Contested Divorce Petition

About this service

When your spouse does not agree to a divorce, the petition has to be filed on a ground the law recognises — cruelty, desertion, adultery and others under the Hindu Marriage Act, Special Marriage Act or your personal law. A family lawyer drafts the petition, files it in the family court and appears at the first hearing. Contested cases run over many hearings; appearances after the first are billed per hearing. Court fee, stamp duty and government fees are extra, at actuals.

What you get

• Detailed consultation with a family lawyer
• Divorce petition and supporting affidavit
• Interim applications (maintenance, custody) if needed
• Filing at the family court
• Appearance at the first hearing

How it works

1. 1

   Consultation

   The lawyer advises on the grounds and the evidence.

2. 2

   Petition drafted

   Shared with you for corrections before filing.

3. 3

   Filed

   Filed in the family court with jurisdiction.

4. 4

   Hearings

   Your lawyer represents you; you are updated after each date.

Documents you will need

• Marriage certificate or wedding photographs/invitation
• ID and address proof
• Evidence of the ground relied on (messages, complaints, medical records)
• Details of children, income and assets

Scans or clear photographs are fine. The lawyer handling your matter will tell you if anything else is needed once they have seen your papers.