Family & Personal
Marriage, divorce, maintenance, wills, inheritance and personal documentation.
Marriage, divorce, maintenance, wills and inheritance questions belong here — the documents families need at life's turning points. Affidavits, name-change papers and simple wills typically cost ₹199–₹999 and are drafted in 1–3 working days. Mutual-consent divorce and maintenance are court matters: a mutual divorce usually takes about six months, while contested cases run far longer. Sensitive matters are best handled with an advocate. Read the plain-language guides below to understand your options and timelines, then get the right document prepared or ask a lawyer free on WhatsApp before you file.
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Court Marriage Under the Special Marriage Act — Notice, 30 Days, Documents and Cost
A court marriage (Special Marriage Act, 1954) works for any two adults — across religions, or anyone preferring a civil ceremony: give 30 days' written notice to the Marriage Officer of the district where either party has lived for 30+ days, and after the notice period (if no valid objection) the marriage is solemnised before the officer and three witnesses. Government fees are a few hundred rupees; the certificate issues the same day.
Domestic Violence Complaint (DV Act) — Protection Orders, Residence Rights and the Process
The Domestic Violence Act, 2005 protects women from physical, emotional, sexual and economic abuse in the household — with civil remedies that work fast: protection orders, the right to reside in the shared household, monetary relief and custody orders from the Magistrate. Complaints go through the Protection Officer, police, or directly to court; the Act contemplates disposal in 60 days, and no court fee applies.
How to Make a Will in India — Validity Rules, Witnesses, and Why Registration Is Optional
A valid will in India needs just three things: it must be in writing, signed by you, and attested by two witnesses who saw you sign — Section 63, Indian Succession Act. No stamp paper is needed, registration is optional (₹100–1,000 if you choose it), and you can change or revoke it anytime. A clear will costs almost nothing and prevents years of family litigation.
Maintenance for Wife and Children — Section 125 CrPC (Now BNSS 144), Who Can Claim and How
A wife unable to maintain herself, minor children, and dependent parents can claim monthly maintenance from a person who neglects them — Section 125 CrPC, now Section 144 BNSS. The application is filed in the Magistrate's court where you reside, court fees are nominal, interim maintenance can be ordered while the case runs, and non-payment is enforceable by warrant.
Marriage Registration — Registering an Already-Solemnised Marriage, Documents and Fees
Already married by religious ceremony? Registration records that marriage officially: apply to the marriage registrar (online in most states) with the wedding proof — invitation card, photos, priest's certificate — plus age/address documents and witnesses; the certificate issues in days to weeks for fees of ₹100–500. The Supreme Court (Seema v. Ashwani Kumar) directs registration of all marriages, and several states make it compulsory.
Mutual Divorce: Process, Timeline and Cost — Cooling Period and When It Can Be Waived
A mutual-consent divorce takes two motions in the family court: the first petition, a cooling period of 6 months (which the court can waive after Amardeep Singh, 2017, where reconciliation is hopeless and issues are settled), then the second motion and decree. Realistic total cost: ₹15,000–₹75,000 including advocate fees; timeline 6–18 months, or a few months with waiver.
Legal Name Change in India — Affidavit, Newspaper Ads and Gazette, Step by Step
A legal name change in India takes three steps: a notarised name-change affidavit (₹20–100 stamp paper), publication in two newspapers (one English, one regional — ₹500–1,500), and publication in the Gazette of India (₹1,100–1,700 typical fees). The full process runs 4–8 weeks, after which every ID — PAN, Aadhaar, passport — can be updated.
Succession Certificate vs Legal Heir Certificate — When You Need Which, Process and Cost
When someone dies without a will, two documents unlock their assets: a legal heir certificate (from the tehsildar/taluk office, ₹20–100, 2–8 weeks) identifies the heirs for pensions, jobs and small claims; a succession certificate (from the civil court under the Indian Succession Act, 2–3% court fee on the asset value, 4–8 months) is needed to claim debts and securities — bank deposits, shares, bonds.