Child Custody Laws in India

Child custody is a process through which one parent is granted the rights of the child over another during or after the divorce or in cases of judicial separation.

Child Custody is filed during or after the divorce proceedings or in the case of judicial separation. This is one way through which the court decides who should get custody of the child. The laws regarding who should get custody vary as per the personal laws but the main intention behind the custody is always the same i.e., welfare and best interest of the child. At times, if the court feels it is in the best interest of the child not to be in the custody of both/either of the parents then the court can give his/her custody to a third person as well.

Consult: Top Child Custody Lawyers in India

What is Child Custody after divorce in India?

Custody of Child after Mutual Divorce in India
In the cases of mutual divorce , the parents have to decide amongst themselves regarding the custody of the child. They have to decide who gets the custodial rights and who gets the visitation rights. Parents can also go for joint custody or shared parenting in a mutual divorce. They have to decide regarding the schedule, holidays, visiting hours, etc. The principle of the best interest of the child has to be applied. The agreement between the parents must be subject to the welfare of the child.

Custody of Child after Contested Divorce in India
During a contested divorce proceeding, the issue concerning child custody becomes a matter for the court to decide. The court takes the best interest of the child into account while deciding the custodial rights. The court will decide on the basis of the circumstances of every case and for the welfare of the child.

The court considers the following aspects while deciding on guardianship:

The personal law to which the minor is subjected.
The age, sex, and religion of the minor.
The character and capacity of the proposed guardian and his nearness of kin to the minor.
The wishes, if any, of a deceased parent, and any existing or previous relations of the proposed guardian with the minor or his property.
If the minor is old enough to form an intelligent preference, the court may consider that preference.
The court shall not appoint or declare any person to be a guardian against his/her will.
The courts prefer to keep children together and award custody of both together when the issue of custody involves two or more siblings.
The child’s comfort, health, material, intellectual, moral, and spiritual welfare.

Consult: Top Child Custody Lawyers in India

What are the reasons to deny Child Custody?

Parents in a divorce cannot deny each other custody of the child or visitation rights. It is at the discretion of the court that custody rights are denied to certain parent(s) when the court assumes that is in the best interest of the child. There are several reasons why the court denies child custody. Some examples are-

Non-custodial parents not paying child support
Drug or alcohol abuse
Child abuse
Incarceration
Violent mental illness
Child’s wishes

What are the requirements to file for Child Custody?

You should take the help of a child custody lawyer while filing for child custody. However, there are certain set requirements in order to file for it:

It is filed during or after the divorce proceedings or in case of judicial separation.
The child should be less than 18 years old in order to be eligible for custody.
A person of unsound mind can also be given custody.
One should have the legal right to custody.

What is the process to file for Child Custody?

The process of filing for child custody can be divided into the following -

Drafting the Application: - An application is to be drafted with the help of a child custody lawyer during or after the divorce proceedings which must include the reasons why the custody of the child should be given to the concerned applicant.
Filing the Application: - This application should be filed in the District Court of the appropriate jurisdiction.
Hearing: - Once the application is filed, there will be a proper hearing in the court where both parties will be given an opportunity to present their point of view.
Court decision: - After hearing both parties a final decision is taken by the court.

Where to file for Child Custody?

According to Sec 9 of The Guardians and Wards Act, 1890, the application with respect to the guardianship of a minor person will be filed in the District Court which has authority over the area where the minor is residing.

Who can file for Child Custody?

The criteria for filing for child custody differs from various laws such as:-

Hindu Law & Christian Law

Father
Mother
Grandparents both maternal and paternal

Muslim Law

Mother
Father
The other relations apart from the parents who can claim the custody of a child are:
Nearest paternal grandfather
Full brother
Consanguine brother
Full brother’s son
Consanguine brother’s son
Full of the father
Consanguine of the father
Father’s full brother’s son
Maternal grandmother
Maternal great-grandmother
Maternal aunt and great aunt
Full sister
Consanguine sister
Uterine sister
Paternal aunt

What are the Documents Required?

Documents required to file for a child custody case are given below:-

Valid ID proofs such as PAN card, Aadhaar card, driver’s license, passport, etc.
Birth Certificate
Divorce Decree or marriage certificate
Passport size photo of the child

Consult: Top Child Custody Lawyers in India

What is the duration of the process for Child Custody in India?

