what is the procedure to file mutual divorce

558 votes

in case of divorce by mutual consent you both can jointly file a petition that you dont want to live as husband and wife and want to get divorced and after 6 months court will post for reconsideration if you both say after 6 months that you want live seperately divorce will be granted by court

Advocate Jeshma Mohandas LawRato

523 votes

Divorce allows a person to break free from an onerous marital relationship. But since marriage is not merely a contract but a very important societal institution. Divorce by Mutual Consent is the easiest way to get a divorce, in this both parties work out their terms on which they agree to part ways- file petition in the court, which is finalised in 6 months. However there may be cases where the decision to part may not be a mutual one, and it is only one party who considers the union to be troublesome and worth getting rid off. Such situations lead to Divorce being contested.

Divorce by Mutual consent saves time, money and energy for both,
Leaves no room for unnecessary quarrel and most importantly avoid washing your dirty linen in public.

In all there are two court appearances in a mutual divorce
1. First A joint petition signed by both parties is filed in court. Secondly In the first motion statement of both parties are recorded and then signed on paper before the Honourable Court.
2. Thirdly The 6 month period is given for reconciliation, (the honourable court gives a chance to the couple to change their mind)
3. Fourthly 6 months after the first motion or at the end of the reconcile period if both parties still don't agree to come together. Then the parties may appear for the second motion for the final hearing.
4. Divorce decree will be granted as the Honourable Court may deem fit.

Formalities to be complied with
(a) A petition is to be presented jointly by the parties to the marriage.

(b) The parties have been living separately for a period not less than one year. It is doubtful whether it was intended by the legislators that the parties have lived separately by mutual consent or by force of circumstances or situation.

But it does not seem necessary for the court to go into that matter provided the condition of separate living under the same roof of matrimonial home or in separate residence by the parties is satisfied. Unless the consent of any of the parties to such petition is vitiated by coercion, fraud or undue influence, the court ought not travel beyond the statutory condition of its jurisdiction.

(c) The parties have failed for any reason whatsoever to live together. In other' words, no reconciliation or adjustment is possible between them.

(d) The parties have freely consented to the agreement of dissolution of marriage.

(e) The parties are at liberty to withdraw the petition. It seems that the petition may be withdrawn even at the instance of one party in course of six months from the date of presentation of the petition. But when a joint motion is taken by the parties after the lapse of six months but before the expiry of eighteen months from the date of presentation of the petition for making inquiry, the unilateral right of a party to withdraw the petition appears to be barred. But in Sureshta Devi v Om Prakash it has been held that a party to a petition for divorce by mutual consent can unilaterally withdraw his or her consent.

(f) The court must be satisfied as to the averments in the petition after making inquiry and after hearing the parties which are initiated by a joint motion of the expiry of six months from presentation of the petition. The expression "after hearing the parties" appearing in sub-section (2) of section 28 of the Act does not require the presence of the parties before the court. Affidavit-evidence is sufficient for this purpose by virtue of section 40 of the Act which attracts the ­ Code of Civil Procedure 1908 and which provides in Order 19 for proof of any point by affidavits.

Advocate Ajay NS LawRato

624 votes

Both of you can file a divorce petition before the family court where you reside. It will take six month to get the order. Both of you jointly attend a counselling which is held by the Hon'ble Court.It is not necessary to show the exact reason .

Advocate Sindu R Kurup LawRato