Family & Matrimonial Law
Common questions
How long does mutual consent divorce take?
Under the Hindu Marriage Act, there is a six-month waiting period between the first and second motion before the Family Court. The High Court may waive this period in appropriate cases. From filing to decree, the process typically takes six months to about a year depending on the court's schedule and whether the cooling-off period applies.
Can interim maintenance be obtained while divorce proceedings are pending?
Yes. An application for interim maintenance can be filed during the pendency of matrimonial proceedings. The court considers income, standard of living, liabilities and the immediate needs of the applicant and dependent children. Interim maintenance can be ordered at an early stage of the proceedings.
What happens to child custody while proceedings are pending?
Interim custody and visitation arrangements are made by the court during the pendency of proceedings. The final order is based on the welfare of the child, considering schooling, health, parenting arrangements and, where the child is of sufficient age, the child's own preference.
Can a wife recover stridhan and jewellery after separation?
Stridhan (jewellery, gifts, articles and property given to the wife before, during or after marriage) belongs to the wife and can be recovered. Proceedings may be filed before the civil court, as part of a domestic violence application, or as part of the matrimonial proceedings. Maintaining a record with bills, photographs and lists is important when pursuing recovery.
My spouse has filed a false FIR along with the divorce petition. What do I do?
A false or exaggerated criminal complaint filed alongside matrimonial proceedings is a common situation. The appropriate approach depends on the specific sections involved. Anticipatory bail, regular bail or quashing of the FIR may be pursued depending on the stage and facts. The matrimonial proceedings and criminal proceedings are addressed simultaneously.
Family and matrimonial proceedings require careful presentation of facts, documents and interim reliefs while maintaining appropriate professional restraint. The office represents clients before the competent family courts, district courts and the High Court.
Courts and forums
- Family Courts and District Courts at Chandigarh, Mohali and nearby jurisdictions.
- Punjab & Haryana High Court for appeals, transfers, quashing and related proceedings.
- Mediation and settlement proceedings where parties choose a negotiated resolution.
Documents usually reviewed
- Marriage certificate, identity proof and address proof.
- Prior petitions, notices, FIRs, complaints, orders and settlement drafts.
- Income material, bank statements, child-related records and article/stridhan lists.
Matrimonial Disputes and Divorce Petitions
Contested matrimonial proceedings require careful pleadings, chronology, documentary support and a clear approach to interim relief. The office assists in petitions involving cruelty, desertion, restitution of conjugal rights, judicial separation and connected proceedings before Family Courts and appellate forums.
Mutual Consent Dissolution of Marriage under Hindu Marriage Act
Mutual consent proceedings are handled with attention to settlement terms, permanent alimony, custody arrangements, return of articles, pending criminal or civil proceedings and the timing of both motions. Drafting is kept precise so that the settlement records the full understanding between the parties.
Child Custody and Guardianship
Custody and visitation matters are presented with reference to the welfare of the child, schooling, health, care arrangements and the conduct of the parties. Interim visitation, holiday access and guardianship issues are addressed according to the facts of each family.
Maintenance under Section 125 BNSS
Maintenance proceedings involve income material, standard of living, dependency, liabilities and interim support. The office assists with filing or defending maintenance claims and with proceedings for modification or enforcement of maintenance orders.
Domestic Violence Matters
Proceedings under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act may involve residence orders, protection orders, monetary relief, custody relief and return of articles. Each matter is reviewed with attention to pleadings, supporting record and parallel matrimonial or criminal proceedings.
Stridhan and Property Rights
Claims relating to stridhan, jewellery, articles, shared household and property arrangements are assessed through available records, lists, communications and settlement history. The objective is to present a clear factual record before the competent forum.
Inter-faith and Special Marriage Act Matters
Inter-faith and Special Marriage Act matters require careful compliance with statutory procedure, jurisdiction and documentation. Advice is provided on the legal route, court proceedings and connected family or protection concerns where applicable.
Helpful legal guides
Understand family court procedure
For family and matrimonial matters
Call +91 94171 85127 or +91 98151 53392 to schedule a consultation at the Mohali chambers.