What is the process for a mutual consent divorce in India? What are the steps after both parties file for divorce?
Imagine a couple sitting across from each other, realizing they are better apart than together. They want to part ways peacefully, but the legal process feels like a confusing maze. If you have already agreed to separate amicably, how do you navigate a mutual consent divorce in India without unnecessary conflict? The process for a mutual consent divorce is a clear, two-stage journey built on cooperation. It requires both spouses to confirm they've lived separately for at least one year and have settled major issues like alimony, asset division, and child custody. The first stage is the First Motion. You jointly file a petition in the Family Court under Section 13B. After the court records your voluntary consent, a mandatory six-month cooling-off period begins. You then appear for the Second Motion. If you reconfirm separation, the court passes the divorce decree, legally ending the marriage. Practical Takeaways A mutual consent divorce saves significant time, money, and emotional e...