medium PRIORITYFamily Law

Right to Seek Divorce

Legal ways to dissolve a marriage (Mutual or Contested).

🗣️ What this means for you

You can end your marriage legally through two ways: Mutual Consent (if both agree, it is faster, takes about 6 months) or Contested Divorce (if one person does not agree, you must prove grounds like cruelty, adultery, or desertion).

Step-by-Step Action Plan

1

Step 1: Try mediation or counseling if both parties are willing.

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Step 2: If both agree to part ways, file a joint petition for Mutual Consent Divorce.

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Step 3: If contesting, gather evidence for your grounds (e.g., proof of cruelty or adultery).

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Step 4: File the divorce petition in the Family Court where you last resided together or where the wife currently resides.

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Step 5: Decide on issues of child custody, alimony, and property division during the process.

⚖️ The Relevant Law

Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 / Special Marriage Act (1955)

Section 13 & 13B (HMA)

"Divorce by mutual consent and grounds for contested divorce."

⚠️ Punishment / Penalty

N/A (Civil matter, though cruelty can lead to criminal charges under BNS).

Required Documents

  • 📄Marriage certificate
  • 📄Wedding photographs
  • 📄Evidence supporting your grounds for divorce (if contested)
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