If an application for child custody is moved in the situation of mutual divorce, then, in that condition it could be decided within 6- 8 months from the date of filing of the application. But, if the application is moved in the case of contested divorce then there is no fixed time period to grant the custody and it could take a minimum of 2.5 – 3 yrs.

What are the different types of Child Custody?

In the case of child custody, there are different kinds of custody that can be awarded by the Indian courts to parents:

Physical custody of the child – Physical custody of the child means that the child shall stay with the parent who is granted physical custody while the other parent will be granted visitation rights. The parent who has physical custody is usually the primary guardian.
Legal custody of the child – In legal custody, the parents have the right to make important decisions regarding educational and religious upbringing, financial support, and medical care that affect the welfare of the child. This decision-making is generally shared among parents and the expenses and maintenance are borne by both parents.
Joint custody of the child – In the case of joint custody both parents have equal physical and legal custody. Though there are no legal provisions on this, the judiciary has been taking steps to bring about joint custody in India. Through this, children can get the benefit of having both parents as active members in their life, thus, doing away with the concept of primary guardianship.

What is Child Custody as per Hindu Law?

The custody of a Hindu child is governed by the Guardian and Wards Act, 1890 read with the Hindu Minority and Guardianship Act, 1956. This law is also applicable to Jains, Buddhists, and Sikhs as they are also included under the definition of Hindu.

As per Sec 6 of the Hindu Minority and Guardianship Act, 1956, a Hindu child below the age of 5 years shall be kept under the custody of the mother as at this age it is only the mother who can give proper emotional, moral as well as physical support to the child.
The custody of a boy or an unmarried girl below the age of 18 years and above the age of 5 years shall be given to the father of the child as he is considered to be the natural guardian and only after his death the custody shall be given to the mother.
In case the child is illegitimate then the custody shall be with the mother itself.
A third person can also be given custody of the child if the parents are not willing to take custody of the child or if the court thinks it is in the welfare of the child that he/she stays away from the parents. In this case, usually, the grandparents (paternal or maternal), will be preferred to get custody of that Hindu child if they are interested.
If neither the parents nor any of the close relatives of the child are initiating to take custody of the child, then the court by itself shall find an appropriate person who could take custody of the child.

What is Child Custody as per Muslim Law?

Under Muslim personal law, the right to a child’s custody is called “hizanat” and can be enforced against any person including the father.

The custody of a Muslim child is with the mother until he has attained the age of 7 years for a boy and until she has attained the age of majority or puberty in the case of a girl.
The custody of a boy after he has attained the age of 7 years and the girl after she has attained majority or puberty is with the father, as under the Muslim law, it is the father who is considered to be the natural guardian of the child.
The right given to the mother in case of child custody is not absolute and exists only if such right is beneficial and is in the interest of her children. Thus, the welfare of the children is at the forefront of Muslim law as well.

What is Child Custody as per Christian Law?

As per Section 41 of the Indian Divorce Act, of 1869, the courts have the right to make decisions regarding the custody, education, and maintenance of Christian children. It is up to the discretion of the court keeping in mind the welfare and best interest of the child. The court can even deny custody to both parents if they are unable to give the proper opportunity to the child to grow both mentally and physically.

Consult: Top Child Custody Lawyers in India

What is the law on Boy or Girl Child Custody after Divorce in India?

Child Custody before 5 years
Generally, the custody of a child below the age of 5 is given to the mother. However, in certain circumstances, where the mother is proving to be an unfit parent, the court shows discretion while granting custody. However, according to the law commission report (no.257), equal rights are granted to parents while assuming custody. This is in Hindu law. Under Muslim law, The custody of a child is with the mother in the case of a boy, until he has attained the age of 7 years and in the case of a girl, until she has attained the age of majority or puberty.

Father's Right in Child Custody
Fathers have equal rights as mothers while obtaining custody of the child. Earlier, mothers are given more preference while granting custodial rights. However, with the changing mindset, the court grants equal rights to both parents. The visitation rights of unmarried fathers often depend on their relationship with the child, any history of child abuse, drug, and alcohol use, and other such factors. While the court recognizes visitation rights, mothers are still preferred for granting custody. To get custody of a child, an unmarried father would likely need to show that the mother is unfit to raise the child and/or that he has been the child's primary caregiver.

