Can You Get Divorced If Your Spouse Says No?
Short answer: YES.
You don’t need your spouse’s permission to get divorced in India. The law allows divorce without mutual consent (also called contested divorce).
But here’s the reality: It’s longer, more expensive, and emotionally challenging than mutual divorce.
This guide explains:
✅ Legal grounds you can use
✅ Complete court process step-by-step
✅ How long does it actually take?
✅ What it costs (realistic numbers)
✅ How to protect yourself financially and emotionally
Whether your spouse is refusing divorce, disappeared, or is making it difficult, this guide gives you the roadmap.
Mutual vs Contested Divorce: Quick Comparison
| Factor | Mutual Consent | Without Consent (Contested) |
|---|---|---|
| Both agree? | Yes | No |
| Time | 6-18 months | 2-5 years (sometimes longer) |
| Cost | ₹15,000-50,000 | ₹50,000-5,00,000 |
| Court visits | 3-4 times | 15-30+ times |
| Evidence needed | Minimal | Substantial proof required |
| Stress level | Low-Medium | High |
| Success rate | 100% | 60-85% (depends on grounds) |
Bottom line: Mutual consent is always better—but if it’s not possible, contested divorce is your legal right.
Can You Get a Divorce Without Your Spouse’s Consent? (Legal Answer)
YES, under these laws:
For Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, Sikhs:
Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 – Section 13
For Muslims:
- Men: Talaq, Khula, or court divorce
- Women: Khula or court dissolution
- Dissolution of Muslim Marriage Act, 1939
For Christians:
Indian Divorce Act, 1869 – Section 10
For Parsis:
Parsi Marriage and Divorce Act, 1936
For Inter-faith marriages:
Special Marriage Act, 1954 – Section 27
The law is clear: You have the right to seek divorce even if your spouse opposes it—as long as you have valid legal grounds.
13 Legal Grounds for Divorce Without Consent in India
To file a contested divorce, you need at least ONE of these grounds:
1. Adultery
What it means: Your spouse had sexual relations with another person.
What you need to prove:
- Evidence of affair (messages, photos, witness statements)
- Circumstantial evidence (hotel bookings, call records)
- Private investigator reports (admissible in court)
Success rate: High if you have solid evidence
Example: Wife finds husband’s explicit messages with colleague + hotel receipts
2. Cruelty (Physical or Mental)
What it means: Your spouse subjected you to physical violence or mental torture, making it impossible to live together.
Physical Cruelty Examples:
- Beating, slapping, pushing
- Physical abuse
- Threats of violence
- Harm to children
Mental Cruelty Examples:
- Constant insults and humiliation
- Threats of suicide or harm
- False accusations
- Denial of physical relations
- Excessive jealousy and suspicionForcedg to live separately from family
- Alcoholism/drug addiction affecting the family
- Refusing to have children without a reason
- Comparing unfavorably with others
- Hiding important information before marriage
What you need to prove:
- Medical records (for physical abuse)
- Police complaints
- Witness testimonies (family, neighbors, friends)
- Messages and emails showing abuse
- Therapist/counselor records
Success rate: Very high—most common ground
Important: Even WITHOUT physical abuse, mental cruelty alone is sufficient!
Supreme Court said: “Mental cruelty can be a behavior that creates reasonable apprehension in the mind of the spouse that it would be harmful or injurious to live with the other.”
3. Desertion (Abandonment)
What it means: Your spouse left you without reasonable cause and hasn’t returned for at least 2 continuous years.
What counts as desertion:
- Spouse left home and refuses to return
- Spouse forced you to leave home
- Spouse refuses to live with you, despite no valid reasonA continuouss period of 2 years is required
What you need to prove:
- Proof of 2 years of separation
- Evidence spouse refused to return despite requests
- Witness statements
What DOESN’T count:
- Temporary separation for work
- Separation by mutual understanding
- Living separately due to career (if both agree)
Success rate: High if you can prove 2 years of desertion
Example: Husband left wife at her parents’ house 3 years ago, hasn’t contacted her since
4. Conversion to Another Religion
What it means: Your spouse converted to another religion.
What you need to prove:
- Conversion certificate or declaration
- Evidence of practicing a new religion
Note: This ground is rarely used and somewhat controversial.
5. Unsound Mind / Mental Disorder
What it means: Your spouse suffers from a mental disorder, making marriage impossible.
