{"id":43291,"date":"2024-10-27T00:02:02","date_gmt":"2024-10-26T18:32:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.zolvit.com\/blog\/?p=43291"},"modified":"2025-03-12T17:32:57","modified_gmt":"2025-03-12T12:02:57","slug":"family-law-overview-common-issues","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.zolvit.com\/blog\/family-law-overview-common-issues\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is Family Law? An Overview of Common Issues"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><b>Family law<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, also known as matrimonial law or the law of domestic relations, governs family matters and <\/span><b>domestic relations<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This section of law deals with divorce and loss of parental rights. It also covers issues such as adoption of children and custodial battles. Family law has been broadly categorised into five major sets: Hindu law for Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Sikhs; Muslim law; Christian law; Parsi law; and secular law, represented by the Special Marriage Act,1954.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This blog provides a general overview of family law, defining it and categorising the types in which legal representation should be sought when certain complex issues such as divorce and child custody are involved. It covers the most common issues associated with the family court such as property division, adoption, and domestic violence.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_74 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.zolvit.com\/blog\/family-law-overview-common-issues\/#Importance_of_Legal_Representation_in_Family_Law\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">Importance of Legal Representation in Family Law<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.zolvit.com\/blog\/family-law-overview-common-issues\/#Types_of_Family_Law\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">Types of Family Law<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.zolvit.com\/blog\/family-law-overview-common-issues\/#Hindu_Law\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">Hindu Law<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.zolvit.com\/blog\/family-law-overview-common-issues\/#Muslim_Law\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">Muslim Law<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.zolvit.com\/blog\/family-law-overview-common-issues\/#Christian_Law\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">Christian Law<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.zolvit.com\/blog\/family-law-overview-common-issues\/#Parsi_Law\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">Parsi Law<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.zolvit.com\/blog\/family-law-overview-common-issues\/#Special_Marriage_Act_of_1954\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">Special Marriage Act of 1954<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.zolvit.com\/blog\/family-law-overview-common-issues\/#Common_Issues_Faced_in_Family_Law\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">Common Issues Faced in Family Law<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.zolvit.com\/blog\/family-law-overview-common-issues\/#Divorce\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">Divorce<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.zolvit.com\/blog\/family-law-overview-common-issues\/#Types_of_Divorce\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">Types of Divorce<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.zolvit.com\/blog\/family-law-overview-common-issues\/#Old_vs_New_Divorce_Rules\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">Old vs New Divorce Rules<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.zolvit.com\/blog\/family-law-overview-common-issues\/#Child_Custody\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">Child Custody<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.zolvit.com\/blog\/family-law-overview-common-issues\/#Types_of_Custody\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">Types of Custody<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.zolvit.com\/blog\/family-law-overview-common-issues\/#Custody_After_Divorce\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">Custody After Divorce<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.zolvit.com\/blog\/family-law-overview-common-issues\/#Visitation_Rights\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">Visitation Rights<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.zolvit.com\/blog\/family-law-overview-common-issues\/#Custody_Issues\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">Custody Issues<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.zolvit.com\/blog\/family-law-overview-common-issues\/#Considerations\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">Considerations<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/www.zolvit.com\/blog\/family-law-overview-common-issues\/#Safety_Issues\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">Safety Issues<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/www.zolvit.com\/blog\/family-law-overview-common-issues\/#Property_Division\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">Property Division<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/www.zolvit.com\/blog\/family-law-overview-common-issues\/#Important_Factors_Regarding_the_Division_of_Property\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">Important Factors Regarding the Division of Property<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/www.zolvit.com\/blog\/family-law-overview-common-issues\/#Adoption\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">Adoption<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/www.zolvit.com\/blog\/family-law-overview-common-issues\/#Issues_in_Adoption\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">Issues in Adoption<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/www.zolvit.com\/blog\/family-law-overview-common-issues\/#Types_of_Adoption\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">Types of Adoption<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/www.zolvit.com\/blog\/family-law-overview-common-issues\/#Alimony\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">Alimony<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/www.zolvit.com\/blog\/family-law-overview-common-issues\/#Definition\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">Definition<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-26\" href=\"https:\/\/www.zolvit.com\/blog\/family-law-overview-common-issues\/#Types_of_Alimony_Laws\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">Types of Alimony Laws<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-27\" href=\"https:\/\/www.zolvit.com\/blog\/family-law-overview-common-issues\/#Determinants_of_Alimony\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">Determinants of Alimony<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-28\" href=\"https:\/\/www.zolvit.com\/blog\/family-law-overview-common-issues\/#Domestic_Violence\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">Domestic Violence<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-29\" href=\"https:\/\/www.zolvit.com\/blog\/family-law-overview-common-issues\/#Types_of_Domestic_Violence\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">Types of Domestic Violence<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-30\" href=\"https:\/\/www.zolvit.com\/blog\/family-law-overview-common-issues\/#Law_Protections_for_Victims\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">Law