Mother's Right in Child Custody
Initially, the mother had the primary custodial rights over the child. However, for the court to grant the mother custodial rights, she must present herself as a fit parent.

What is the law on Custody of Child above 7 years of age in India?

Under Muslim law in India, custody of a child above 7 years old is generally granted to the mother, provided she is of good character, has not remarried, and can provide a suitable home environment for the child.

This is based on the principle of "hizanat", which is the right of a mother to have custody of her child during his or her early years. According to Muslim law, a mother has the right to custody of her male child until he reaches the age of 7, and of her female child until she attains puberty (which is generally considered to be around the age of 9).

After the child reaches the age of 7 (for a male child) or puberty (for a female child), the court will take into account the wishes of the child, as well as the best interests of the child, before making a determination about custody. In general, the court will consider factors such as the age, gender, health, education, and emotional needs of the child, as well as the ability of each parent to provide for the child's needs.

It is important to note that the application of Muslim law in India is subject to the interpretation of the courts, and the outcome of custody battles can vary depending on the specific facts of each case. It is advisable to seek the assistance of a competent family law attorney who is knowledgeable about Muslim law to help navigate the legal system and ensure that your rights and the best interests of your child are protected.

How can a guardian get Child Custody?

Non-parent custody is granted only under certain circumstances and through specific procedures. The court only grants custody to a nonparent when it is satisfied that the child will not be harmed and it is in the best interest of the child.
There are two primary ways to file for custody of a child that is biologically not your own:

Guardianship - The first method is through guardianship, i.e. parents give written consent to non-parents to give them custody of the child. Consent guardianship is not possible if one parent disagrees with it.
Non-parent custody - The second method is granting non-parent custody. In this case, the non-parents file in the appropriate court where the child currently or permanently resides.

To grant Non-parent custody, the court must be satisfied -

That they have a long-standing relationship with the child and are fully capable of substituting for the parents in caring for the child.
That it would be in the interest of the child’s welfare to give his/her custody to the non-parent, and also that it would prove to be detrimental to the child if he/she were left with the original parent(s) willing to retain the custody.
That the court has not made a custody determination within one year of the filing.

One of the following criteria applies:

One of the child's legal parents is deceased.
The child's parents are not married at the time of the filing.
The child's parents are legally separated or are divorcing at the time of the filing.

Consult: Top Child Custody Lawyers in India

What is sole Custody of Child and how to get it?

Sole custody differs from joint custody. It refers to the full custody granted of a child to one parent. It includes both legal and physical custody. In sole custody, the parent gets both physical custody and legal rights toward the child.
Typically, the court will agree to grant visitation rights to the other parents, unless such action does not serve the best interests of the child.
Factors Considered while granting sole custody:

Best Interest of the child
Documentation
Conduct in the court
Detrimental to grant joint custody due to the other parent

What is Child Maintenance after Custody?

After the custody is granted and the divorce proceedings are over. It is the duty of parents to maintain the child and act in the best interest of the child. The duty to support the child rests on both parents unless exceptional circumstances call for one parent to exclusively provide maintenance. However, this does not preclude the other parent from being a part of the child’s life. Where the parents are in disagreement with each other, the Maintenance Court has the right to settle the dispute.

What if a spouse denies paying Child Maintenance?

In cases where the spouse denies paying the child maintenance, then visitation or custodial rights can be taken away. Further, if the child support is set up in a contractual agreement, the basic remedy is suited for breach of the contract; the other parent can sue for breach.
If child support is payable under a court order, the order is enforceable through the contempt powers of the court.

Consult: Top Child Custody Lawyers in India

The Courts on Child Custody law in India

The Supreme Court in one of its cases held that second marriage is not a ground to deny the father the custody of his children. In this case, the parents took a mutual divorce and the parties were at liberty to re-marry. However, later, the mother of the child filed for denying custody to the father on grounds that his second wife was also cohabiting with the father and son. The Supreme Court stated that the second marriage cannot be put against the father as it is not affecting the child negatively

The Supreme Court in another case gave the judgment regarding giving the custody of the child to an institution. The court held that “the handing over of custody of the child to an institution while ignoring the claim of a parent, especially the mother of the child, is not acceptable”.

