Legal Services

Navigating the end of a relationship is challenging. I can support you with filing or contesting a divorce, and help you reach a resolution as amicably and efficiently as possible.

A divorce legally dissolves your marriage, but does not terminate your financial relationship with your spouse. I can help you resolve disputes about financial matters following divorce, including spousal maintenance, property division, and pension sharing. My goal is to achieve a fair financial settlement that meets your needs and provides security for your future. I will work with you to understand your financial situation and identify your priorities, and help you make informed decisions about your case to reach the best achievable outcome. I can represent you through contested financial remedy litigation, as well as out-of-court negotiations and settlement procedures.

The law and procedure around divorce is starkly different in India and the UK. It is important to consider the most appropriate jurisdiction for your divorce as early as possible, because any financial consequences will likely be resolved in that jurisdiction. As a lawyer experienced in both English and Indian law, I provide advice on:

• religious marriage and divorce in India, including Hindu, Sikh, Christian, Islamic, and interfaith marriages;
• choosing the right jurisdiction in your case;
• financial settlements involving assets or income in either jurisdiction;
• child arrangements, including living arrangements (custody), contact (visitation), re-location, travel, and child maintenance;
• recognition and enforceability of foreign judgments;
• what to do when there is a conflict of jurisdiction;
• filing and contesting Family Court proceedings in India;
• dowry harassment issues;
• domestic violence and protection orders in India;
• restitution of conjugal rights.

If you and/or your partner would like to ring-fence your pre-marital assets, inheritances, or financial contributions from family members towards the purchase of a property, then a pre-nuptial agreement is worth considering. A pre-nuptial agreement is a contract entered into by a couple before they get married, and specifies financial arrangements between them in the event of a divorce or separation. The law around pre-nuptial agreements varies by jurisdiction, and requires strict adherence to procedural requirements to be enforceable. I can help you prepare a pre-nuptial agreement is tailored to your circumstances and meets the legal requirements of your jurisdiction. I can also review whether an existing pre-nuptial agreement is fair and legally enforceable.

Domestic abuse includes not just physical violence but also emotional, psychological, financial abuse, and coercive control. If you are facing domestic abuse, there are court orders you could obtain to ensure your safety and well-being, such as (1) a Non-Molestation Order, preventing your abuser from contacting or approaching you, and (2) an Occupation Order, which can exclude the abuser from your home. I can advise on these and other legal measures to help you protect your rights, and provide you with legal support throughout your case. On the other hand, if you believe you have been wrongly accused of domestic abuse, I can provide legal advice and representation to defend your case.

Issues involving children require sensitivity and care. I advise on child arrangements, which could include decisions around where the child will live, the degree of contact they have with each parent, schooling, medical care, travel, financial support for the child, and any other issues that may arise. I prioritize the safety and welfare of the child in all cases, with a focus on finding solutions without the need for contested court proceedings. However, where court proceedings are necessary, I can provide robust representation to protect the interests of your child.

Mediation is an alternative way to resolve disputes out of court. The process is confidential, which means that both parties can think out loud about their respective objectives and possible solutions without the fear of their words being used against them in court if an agreement is not reached. This results in more open communication between parties, and a greater chance of finding a mutually acceptable solution, which can then be formalized through a legally binding document. I can help you decide if mediation is the right choice for you. As a mediator, I can help you and your partner to find your own solutions to your disputes, whether that is working out arrangements for your children, or dividing your assets.

If your case involves both English and Indian family law, the Family Courts may require an expert opinion on the interaction between the two. In this case, I can provide an expert report to the courts on behalf of both parties as a “single joint expert”. I can also speak to you or your current legal team to provide a preliminary legal opinion on any issues specific to the interaction of the two jurisdictions in your case.