Procedure one Should Know about Mutual & Contested Divorce in India

Contested Divorce, it’s fundamental to understand your rights and legal options; without this knowledge, you may find yourself navigating the process with difficulty. Important topics including property partition, child custody, and spousal support will be covered. By the end of this article, you can expect to have a clearer understanding of your legal rights and what you need to do to protect them. Legal issues can be daunting, but we promise to simplify the process for you. Knowing your legal rights represents a crucial aspect of managing the process effectively. By gaining an insight into what you can expect, you will be better prepared to tackle any legal obstacles that may arise and move forward with confidence.

Contested Divorce

Mutual Divorce

Mutual divorce is a type of divorce where both parties mutually agree to dissolve their marriage. In this type of divorce, both parties agree that the marriage has irretrievably broken down and they wish to separate and end their marriage legally. There are two motions involved in a mutual divorce the First Motion and the Second Motion.

First Motion:

The First Motion in a mutual divorce involves the filing of a joint petition for divorce by both parties. This petition should include details of the marriage, the reasons for seeking divorce, and any other relevant information such as financial agreements or arrangements for child custody, if applicable. The joint petition must be signed by both parties and submitted to the family court.

After the joint petition is filed, the court will typically conduct a counselling session with both parties to ensure that they have fully understood the implications of their decision to divorce and to explore the possibility of reconciliation. If the court is satisfied that both parties have mutually agreed to the divorce and there is no possibility of reconciliation, it will grant an order for the First Motion.

Second Motion:

The Second Motion in a mutual divorce is filed after the passage of the statutory waiting period, which is usually six months from the date of the First Motion. During this time, both parties are expected to have lived separately and apart from each other, and they should have resolved all issues related to the divorce such as child custody, division of property, and alimony.

Contested Divorce

When one spouse is ready to end the marriage but the other spouse is not, this is referred to as a contested divorce, sometimes referred to as a one-sided divorce. Both partners do not concur on the choice to end the relationship. When one spouse wants to dissolve the marriage and has legitimate reasons for separation, this form of divorce occurs. In a contentious divorce, each party will retain a different attorney to represent their needs and compete in court.

Contested divorce is a type of divorce where one or both parties involved do not agree to the dissolution of the marriage. In such cases, the divorce proceedings become more complex and can involve a number of legal disputes related to issues such as child custody, division of property, and alimony. In India, contested divorce is governed by the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, and the Special Marriage Act, 1954.

When a spouse seeks a contested divorce, they must file a petition for divorce with the appropriate court. The petition should clearly state the grounds on which the divorce is being sought. The grounds for divorce are listed in Section 13 of the Hindu Marriage Act and include:

  • Adultery: If the spouse has had sexual intercourse with another person outside of the marriage.
  • Cruelty: If the spouse has treated the other spouse with cruelty, which can include physical or mental abuse.
  • Desertion: If the spouse has deserted the other spouse for a continuous period of two years or more.
  • Conversion: If the spouse has converted to another religion and no longer follows the religion of the marriage.
  • Mental disorder: If the spouse has been suffering from a mental disorder for a continuous period of two years or more, making it impossible to continue the marriage.
  • Communicable disease: If the spouse has been suffering from a communicable disease that is incurable and can lead to death.

Once the petition for divorce is filed, the other spouse has the right to file a written response, known as a written statement, to the petition. The written statement should include any objections to the grounds for divorce and any counterclaims that the spouse wishes to make.

After the written statement is filed, the court may schedule hearings to determine the validity of the grounds for divorce and to address any disputes related to issues such as child custody, division of property, and alimony. These hearings can be lengthy and may require the assistance of legal counsel.

If the court is satisfied that the grounds for divorce are valid and all disputes have been resolved, it may grant a decree of divorce. However, if the court is not satisfied, it may dismiss the petition for divorce, and the couple will remain legally married.

Conclusion

contested divorce is a complex legal process that involves disputes related to issues such as child custody, division of property, and alimony. It is governed by the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, and the Special Marriage Act, 1954, and the grounds for divorce are listed in Section 13 of the Hindu Marriage Act. It is important for both parties to seek the assistance of legal counsel and to carefully consider all aspects of the divorce before filing a petition for contested divorce.

Documents Required for a Contested Divorce

In India, the documents required for a contested divorce may vary depending on the specific case and the court in which the case is being heard. However, there are certain basic documents that are typically required for a contested divorce. These include:

Petition for Divorce

This is the legal document that initiates the divorce proceedings. It should include details of the marriage, the grounds for divorce, and any other relevant information such as financial agreements or arrangements for child custody, if applicable.

Written Statement

This is the legal response to the petition for divorce. It should include any objections to the grounds for divorce and any counterclaims that the spouse wishes to make.

Affidavit of Evidence

This is a written statement of the facts and evidence that will be presented in court. It should be signed by the party making the statement in the presence of an authorized person, such as a notary public.

Marriage Certificate

This is a document that proves the marriage between the parties involved. It is required to establish the legal validity of the marriage and to confirm that the parties are legally married.

Proof of Address

This can be any document that establishes the address of the parties involved, such as a passport, driving license, or utility bill.

Financial Documents

This may include bank statements, tax returns, and other financial records that are relevant to the divorce proceedings. These documents are used to determine the financial status of the parties and to make decisions related to the division of property and alimony.

Documents related to Child Custody

If the divorce involves child custody, documents such as birth certificates, school records, and medical records may be required to establish the parent-child relationship and to make decisions related to custody and visitation rights.

It is important to note that the specific documents required for a contested divorce may vary depending on the specific case and the court in which the case is being heard. It is therefore advisable to consult with a lawyer to determine the exact documents required for your specific case.

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