Requirements:
- Disorder must be severe and incurable
- Medical certificates required
- Psychiatric evaluation reports
Compassion note: Courts handle these cases very carefully to protect the rights of the mentally ill spouse.
6. Leprosy (Incurable Form)
What it means: Spouse has a virulent and incurable form of leprosy.
Note: Rarely used today due to medical advancements.
7. Venereal Disease (Communicable Form)
What it means: Spouse has a sexually transmitted disease in communicable form.
What you need:
- Medical reports
- Proof disease existed at the time of marriage OR contracted through adultery
8. Renunciation of the World
What it means: Your spouse has completely renounced the world (became a monk/sanyasi).
What you need to prove:
- Evidence of renunciation
- Witness statements
- Photos/videos if available
Rare but valid ground.
9. Presumption of Death
What it means: Your spouse has not been heard of as being alive for 7 years or more.
What you need to prove:
- Last known whereabouts
- Efforts were made to locate the spouse
- Police missing person report
- Statements from relatives/friends
- Inquiry reports
Timeline: Must wait 7 full years
10. No Resumption of Cohabitation After Court Order
What it means: Court passed a decree for judicial separation or restitution of conjugal rights, but the parties haven’t lived together for 1 year or more since.
Rarely used—usually people file a fresh divorce petition instead.
Additional Grounds for Wife Only:
11. Husband’s Second Marriage (Bigamy)
If your husband married another woman while still married to you, you can file for divorce.
12. Rape, Sodomy, Bestiality
If the husband is guilty of these crimes post-marriage.
13. No Resumption After Maintenance Decree
If the court granted maintenance and there’s been no cohabitation for 1+ years.
Step-by-Step: Filing for Divorce Without Consent
Step 1: Consult a Divorce Lawyer (CRITICAL)
Why absolutely necessary:
- Contested divorce is complex litigation
- Strategy matters—a wrong approach can delay by years
- Evidence collection needs expertise
- Court procedures are technical
Cost of a lawyer:
- Initial consultation: ₹2,000-10,000
- Total case fees: ₹50,000-5,00,000 (depends on city, complexity, lawyer experience)
How to find:
- Bar Council referral
- Personal recommendations
- Online legal platforms (Vakilsearch, LawRato)
In consultation, discuss:
- Your grounds for divorce
- Evidence you have
- Strategy (contested vs judicial separation first)
- Expected timeline
- Total cost estimation
Step 2: Gather Evidence (Start NOW)
Document everything:
For Cruelty:
✅ Messages, emails, voice recordings
✅ Medical records (injuries, depression treatment)
✅ Police complaints (even if filed years ago)
✅ Photos of injuries
✅ Witness list (who saw/heard abuse)
✅ Journal entries (date, time, what happened)
For Adultery:
✅ Messages/emails proving affair
✅ Photos/videos
✅ Private investigator report
✅ Hotel/travel bookings
✅ Credit card statements
✅ Social media evidence
For Desertion:
✅ Proof of separation date
✅ Written requests to return (emails, registered letters)
✅ Witness statements
✅ Police complaint about desertion
Digital Evidence Tips:
- Take screenshots with date/time visible
- Save in multiple locations (cloud + physical)
- Get messages/emails certified by notary
- Don’t delete anything
Step 3: Send Legal Notice (Not Mandatory But Recommended)
What is a legal notice: A formal letter through a lawyer stating:
- Your intention to file for divorce
- Grounds for divorce
- Last opportunity to resolve mutually
Why send:
- Shows the court you tried to resolve
- Creates an evidence trail
- Opportunity for spouse to agree (saves time/money)
Cost: ₹2,000-5,000
Response time: Usually gives 30 days to respond
What happens:
- Spouse may agree to mutual consent (best outcome!)
- Spouse may reply,y denying allegations
- Spouse may not reply at all
After 30 days: Proceed with court filing
Step 4: File Divorce Petition in Family Court
Where to file:
✅ Where marriage was solemnized
✅ Where you last lived together
✅ Where you currently live (in some cases)
✅ Where spouse currently lives
Strategy tip: Discuss jurisdictionwith ah lawyer—filing in a convenient court can save significant travel time/cost.