The Supreme Court in another case in 2008 held that the ‘controlling factor deciding the custody of the child must be based on the welfare and best interest of the child and not the rights of the parents.

Latest News on Child Support

In May 2015, the court held that paying for child support can be extended up to the age of 25 of the child. The Law Commission on 22nd May 2015, also submitted a draft law that provides for the welfare of children as paramount importance.

In May 2019 a petition was filed before the Supreme Court by the NGO Child Rights Foundation, regarding a joint parenting plan. In this form, both parents get equal custody of a child. This is introduced to reduce the trauma of divorce among the children

Do’s and Don’ts of Child Custody

The parent trying to win the custody of the child must present themselves properly in court and must follow certain Dos and DON’Ts in the court-

Do show a willingness to work with your ex-wife/husband.
Do exercise your parental rights.
Do request an in-home custody evaluation.
Do be aware that perception is everything.
Do teach yourself about family law.
Do prepare documentation.
Do work with an experienced child custody lawyer.
Don't talk about your ex-wife/husband negatively to your kids.
Don't make a habit of rescheduling time with your kids.
Don't abuse alcohol or drugs, especially when you're with your kids. Don't refuse to do anything the court is asking of you
Don't involve your children in the court case. Don't invent negative stories in an attempt to win custody.
Most importantly, have genuine care and concern for your children.

How to cope during the Child Custody case?

Child custody cases are usually very tiresome and emotionally draining. The whole process of divorce proceedings and child custody requires the person to remain strong and proactive. There are certain actions that must be observed by the divorcing parents-

Make an informed choice about your counsel and listen to what they say
The parent must be proactive and not react to situations
Their future along with the child’s future must be kept in mind while taking any action.
Get feedback and maintain communication with other people.
Talk to parents who are going through similar situations.
The person must remain calm and composite during such times.
Do not handle your own case without a lawyer.

Consult: Top Child Custody Lawyers in India

FAQS

Does an Unmarried Mother Need to File for Custody?
An unmarried mother is automatically considered the guardian of the child and hence does not have to apply for child custody separately.
Can a father take custody of a child from a mother?
Mostly the custody of the child is given to the mother but in certain circumstances, if the court thinks that it is in the best interest of the child to stay with the father in that condition the custody can be given to the father.
What is the age limit for child custody?
The child needs to be less than 18 years old in order to be given in custody.
What is the difference between child custody and visitation rights?
Child visitation refers to parenting time. That is, the amount of time one parent spends with a child. While in the case of child custody, the child stays with the parent and gets the right to make decisions regarding a child's health, education, and welfare.
How to file for Child Custody from Foreign Land?
In a matter, Supreme Court held that the ‘jurisdiction of Indian Courts is not limited to Child Custody Cases. This means that in child custody cases, a spouse can also file from a foreign land and will not be stopped by the courts.
How to get Child custody if the husband/wife is irresponsible?
If one spouse is irresponsible or proves to be a detriment to the child, custody can be denied by the court. The other spouse has to then prove in court that the other spouse is an unfit parent.
What happens when both parents deny custody?
In the circumstances where both parents deny custody of the child, the custodial rights are shifted to a guardian or a non-parent. If there is no guardian, then the court shall appoint such guardian or non-parent who shall assume the custody of the child.
How do I know that the amount of the child support order is fair?
The law aims to keep the amount of child support fair and satisfactory to the needs of the child. There are several factors that are taken into account when deciding the fair amount of child support such as the income of both parents, the cost of the child's daycare and health insurance, each parent's other child support obligations, and the age and number of children, etc. On this basis, the court can decide the fair amount of child support.
What are the property rights of Children after divorce?
A child is entitled to a share in the ancestral property inherited by his father. A divorce between the father and mother does not deprive the child of his/her inheritance rights. However, it is advisable that it is mentioned in the agreement beforehand.

Consult: Top Child Custody Lawyers in India

Child custody is a process through which one parent is granted the rights of the child over another during or after the divorce or in cases of judicial separation.

