Guided Legal Assistance by Advocate Ketan Palshikar, Divorce Lawyer in Pune
Filing for divorce is one of the most sensitive legal steps in a person’s life. It involves emotional, legal, and financial considerations that require professional handling and clear understanding of the procedure.
If you are planning to file for divorce in Pune, it is important to know the correct legal process, documentation, and court procedure to ensure your petition is accepted and heard without delay. At Advocate Ketan Palshikar Pune, we assist individuals in filing divorce petitions — whether mutual consent or contested — before the Pune Family Court, ensuring that each step is executed lawfully and efficiently.
1. Jurisdiction: Where to File for Divorce in Pune
Under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, Special Marriage Act, 1954, or applicable personal law, a divorce petition may be filed in the Family Court or District Court Pune if:
- The marriage was solemnized in Pune; or
- The husband and wife last resided together in Pune; or
- The respondent currently resides within the jurisdiction of Pune; or
- The wife resides in Pune (as per the 2003 amendment allowing her to file where she resides).
The Family Court and District Court Pune both are located at Shivajinagar Court Complex, and handles all matrimonial and family-related matters.
2. Types of Divorce Petitions
There are two categories of divorce petitions that may be filed in Pune Family Court:
(A) Divorce by Mutual Consent
Filed jointly by both husband and wife when they mutually agree to end their marriage, under Section 13B of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 or corresponding provisions of personal laws.
This is a peaceful, time-bound, and cost-effective option when both parties agree on all issues such as alimony, custody, and property division.
(B) Contested Divorce
Filed by one spouse when the other refuses to consent. It proceeds under Section 13 of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 or relevant personal laws based on valid legal grounds like cruelty, desertion, adultery, or mental disorder.
3. Step-by-Step Procedure to File for Divorce in Pune
Step 1: Legal Consultation
Before filing, both or either spouse should consult a qualified Divorce Lawyer in Pune to understand the legal grounds, documents required, and court procedure.
Advocate Ketan Palshikar provides detailed consultation, assessing the best approach — whether mutual or contested.
Step 2: Drafting of Divorce Petition
The lawyer prepares a Divorce Petition stating:
- Names, addresses, and marriage details of both parties;
- Grounds or reasons for divorce;
- Facts about children (if any);
- Details of alimony, maintenance, and property, if applicable.
The petition is drafted with legal precision and filed before the District / Family Court, Pune.
Step 3: Filing of the Petition in District / Family Court
Once the petition is ready, it is filed along with necessary documents and court fees at the Family Court registry. The case is assigned a petition number and listed before the court.
Step 4: Appearance Before the Court
- In Mutual Divorce, both spouses appear before the court to record their joint statement (First Motion).
- In Contested Divorce, the court issues summons to the opposite party to appear and respond to the petition.
Step 5: Mediation and Counseling
The Family Court in Pune first attempts reconciliation or counseling, as per Section 9 of the Family Courts Act, 1984. However, The District Court in Pune attempts for mediation
If reconciliation fails, the court proceeds with the divorce process.
Step 6: Recording of Evidence and Arguments
In contested matters, both parties are given the opportunity to submit evidence, witnesses, and arguments through their advocates. The court examines whether the legal grounds are valid and proven.
Step 7: Decree of Divorce
If the court is satisfied that the marriage has broken down irretrievably and all legal requirements are met, a Decree of Divorce is granted.
In Mutual Consent Divorce, the decree is usually granted after the second motion, subject to waiver or completion of the statutory 6-month cooling-off period.
4. Documents Required for Filing Divorce in Pune
When filing a divorce petition in the Pune Family Court, the following documents are generally required:
- Marriage Certificate or proof of marriage (wedding card, photos, affidavit).
- Address proof of both spouses.
- Passport-size photographs of both parties.
- Proof of last cohabitation or residence in Pune.
- Details of children (if any) — birth certificates, school details.
- Income proof or salary slips for maintenance claims.
- Evidence supporting grounds for divorce (in contested cases).
- Joint statement or consent terms (in mutual divorce).
5. Time and Cost Involved
- Mutual Consent Divorce: Usually completed within 1 to 2 months, subject to court’s schedule.
- Contested Divorce: May take 1 to 3 years or more, depending on the complexity, evidence, and cooperation between parties.
The cost depends on advocate’s professional fees, court charges, and documentation expenses. At Advocate Ketan Palshikar Pune, we provide transparent and affordable fee structures.
6. Why Engage a Professional Divorce Lawyer
Filing for divorce involves not just legal drafting but also emotional sensitivity and proper case management. A professional divorce lawyer ensures:
- Correct documentation and filing procedure;
- Timely follow-up and representation in Family Court;
- Mediation support to explore settlement options;
- Legal protection of your rights regarding custody, maintenance, and assets.
At Advocate Ketan Palshikar Pune, we guide you through every stage — from consultation to decree — with utmost confidentiality and empathy.
7. Contact for Legal Assistance
If you are seeking to file for divorce in Pune Family Court, consult Advocate Ketan Palshikar, an experienced Divorce Lawyer in Pune, for personalized legal guidance. We provide complete end-to-end assistance for both Mutual and Contested Divorce cases.