Documents required:
- Divorce petition (drafted by a lawyer)
- Marriage certificate
- Your ID proof (Aadhaar, PAN)
- Address proof
- Photographs (wedding + recent)
- Evidence supporting your grounds
- Income proof (for maintenance claims)
Court fees:
- Petition filing: ₹300-500
- Advocate clerk fees: ₹500-2,000
- Miscellaneous: ₹1,000-5,000
- Total: ₹2,000-10,000 initially
Step 5: Court Issues Summons to Spouse
What happens:
- The court sends notice to your spouse
- Spouse gets a copy of your petition
- Spouse has 30 days to respond
Spouse’s options:
- Contest the divorce: File a reply denying allegations
- Agree to mutual consent: Best scenario—case converts to mutual divorce
- File counter-case: Claiming different grounds or accusing you
- Not respond: Court proceeds ex parte after multiple notices
Step 6: Spouse Files Reply (If Contesting)
Spouse will:
- Deny your allegations
- Present their version of events
- Possibly file counter-claims
- May demand alimony/maintenance
Timeline: 30 days to file reply (often extended to 60-90 days)
Step 7: Court Orders Mediation (Mandatory in Most Cases)
What is mediation?
- A court-appointed mediator meets both parties
- Tries to help you reach a settlement
- Confidential discussions
- No lawyers present in some courts
Sessions: Usually 3-5 sessions over 2-3 months
Possible outcomes:
✅ Agree to mutual divorce (BEST—saves 2+ years!)
✅ Agree on terms (custody, alimony, property)
❌ Mediation fails—case proceeds to trial
Success rate of mediation: About 30-40%
Pro tip: Keep an open mind. Even if you’re angry, a quick settlement is better than years of litigation.
Step 8: Evidence Stage (If Mediation Fails)
Now the real battle begins:
You must prove your grounds through:
A. Documents:
- Submit all evidence collected
- The court examines each document
- Spouse can challenge authenticity
B. Witnesses:
- You present witnesses (family, friends, neighbors)
- Each witness gives a statement in court
- Spouse’s lawyer cross-examines them
- Spouse presents their witnesses
- Your lawyer cross-examines them
Number of hearings: 10-25+ over 1-3 years
Attendance required:
- You must attend most hearings
- Witnesses attend their specific dates
Each hearing:
- 5-15 minutes actual court time
- But you wait 2-4 hours in court
- Next hearing scheduled 1-2 months later
This is the longest phase of contested divorce.
Step 9: Final Arguments
After all the evidence:
- Both lawyers present final arguments
- Summarize evidence
- Cite legal precedents
- Explain why divorce should/shouldn’t be granted
Duration: 2-4 hearings over 2-3 months
Step 10: Court Judgment
Judge examines:
- All evidence presented
- Witness testimonies
- Legal arguments
- Applicable laws
The judge can:
✅ Grant divorce: If satisfied grounds are proved
❌ Reject divorce: If grounds not proved OR possibility of reconciliation exists
📋 Grant with conditions: Divorce granted, but with maintenance/custody orders
Judgment reserved: Judge takes time to writea a detailed order (2-4 weeks)
Step 11: Appeal (If Needed)
If you lose:
- Appeal to the High Court within 90 days
- Need strong grounds for appeal
- Another 1-2 years of litigation
If the spouse loses and appeals:
- You defend in the High Court
- Your divorce is delayed further
Supreme Court: In rare cases, can go to the Supreme Court (another 1-2 years)
Timeline: How Long Does a Contested Divorce Take?
