Draft Law to Exempt Victims of Domestic Violence from State Fees in Courts

MP Zaroui Batoyan has introduced a bill proposing exemptions from the payment of state fees in courts for individuals who have experienced domestic violence. The bill aims to provide relief for those who file:

1. Appeals against court decisions regarding the cancellation of warnings or immediate intervention orders;
2. Divorce petitions;
3. Requests concerning the exercise of parental rights, including determining the child's residence, establishing visitation arrangements, and participating in the child's care, upbringing, and education;
4. Actions to determine paternity;
5. Petitions to restrict or deprive parental rights.

“Currently, claimants are exempt from state fees when they apply to the court regarding protective measures stipulated by the Law of the Republic of Armenia on 'Prevention of Domestic and Gender-Based Violence and Protection of Persons subjected to Domestic and Gender-Based Violence.' However, experience shows that decisions made by the police involving protective measures are often challenged through administrative judicial procedures by perpetrators of domestic violence. Consequently, victims are forced to appeal judicial acts of administrative courts through both appeal and cassation procedures without any privileged conditions regarding state fees.

Moreover, according to data provided by the Women's Support Center NGO, 324 victims of domestic violence did not turn to the courts for other family-related claims from 2021 until the first half of 2025 due to financial constraints. During the same period, a total of 1,157 private civil cases were registered, with 489 related to divorces, 260 concerning child custody, and 511 related to alimony.

Thus, individuals already facing significant psychological and social challenges due to domestic violence find themselves in even more unfavorable and vulnerable conditions. Considering these factors and the recommendations from NGOs in the sector, I have announced a draft amendment to the Law on State Fees of the Republic of Armenia to establish additional privileges for victims of domestic violence,” wrote Batoyan.