Child Custody is filed during or after the divorce proceedings or in the case of judicial separation. This is one way through which the court decides who should get custody of the child. The laws regarding who should get custody vary as per the personal laws but the main intention behind the custody is always the same i.e., welfare and best interest of the child. At times, if the court feels it is in the best interest of the child not to be in the custody of both/either of the parents then the court can give his/her custody to a third person as well.

Consult: Top Child Custody Lawyers in India

What is Child Custody after divorce in India?

Custody of Child after Mutual Divorce in India
In the cases of mutual divorce, the parents have to decide amongst themselves regarding the custody of the child. They have to decide who gets the custodial rights and who gets the visitation rights. Parents can also go for joint custody or shared parenting in a mutual divorce. They have to decide regarding the schedule, holidays, visiting hours, etc. The principle of the best interest of the child has to be applied. The agreement between the parents must be subject to the welfare of the child.

Custody of Child after Contested Divorce in India
During a contested divorce proceeding, the issue concerning child custodybecomes a matter for the court to decide. The court takes the best interest of the child into account while deciding the custodial rights. The court will decide on the basis of the circumstances of every case and for the welfare of the child.

The court considers the following aspects while deciding on guardianship:

The personal law to which the minor is subjected.
The age, sex, and religion of the minor.
The character and capacity of the proposed guardian and his nearness of kin to the minor.
The wishes, if any, of a deceased parent, and any existing or previous relations of the proposed guardian with the minor or his property.
If the minor is old enough to form an intelligent preference, the court may consider that preference.
The court shall not appoint or declare any person to be a guardian against his/her will.
The courts prefer to keep children together and award custody of both together when the issue of custody involves two or more siblings.
The child’s comfort, health, material, intellectual, moral, and spiritual welfare.

Consult: Top Child Custody Lawyers in India

What are the reasons to deny Child Custody?

Parents in a divorce cannot deny each other custody of the child or visitation rights. It is at the discretion of the court that custody rights are denied to certain parent(s) when the court assumes that is in the best interest of the child. There are several reasons why the court denies child custody. Some examples are-

Non-custodial parents not paying child support
Drug or alcohol abuse
Child abuse
Incarceration
Violent mental illness
Child’s wishes

What are the requirements to file for Child Custody?

You should take the help of a child custody lawyer while filing for child custody. However, there are certain set requirements in order to file for it:

It is filed during or after the divorce proceedings or in case of judicial separation.
The child should be less than 18 years old in order to be eligible for custody.
A person of unsound mind can also be given custody.
One should have the legal right to custody.

What is the process to file for Child Custody?

The process of filing for child custody can be divided into the following -

Drafting the Application: - An application is to be drafted with the help of a child custody lawyer during or after the divorce proceedings which must include the reasons why the custody of the child should be given to the concerned applicant.
Filing the Application: - This application should be filed in the District Court of the appropriate jurisdiction.
Hearing: - Once the application is filed, there will be a proper hearing in the court where both parties will be given an opportunity to present their point of view.
Court decision: - After hearing both parties a final decision is taken by the court.

Where to file for Child Custody?

According to Sec 9 of TheGuardians and Wards Act, 1890, the application with respect to the guardianship of a minor person will be filed in the District Court which has authority over the area where the minor is residing.

Who can file for Child Custody?

The criteria for filing for child custody differs from various laws such as:-

Hindu Law & Christian Law

Father
Mother
Grandparents both maternal and paternal

Muslim Law

Mother
Father
The other relations apart from the parents who can claim the custody of a child are:
Nearest paternal grandfather
Full brother
Consanguine brother
Full brother’s son
Consanguine brother’s son
Full of the father
Consanguine of the father
Father’s full brother’s son
Maternal grandmother
Maternal great-grandmother
Maternal aunt and great aunt
Full sister
Consanguine sister
Uterine sister
Paternal aunt

What are the Documents Required?

Documents required to file for a child custody case are given below:-

Valid ID proofs such as PAN card, Aadhaar card, driver’s license, passport, etc.
Birth Certificate
Divorce Decree or marriage certificate
Passport size photo of the child

Consult: Top Child Custody Lawyers in India

What is the duration of the process for Child Custody in India?

