital and family relations in Russia. Although Russian legislation has formally recognized mediation as an alternative method of dispute resolution, the practical implementation of these provisions has yet to reach a wide scale. At the same time, in the context of seeking a balance between non-interference of the state in private life and its aspiration to create conditions for the protection of family, motherhood, fatherhood, and childhood, there is an increasing demand for the examination of global practices in applying mediation technologies to socially significant areas, including restorative and family mediation. In this regard, a range of issues arise concerning the professionalization of mediation in the field of family disputes. Professionalization include the establishment of qualification requirements for family mediators, development of ethical standards governing their conduct, and the legislative definition of the “scope of activities” within which a family mediator may operate, and other considerations. In conclusion, the author underscores the importance of advancing research and development in family mediation with the goal of adapting to emerging social realities and needs. The author expects that mediation will evolve not only into a tool for conflict resolution, but also into a key mechanism for the prevention of family disputes, thereby fostering more harmonious family relationships.