Realistic expectations by stage:
| Stage | Time |
|---|---|
| Evidence gathering | 1-3 months |
| Legal notice period | 1 month |
| Filing petition | 1-2 weeks |
| Spouse receives summons | 2-4 weeks |
| Spouse files reply | 2-3 months |
| Mediation | 2-6 months |
| Evidence presentation | 12-24 months |
| Arguments | 2-4 months |
| Judgment | 1-2 months |
| TOTAL: Minimum | 2-3 years |
| TOTAL: Average | 3-5 years |
| If appeals: | 5-7 years |
Factors affecting timeline:
✅ Court backlog (huge factor in India)
✅ Number of adjournments
✅ Witness availability
✅ Whether spouse cooperates or delays
✅ Complexity of property/custody issues
✅ Quality of your evidence
Fastest possible: 18 months (very rare, only with excellent evidence and an efficient court)
COVID impact: Many courts are still recovering from backlogs (cases filed in 2019-20 still pending)
Cost Breakdown: What You’ll Actually Spend
Lawyer Fees:
Tier-3 Cities: ₹50,000-1,50,000
Tier-2 Cities: ₹1,00,000-3,00,000
Metro Cities: ₹2,00,000-10,00,000
Senior Lawyers: ₹5,00,000-25,00,000
Payment structure:
- Initial retainer: 30-50%
- Monthly fees: ₹5,000-50,000
- Per hearing: ₹2,000-20,000
- Success fees: Sometimes 10-20% extra
Court Fees & Expenses:
Filing fees: ₹2,000-10,000
Process serving: ₹2,000-5,000
Witness expenses: ₹5,000-20,000
Document copies: ₹2,000-5,000
Travel to court: ₹500-2,000 per visit × 20-30 visits = ₹10,000-60,000
Miscellaneous: ₹10,000-30,000
Investigation/Evidence:
Private investigator (if needed): ₹50,000-2,00,000
Forensic reports: ₹10,000-50,000
Medical reports: ₹5,000-20,000
TOTAL COST ESTIMATE:
Low-end (Tier-3 city, simple case): ₹75,000-1,50,000
Mid-range (Tier-2 city, moderate complexity): ₹2,00,000-4,00,000
High-end (Metro, complex case): ₹5,00,000-15,00,000+
If the case goes to the High Court: Add 50-100% more
If property division is contentious: Add ₹1,00,000-5,00,000
Maintenance & Alimony During Divorce
Interim Maintenance:
During divorce proceedings, the wife can claim:
Amount: 25-30% of husband’s gross monthly income (typical)
Example:
- Husband earns ₹80,000/month
- The court may order ₹20,000-25,000/month interim maintenance
When it starts: Usually 6-12 months into the case
Duration: Until divorce decree
For children: Additional child support (typically 20-25% of income per child)
Permanent Alimony:
After a divorce, the court may order:
Lump sum: One-time payment (₹5 lakhs to ₹50 lakhs, depending on marriage duration, lifestyle)
Monthly alimony: Ongoing payments (₹10,000 to ₹1 lakh+ per month)
Factorsthe court considers:
- Marriage duration
- Wife’s income/employability
- Husband’s income
- Children’s custody
- Wife’s age and health
- Standard of living during marriage
- Wife’s contributions to the family
Men can claim alimony too: If wife earns significantly more (rare but possible)
Alimony for how long:
- Until my wife remarries
- Until she becomes self-sufficient
- Lifetime (in some cases, for elderly women)
Avoiding Maintenance:
Husband’s perspective:
You may NOT have to pay if:
✅ Wife has substantial income
✅ Wife was unfaithful
✅ Wife voluntarily left
✅ Wife has independent property/wealth
Strategy: Document wife’s income and assets thoroughly
Wife’s perspective:
Maximize maintenance:
✅ Document husband’s actual income (not just salary)
✅ Show childcare responsibilities
✅ Demonstrate standard of living
✅ Get expert valuation of assets
Child Custody in Contested Divorce
Primary principle: Best interest of the child
For Children Below 7 Years:
Strong preference for mother unless she’s unfit
For Children Above 7 Years:
Court considers:
- Child’s preference (if mature enough)
- Each parent’s capability
- Stability of the environment
- Parent’s character and conduct
- Child’s educational needs
Types of Custody:
1. Physical Custody: Where the child lives
2. Legal Custody: Who makes decisions (education, medical, etc.)
3. Joint Custody: Both parents share responsibilities
4. Visitation Rights: Non-custodial parent’s access
Typical Arrangements:
Mother gets custody:
- Father gets visitation (weekends, holidays)
- Father pays child support
Father gets custody: (Less common but increasing)
- Mother gets visitation
- The mother may pay child support if she earns
Joint custody: A growing trend in urban areas
Child support amount: 20-25% of net income per child, typically
Property Division in Divorce
Key principle: Indian law does NOT have an automatic 50-50 division!