If an application for child custody is moved in the situation of mutual divorce, then, in that condition it could be decided within 6- 8 months from the date of filing of the application. But, if the application is moved in the case of contested divorcethen there is no fixed time period to grant the custody and it could take a minimum of 2.5 – 3 yrs.

What are the different types of Child Custody?

In the case of child custody, there are different kinds of custody that can be awarded by the Indian courts to parents:

Physical custody of the child – Physical custody of the child means that the child shall stay with the parent who is granted physical custody while the other parent will be granted visitation rights. The parent who has physical custody is usually the primary guardian.
Legal custody of the child – In legal custody, the parents have the right to make important decisions regarding educational and religious upbringing, financial support, and medical care that affect the welfare of the child. This decision-making is generally shared among parents and the expenses and maintenance are borne by both parents.
Joint custody of the child – In the case of joint custody both parents have equal physical and legal custody. Though there are no legal provisions on this, the judiciary has been taking steps to bring about joint custody in India. Through this, children can get the benefit of having both parents as active members in their life, thus, doing away with the concept of primary guardianship.

What is Child Custody as per Hindu Law?

The custody of a Hindu child is governed by the Guardian and Wards Act, 1890 read with the Hindu Minority and Guardianship Act, 1956. This law is also applicable to Jains, Buddhists, and Sikhs as they are also included under the definition of Hindu.

As per Sec 6 of the Hindu Minority and Guardianship Act, 1956, a Hindu child below the age of 5 years shall be kept under the custody of the mother as at this age it is only the mother who can give proper emotional, moral as well as physical support to the child.
The custody of a boy or an unmarried girl below the age of 18 years and above the age of 5 years shall be given to the father of the child as he is considered to be the natural guardian and only after his death the custody shall be given to the mother.
In case the child is illegitimate then the custody shall be with the mother itself.
A third person can also be given custody of the child if the parents are not willing to take custody of the child or if the court thinks it is in the welfare of the child that he/she stays away from the parents. In this case, usually, the grandparents (paternal or maternal), will be preferred to get custody of that Hindu child if they are interested.
If neither the parents nor any of the close relatives of the child are initiating to take custody of the child, then the court by itself shall find an appropriate person who could take custody of the child.

What is Child Custody as per Muslim Law?

Under Muslim personal law, the right to a child’s custody is called “hizanat” and can be enforced against any person including the father.

The custody of a Muslim child is with the mother until he has attained the age of 7 years for a boy and until she has attained the age of majority or puberty in the case of a girl.
The custody of a boy after he has attained the age of 7 years and the girl after she has attained majority or puberty is with the father, as under the Muslim law, it is the father who is considered to be the natural guardian of the child.
The right given to the mother in case of child custody is not absolute and exists only if such right is beneficial and is in the interest of her children. Thus, the welfare of the children is at the forefront of Muslim law as well.

What is Child Custody as per Christian Law?

As per Section 41 of the Indian Divorce Act, of 1869, the courts have the right to make decisions regarding the custody, education, and maintenance of Christian children. It is up to the discretion of the court keeping in mind the welfare and best interest of the child. The court can even deny custody to both parents if they are unable to give the proper opportunity to the child to grow both mentally and physically.

Consult: Top Child Custody Lawyers in India

What is the law on Boy or Girl Child Custody after Divorce in India?

Child Custody before 5 years
Generally, the custody of a child below the age of 5 is given to the mother. However, in certain circumstances, where the mother is proving to be an unfit parent, the court shows discretion while granting custody. However, according to the law commission report (no.257), equal rights are granted to parents while assuming custody. This is in Hindu law. Under Muslim law, The custody of a child is with the motherin the case ofa boy,until he has attained the age of 7 yearsand in the case of a girl, until she has attained the age of majority or puberty.

Father's Right in Child Custody
Fathers have equal rights as mothers while obtaining custody of the child. Earlier, mothers are given more preference while granting custodial rights. However, with the changing mindset, the court grants equal rights to both parents. The visitation rights of unmarried fathers often depend on their relationship with the child, any history of child abuse, drug, and alcohol use, and other such factors. While the court recognizes visitation rights, mothers are still preferred for granting custody. To get custody of a child, an unmarried father would likely need to show that the mother is unfit to raise the child and/or that he has been the child's primary caregiver.

