Filing a mutual divorce petition in Kerala involves several steps. Here's a general overview of the process:
Consult a lawyer: The first step in filing a mutual divorce petition is to consult a lawyer who specializes in family law. They will guide you through the legal process and ensure that all the necessary documents are in place.
Draft the petition: The next step is to draft the mutual divorce petition. This is a legal document that outlines the terms and conditions of the divorce agreement between the spouses. The petition must be signed by both spouses and filed in the district court where either of the spouses currently resides.
Submit the petition: Once the petition is drafted, it must be filed in court. Along with the petition, you will need to submit supporting documents such as marriage certificate, address proof, and photographs. You will also need to pay court fees at this stage.
Attend counseling sessions: In Kerala, the law requires couples to attend counseling sessions before granting a divorce. The court will schedule counseling sessions with a marriage counselor, and both spouses must attend these sessions.
Final hearing: Once the counseling sessions are complete, the court will schedule a final hearing. At this stage, both spouses must appear in court and testify that they wish to dissolve the marriage. The court will review the mutual divorce petition and may ask for additional information if needed.
Divorce decree: If the court is satisfied with the mutual divorce petition, it will grant a divorce decree. This document legally dissolves the marriage between the spouses.
How to file a mutual divorce petition