Property Acquired Before Marriage:
Belongs to original owner (spouse has no claim typically)
Property Acquired During Marriage:
Depends on whose name it’s in:
Husband’s name only:
- Wife has no automatic right
- But can claim that she contributed financially
- Or if it’s the matrimonial home
Wife’s name only:
- Husband has no automatic right
Joint names:
- Divided as per ownership percentage
Gifts from family:
- Stay with the recipient’s family usually
Streedhan (Wife’s Property):
Includes:
- Jewelry given at marriage
- Gifts from her family
- Property in her name
- Cash/assets given to her
Absolutely belongs to the wife – husband cannot claim
If the husband refuses to return the Streedhan:
- File a complaint under Section 406 IPC (criminal breach of trust)
- File an application in the family court
Matrimonial Home:
Even if in the husband’s name:
- Wife can claim the right to reside during proceedings
- May get a share if she contributed to the purchase
- The court can order the husband to provide an alternate accommodation
Emotional Survival Guide
Contested divorce is emotionally brutal. Here’s how to cope:
1. Accept the Timeline
Reality check:
- This will take years, not months
- Every hearing feels like emotional whiplash
- Set realistic expectations
Mindset: This is a marathon, not a sprint
2. Build Support System
You need:
✅ Therapist/counselor (non-negotiable)
✅ Support group (online or in-person)
✅ Close friends who understand
✅ Family support
✅ Physical activity/exercise
Don’t isolate yourself—loneliness makes it worse
3. Document, Don’t Engage
Do:
✅ Keep records of everything
✅ Communicate through a lawyer when possible
✅ Stay factual, not emotional
Don’t:
❌ Fight over WhatsApp
❌ Badmouth spouse on social media
❌ Involve children in conflict
❌ Make threats
4. Protect Your Finances
Immediately:
✅ Open a separate bank account
✅ Document all assets
✅ Change passwords
✅ Monitor credit report
✅ Secure important documents
✅ Take photos of jewelry, valuables
5. Focus on Yourself
This is YOUR time to:
- Work on career
- Learn new skills
- Improve health
- Build financial independence
- Create new social circles
The divorce will end someday. Be ready to start fresh.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake 1: Social Media Venting
Don’t:
- Post about your spouse
- Share court details
- Display new relationships
Why: Everything can be used against you in court!
Real case: A man lost custody because Facebook showed him partying while claiming depression
Mistake 2: Hiding Assets
Tempting but dangerous:
- Courts can order disclosure
- Lying = contempt of court
- Can affect alimony/property division
Be strategic, not dishonest
Mistake 3: Using Children as Weapons
Never:
- Turn children against the other parent
- Use custody for revenge
- Deny visitation to hurt spouse
Why:
- Courts heavily penalize this
- Damages children permanently
- Can lose custody
Remember: You’re divorcing your spouse, not your children’s parent
Mistake 4: Skipping Court Hearings
Every absence:
- Delays the case further
- Weakens your position
- Can lead to ex parte orders
Always attend or send a lawyer with a valid reason
Mistake 5: Settling Too Quickly Out of Exhaustion
After 3 years, you’re tired:
- Pressure to “just end it.”
- Agree to unfavorable terms
Don’t:
- Make lifetime decisions in exhaustion
- Sign anything without a lawyer review
- Give up rightful claims
Take time to think clearly
When to Consider Judicial Separation First
Alternative to immediate divorce:
What is judicial separation?
- Court-ordered living apart
- Still legally married
- Can reconcile within 1 year OR convert to divorce
Why consider:
✅ Need time to think
✅ Religious/social reasons
✅ Testing waters
✅ May be faster than contested divorce
After 1 year: Can file for divorce on ground of judicial separation
Downside: Adds time overall if reconciliation doesn’t happen
Special Situations
If Spouse Lives Abroad:
Challenges:
- Service of summons difficult
- Spouse may not appear
- Enforcement of orders is hard
Solutions:
- File in India where the marriage happened
- Use the international service of process
- Proceed ex parte if the spouse doesn’t appear
- Consider filing in the spouse’s country too
If Spouse is Missing:
Process:
- File a missing person report
- Try all methods to locate
- If 7 years, use the “presumption of death” ground
- If less, use “desertion” ground
- The court will require proof of sincere efforts to locate
If There’s Domestic Violence:
Priority actions:
- File FIR under IPC Section 498A
- File a complaint under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005
- Get a protection order from the court
- Document injuries with medical records
- Then file for divorce on cruelty grounds
DV Act provides:
- Protection orders
- Residence orders (stay in matrimonial home)
- Monetary relief
- Custody orders
- Faster than divorce proceedings
If You Have Disability:
Your rights are protected:
- Cannot be divorced solely on the ground of disability
- May get higher alimony
- Special consideration in custody (if capable)
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I get divorced if my spouse refuses?
YES. You just need valid grounds. Spouse’s refusal doesn’t stop you—it just makes the process longer.
2. How long minimum for a contested divorce?
Minimum 18 months (very rare). Realistically, 2-5 years. With appeals, 5-7 years.