Mother's Right in Child Custody
Initially, the mother had the primary custodial rights over the child. However, for the court to grant the mother custodial rights, she must present herself as a fit parent.

What is the law on Custody of Child above 7 years of age in India?

Under Muslim law in India, custody of a child above 7 years old is generally granted to the mother, provided she is of good character, has not remarried, and can provide a suitable home environment for the child.

This is based on the principle of "hizanat", which is the right of a mother to have custody of her child during his or her early years. According to Muslim law, a mother has the right to custody of her male child until he reaches the age of 7, and of her female child until she attains puberty (which is generally considered to be around the age of 9).

After the child reaches the age of 7 (for a male child) or puberty (for a female child), the court will take into account the wishes of the child, as well as the best interests of the child, before making a determination about custody. In general, the court will consider factors such as the age, gender, health, education, and emotional needs of the child, as well as the ability of each parent to provide for the child's needs.

It is important to note that the application of Muslim law in India is subject to the interpretation of the courts, and the outcome of custody battles can vary depending on the specific facts of each case. It is advisable to seek the assistance of a competent family law attorney who is knowledgeable about Muslim law to help navigate the legal system and ensure that your rights and the best interests of your child are protected.

How can a guardian get Child Custody?

Non-parent custody is granted only under certain circumstances and through specific procedures. The court only grants custody to a nonparent when it is satisfied that the child will not be harmed and it is in the best interest of the child.
There are two primary ways to file for custody of a child that is biologically not your own:

Guardianship -The first method is through guardianship, i.e. parents give written consent to non-parents to give them custody of the child. Consent guardianship is not possible if one parent disagrees with it.
Non-parent custody -The second method is granting non-parent custody. In this case, the non-parents file in the appropriate court where the child currently or permanently resides.

To grant Non-parent custody, the court must be satisfied -

That they have a long-standing relationship with the child and are fully capable of substituting for the parents in caring for the child.
That it would be in the interest of the child’s welfare to give his/her custody to the non-parent, and also that it would prove to be detrimental to the child if he/she were left with the original parent(s) willing to retain the custody.
That the court has not made a custody determination within one year of the filing.

One of the following criteria applies:

One of the child's legal parents is deceased.
The child's parents are not married at the time of the filing.
The child's parents are legally separated or are divorcing at the time of the filing.

Consult: Top Child Custody Lawyers in India

What is sole Custody of Child and how to get it?

Sole custody differs from joint custody. It refers to the full custody granted of a child to one parent. It includes both legal and physical custody. In sole custody, the parent gets both physical custody and legal rights toward the child.
Typically, the court will agree to grant visitation rights to the other parents, unless such action does not serve the best interests of the child.
Factors Considered while granting sole custody:

Best Interest of the child
Documentation
Conduct in the court
Detrimental to grant joint custody due to the other parent

What is Child Maintenance after Custody?

After the custody is granted and the divorce proceedings are over. It is the duty of parents to maintain the child and act in the best interest of the child. The duty to support the child rests on both parents unless exceptional circumstances call for one parent to exclusively provide maintenance. However, this does not preclude the other parent from being a part of the child’s life. Where the parents are in disagreement with each other, the Maintenance Court has the right to settle the dispute.

What if a spouse denies paying Child Maintenance?

In cases where the spouse denies paying the child maintenance, then visitation or custodial rights can be taken away. Further, if the child support is set up in a contractual agreement, the basic remedy is suited for breach of the contract; the other parent can sue for breach.
If child support is payable under a court order, the order is enforceable through the contempt powers of the court.

Consult: Top Child Custody Lawyers in India

The Courts on Child Custody law in India

The Supreme Court in one of its cases held that second marriage is not a ground to deny the father the custody of his children. In this case, the parents took a mutual divorceand the parties were at liberty to re-marry. However, later, the mother of the child filed for denying custody to the father on grounds that his second wife was also cohabiting with the father and son. The Supreme Court stated that the second marriage cannot be put against the father as it is not affecting the child negatively

The Supreme Court in another case gave the judgment regarding giving the custody of the child to an institution. The court held that “the handing over of custody of the child to an institution while ignoring the claim of a parent, especially the mother of the child, is not acceptable”.

