Family matters are governed by personal laws such as the Hindu Marriage Act, Muslim Personal Law, Christian Marriage Act, and secular laws like the Special Marriage Act and Domestic Violence Act.

Marriage registration can be done under the Hindu Marriage Act or the Special Marriage Act by submitting required documents, photographs, and witness details at the local registrar’s office.

A divorce ends a legally valid marriage. An annulment declares that a marriage was never valid from the start due to reasons such as fraud, coercion, or incapacity.

Grounds include cruelty, desertion, adultery, mental disorder, conversion, and irretrievable breakdown of marriage (depending on applicable laws).

Yes. Mutual consent divorce allows both partners to jointly agree to dissolve the marriage, subject to certain conditions like separation period and settlement terms.

Mutual consent divorce may take 6 months to 1 year. Contested divorces may take longer depending on evidence, hearings, and court workload.

Maintenance or alimony refers to financial support awarded to a spouse or children for their livelihood. It can be interim or permanent depending on circumstances.

Yes. Even a working spouse may claim maintenance if their income is insufficient to meet their reasonable needs.

Custody is based on the welfare and best interests of the child. Courts consider age, education, emotional bonding, and overall well-being, not just parental income.

Yes. Courts may grant custody to fathers if it is in the child’s best interest. Visitation rights or shared parenting are also commonly ordered.

A guardianship order legally appoints a guardian to manage the personal or property interests of a minor when needed.

The Domestic Violence Act offers protection orders, residence rights, monetary relief, custody orders, and protection officers to support victims.

The Act primarily protects women, but men can pursue remedies under other criminal and civil laws in cases of harassment or abuse.

Women have rights to maintenance, shared household residence, protection from violence, and equitable distribution of assets depending on applicable law.

Marriage proof, address proof, photographs, ID documents, marriage certificate, and evidence supporting the grounds for divorce.

Yes. NRI marriages can be registered and dissolved in India if the marriage was solemnized here or the spouses fall under Indian jurisdiction.

Many courts encourage mediation and counselling to explore reconciliation, especially in family disputes.

It is a secular law allowing inter-religious and inter-caste marriages without requiring conversion, with its own marriage and divorce provisions.

Yes. Marriages involving fraud, bigamy, impotence, or prohibited relationships may be declared null and void by the court.

You may claim maintenance, file for divorce, and seek residence and protection depending on your circumstances and applicable law.