Family / Matrimonial Law

Our matrimonial work covers divorce by mutual consent and contested divorce, judicial separation, restitution of conjugal rights, nullity of marriage, and maintenance under Section 125 of the Code of Criminal Procedure and under the personal laws. We appear under the Hindu Marriage Act, the Special Marriage Act, the Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) Application Act, the Indian Divorce Act for Christians, and the Parsi Marriage and Divorce Act.

In custody and guardianship matters we act for parents and guardians before the Family Court and the High Court, and where a child has been removed from the jurisdiction we advise on the steps available. We handle adoption proceedings under the Hindu Adoptions and Maintenance Act and under the Juvenile Justice Act. In domestic violence matters we appear before the Magistrate and the Sessions Court under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, seeking and resisting protection orders, residence orders, and maintenance.

Matrimonial property disputes — the division of jointly acquired property, claims over the matrimonial home, and disputes over stridhan — are handled as part of the matrimonial proceedings or separately before the civil courts. We advise on the tax and succession implications of a family settlement and help clients reach an outcome that protects their interests and, where children are involved, the interests of the children.