The Supreme Court in another case in 2008 held that the ‘controlling factor deciding the custody of the child must be based on the welfare and best interest of the child and not the rights of the parents.

Latest News on Child Support

In May 2015, the court held that paying for child support can be extended up to the age of 25 of the child. The Law Commission on 22nd May 2015, also submitted a draft law that provides for the welfare of children as paramount importance.

In May 2019 a petition was filed before the Supreme Court by the NGO Child Rights Foundation, regarding a joint parenting plan. In this form, both parents get equal custody of a child. This is introduced to reduce the trauma of divorce among the children

Do’s and Don’ts of Child Custody

The parent trying to win the custody of the child must present themselves properly in court and must follow certain Dos and DON’Ts in the court-

Do show a willingness to work with your ex-wife/husband.
Do exercise your parental rights.
Do request an in-home custody evaluation.
Do be aware that perception is everything.
Do teach yourself about family law.
Do prepare documentation.
Do work with an experienced child custody lawyer.
Don't talk about your ex-wife/husband negatively to your kids.
Don't make a habit of rescheduling time with your kids.
Don't abuse alcohol or drugs, especially when you're with your kids. Don't refuse to do anything the court is asking of you
Don't involve your children in the court case. Don't invent negative stories in an attempt to win custody.
Most importantly, have genuine care and concern for your children.

How to cope during the Child Custody case?

Child custody cases are usually very tiresome and emotionally draining. The whole process of divorce proceedings and child custody requires the person to remain strong and proactive. There are certain actions that must be observed by the divorcing parents-

Make an informed choice about your counsel and listen to what they say
The parent must be proactive and not react to situations
Their future along with the child’s future must be kept in mind while taking any action.
Get feedback and maintain communication with other people.
Talk to parents who are going through similar situations.
The person must remain calm and composite during such times.
Do not handle your own case without a lawyer.

Consult: Top Child Custody Lawyers in India

FAQS

Does an Unmarried Mother Need to File for Custody?
An unmarried mother is automatically considered the guardian of the child and hence does not have to apply for child custody separately.
Can a father take custody of a child from a mother?
Mostly the custody of the child is given to the mother but in certain circumstances, if the court thinks that it is in the best interest of the child to stay with the father in that condition the custody can be given to the father.
What is the age limit for child custody?
The child needs to be less than 18 years old in order to be given in custody.
What is the difference between child custody and visitation rights?
Child visitation refers to parenting time. That is, the amount of time one parent spends with a child. While in the case of child custody, the child stays with the parent and gets the right to make decisions regarding a child's health, education, and welfare.
How to file for Child Custody from Foreign Land?
In a matter, Supreme Court held that the ‘jurisdiction of Indian Courts is not limited to Child Custody Cases. This means that in child custody cases, a spouse can also file from a foreign land and will not be stopped by the courts.
How to get Child custody if the husband/wife is irresponsible?
If one spouse is irresponsible or proves to be a detriment to the child, custody can be denied by the court. The other spouse has to then prove in court that the other spouse is an unfit parent.
What happens when both parents deny custody?
In the circumstances where both parents deny custody of the child, the custodial rights are shifted to a guardian or a non-parent. If there is no guardian, then the court shall appoint such guardian or non-parent who shall assume the custody of the child.
How do I know that the amount of the child support order is fair?
The law aims to keep the amount of child support fair and satisfactory to the needs of the child. There are several factors that are taken into account when deciding the fair amount of child support such as the income of both parents, the cost of the child's daycare and health insurance, each parent's other child support obligations, and the age and number of children, etc. On this basis, the court can decide the fair amount of child support.
What are the property rights of Children after divorce?
A child is entitled to a share in the ancestral property inherited by his father. A divorce between the father and mother does not deprive the child of his/her inheritance rights. However, it is advisable that it is mentioned in the agreement beforehand.

Consult: Top Child Custody Lawyers in India

Advocate Chikirsha Mohanty

4.0 | 2+ user ratings

Greater Kailash - 1, Delhi

5 years

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