Family & Personal Law
Matrimonial disputes, divorce, family property, succession, guardianship and appellate proceedings.
Matrimonial · Succession · Guardianship · NRI Family Matters
The Firm represents clients in complex personal and family law disputes, including appellate proceedings.
Our practice includes
- Matrimonial disputes
- Divorce proceedings
- Family property disputes
- Succession and inheritance
- Guardianship
- Personal law disputes
- Appeals and revisions
How we approach these matters
Family disputes are deeply personal and often cross state or national borders. We handle them with discretion, combining firm advocacy with a realistic view of when a negotiated settlement serves the client better than prolonged litigation. Where a client lives outside India, we structure the engagement so that they can participate fully without frequent travel.
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Frequently asked questions
Can an NRI file for divorce in India?
Yes, where an Indian court has jurisdiction. Under Section 19 of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, for example, a petition may be filed where the marriage was solemnised, where the respondent resides, where the parties last resided together, or — for a wife who is the petitioner — where she resides. Courts increasingly permit appearance and evidence through video conferencing.
Can the waiting period for mutual consent divorce be waived?
Section 13B of the Hindu Marriage Act prescribes a six-month period between the first and second motions. The Supreme Court held in Amardeep Singh v. Harveen Kaur (2017) that this period is directory and may be waived in appropriate cases, and in Shilpa Sailesh v. Varun Sreenivasan (2023) recognised its own power under Article 142 to dissolve a marriage in suitable cases.
Is a foreign divorce decree valid in India?
Not automatically. Recognition is governed by Section 13 of the Code of Civil Procedure and the principles laid down in Y. Narasimha Rao v. Y. Venkata Lakshmi (1991), which generally require the foreign court to have had jurisdiction and the decree to be on a ground available under the law that governs the marriage. Each decree must be assessed on its facts.
Related insights
Our Approach
Adaptive litigation strategies — shaped by the forum, the record and the stage of every matter.
How we workContact the Firm
Discuss your matter with the Founding Partners
Whether your matter is before a tribunal, a High Court or the Supreme Court — or has not yet been filed — share a brief outline and the Firm will respond. Consultations are available in person in New Delhi or by video for clients across India and overseas.