Family & Divorce Law

Mutual consent divorce under Section 13B of the Hindu Marriage Act requires a 6-month cooling-off period after the first motion, followed by a second motion within 18 months. Courts can waive the 6-month period in some cases. Total time: 6–18 months typically.

Courts decide custody based on the 'best interests of the child' — considering the child's age, preference (if old enough), parent's financial stability, emotional attachment, and home environment. Neither parent has an automatic right to custody.

Yes. You can file for interim maintenance under Section 24 of the Hindu Marriage Act during the divorce proceedings. Courts typically order interim maintenance within 2–3 hearings.

The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act (2005) provides: protection orders to stop violence, residence orders to continue living in the shared household, monetary relief for medical expenses and lost earnings, and custody orders for children.