3. What if I can’t afford a lawyer?
Options:
- Legal aid (free lawyers for those who can’t afford)
- Contact District Legal Services Authority
- Some NGOs provide free divorce assistance
- Law school clinics
4. Can I remarry during divorce proceedings?
NO. Until the divorce decree is final, you’re still married. Remarriage = bigamy (criminal offense).
5. What if the spouse files a false domestic violence case?
Unfortunately common:
- Hire an experienced lawyer immediately
- File for anticipatory bail
- Contest allegations with evidence
- Can countersue for defamation/false case
Don’t ignore—such cases are serious
6. Will I lose my job during divorce proceedings?
No. Divorce is a personal matter. An employer cannot fire you for getting divorced.
But multiple court visits may need leave—plan with employer.
7. Can parents/in-laws be involved in a divorce case?
Yes, as witnesses. They cannot be parties unless:
- The property dispute involves them
- Maintenance claims include them
- They’re accused of cruelty
8. What if we reconcile mid-divorce?
Wonderful!
- Withdraw the petition jointly
- Pay nominal court fees
- Case dismissed
Happens more often than you think (5-10% of cases).
9. Can I date during divorce proceedings?
Legally: Not married yet, but…
Practically:
- Can hurt your case (adultery accusations)
- Affects custody decisions
- Impacts alimony amounts
Advice: Better to wait until the divorce is final
10. What if I’m proven right but my spouse appeals?
Your divorce is delayed further:
- High Court appeal = another 1-2 years
- But your chances are good if the trial court judgment is strong
- Can apply for interim relief
After Divorce: Legal Closure
Once the divorce decree is granted:
1. Get Certified Copies
Immediately get:
- Divorce decree certified copy (10-15 copies)
- Keep in a safe place
- Need for remarriage registration
- Bank/passport/property matters
Cost: ₹50-100 per copy
2. Update Documents
Change marital status in:
- Passport
- Aadhaar card
- PAN card
- Bank accounts
- Insurance policies
- Office records
- Social media (if you want)
3. Financial Settlements
Ensure:
- Alimony payments set up (if ordered)
- Property transfers completed
- Bank accounts separated
- Joint loans settled
- Credit cards separated
4. Child Arrangements
Formalize:
- Custody schedule
- Visitation calendar
- Child support payment method
- Education decisions process
- Medical emergency contacts
5. Emotional Closure
Consider:
- Continuing therapy
- Joining support groups
- Taking a break/vacation
- Starting new hobbies
- Building a new social circle
You survived years of litigation. You’re stronger than you think!
Summary: Your Action Plan
If you’re considering a contested divorce:
This Week:
- ☐ Consult 2-3 divorce lawyers
- ☐ Start documenting evidence
- ☐ Open a separate bank account
- ☐ List all assets and debts
- ☐ Find a therapist
This Month:
- ☐ Choose a lawyer and sign a retainer
- ☐ Complete evidence gathering
- ☐ Send legal notice (if lawyer recommends)
- ☐ Prepare for a long journey ahead
- ☐ Build a support system
Be Mentally Prepared For:
- ☐ 2-5 years process
- ☐ ₹2-5 lakhs expense (estimate)
- ☐ 20-30 court visits
- ☐ Emotional ups and downs
- ☐ Public scrutiny in the courtroom
- ☐ Negotiations on everything
Remember:
✅ You have the legal right to divorce
✅ You don’t need your spouse’s permission
✅ The law protects your interests
✅ Thousands go through this—you can too
✅ Better to endure 3 years of divorce than 30 years of an unhappy marriage
Final Words: You’re Not Alone
Every year, lakhs of Indians go through contested divorce.
Some marriages cannot be saved. And that’s okay.
The law recognizes your right to freedom from an unhappy marriage—even if your spouse disagrees.
Yes, it’s long. Yes, it’s expensive. Yes, it’s emotionally exhausting.
But your peace matters. Your happiness matters. Your future matters.
This too shall pass. One day, these court visits will be behind you. You’ll have your decree in hand. You’ll be free to start fresh.
Stay strong. Stay focused. Stay hopeful.
Need Support?
💬 Free Legal Aid:
- District Legal Services Authority: Find your local DLSA
- National Legal Services Authority: https://nalsa.gov.in
🆘 Helplines:
- Women’s Helpline: 1091 / 181
- Mental Health Helpline: 9152987821
💪 Support Groups:
- Search “divorce support group [your city].”
- Online forums: DivorceBuddies, Reddit r/IndianDivorce
Questions? Drop a comment. Our family law team responds within 24 hours!