Protections for Victims<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-31\" href=\"https:\/\/www.zolvit.com\/blog\/family-law-overview-common-issues\/#Grandparents_Right\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">Grandparents Right<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-32\" href=\"https:\/\/www.zolvit.com\/blog\/family-law-overview-common-issues\/#Welfare_of_child\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">Welfare of child<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-33\" href=\"https:\/\/www.zolvit.com\/blog\/family-law-overview-common-issues\/#Ability_of_grandparents_to_provide\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">Ability of grandparents to provide<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-34\" href=\"https:\/\/www.zolvit.com\/blog\/family-law-overview-common-issues\/#Relationship_with_the_child\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">Relationship with the child<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-35\" href=\"https:\/\/www.zolvit.com\/blog\/family-law-overview-common-issues\/#Parents_authority\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">Parents&#8217; authority<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-36\" href=\"https:\/\/www.zolvit.com\/blog\/family-law-overview-common-issues\/#Guardianship\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">Guardianship<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-37\" href=\"https:\/\/www.zolvit.com\/blog\/family-law-overview-common-issues\/#Paternity\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">Paternity<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-38\" href=\"https:\/\/www.zolvit.com\/blog\/family-law-overview-common-issues\/#Paternity_of_Father\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">Paternity of Father<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-39\" href=\"https:\/\/www.zolvit.com\/blog\/family-law-overview-common-issues\/#Paternity_of_Children\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">Paternity of Children<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-40\" href=\"https:\/\/www.zolvit.com\/blog\/family-law-overview-common-issues\/#Child_Support_Enforcement\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">Child Support Enforcement<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-41\" href=\"https:\/\/www.zolvit.com\/blog\/family-law-overview-common-issues\/#Deterrents_for_Not_Paying_Child_Support\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">Deterrents for Not Paying Child Support<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-42\" href=\"https:\/\/www.zolvit.com\/blog\/family-law-overview-common-issues\/#Surrogacy\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">Surrogacy<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-43\" href=\"https:\/\/www.zolvit.com\/blog\/family-law-overview-common-issues\/#Requirements_for_Surrogacy\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">Requirements for Surrogacy<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-44\" href=\"https:\/\/www.zolvit.com\/blog\/family-law-overview-common-issues\/#Who_Can_Be_a_Surrogate_Mother\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">Who Can Be a Surrogate Mother?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-45\" href=\"https:\/\/www.zolvit.com\/blog\/family-law-overview-common-issues\/#Surrogacy_Bill\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">Surrogacy Bill<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-46\" href=\"https:\/\/www.zolvit.com\/blog\/family-law-overview-common-issues\/#Ethical_and_Legal_Consideration\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">Ethical and Legal Consideration<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-47\" href=\"https:\/\/www.zolvit.com\/blog\/family-law-overview-common-issues\/#Conclusion\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">Conclusion<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Importance_of_Legal_Representation_in_Family_Law\"><\/span><b>Importance of Legal Representation in Family Law<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Having legal representation will protect your rights, money, and reputation. A <strong><a title=\"Legal Representation For Family Law\" href=\"https:\/\/www.zolvit.com\/lawyers\/family\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">family law attorney<\/a><\/strong> may represent and assist you in various matters such as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Guidance: Offers you proper education on your rights and the process of law\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Court Representation: Advocates for your rights by presenting all evidence and questioning witnesses\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Negotiation: Negotiates an out-of-court agreement or a lot of persuasive arguments in the courtroom\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Drafting Agreements: Providing assistance in creating agreements and parenting plans that clearly outline duties and timetables\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Objective-Based Counselling: Giving you rational advice founded upon fact, not feelings\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Navigating the Court Process: Supporting you all along the way from paperwork to courtroom appearances.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some of the matters family law deals with include marriage, divorce, child custody, and adoption. Given the fact that the laws surrounding these particular matters vary significantly from one jurisdiction to another, you may need to see a family lawyer specialising in the intricacies of family law and subspecialties associated with the rights of young people, adjudication, child neglect, civil unions, and visitation.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Types_of_Family_Law\"><\/span><b>Types of Family Law<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The five most significant types of family law applicable in India are discussed below. These address specific legal issues related to the different kinds of familial relationships.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Hindu_Law\"><\/span><b>Hindu Law<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hindu Law is very crucial to those practising Hinduism in India. It defines laws governing the marriage, divorce, inheritance, and even maintenance that Hindu people enjoy. It defines all marriages as institutions for the Hindu people marked by many rituals and ceremonies that have been part of their culture.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Muslim_Law\"><\/span><b>Muslim Law<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Muslim Law pertains to the family issues of Indian Muslims. These norms are based on the Quran and Hadith, and the Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) Application Act of 1937 enumerates laws and regulations for marriage and divorce forms like talaq and khula. Also under consideration is the safeguarding of <strong><a title=\"Child Custody Law And Rights\" href=\"https:\/\/www.zolvit.com\/blog\/child-custody-laws-india-guide\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">rights for child custody<\/a><\/strong> and adoption.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Christian_Law\"><\/span><b>Christian Law<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most Christians in India follow Christian Law, which deals with the law relating to issues of marriage, divorce, and succession. Divorce is dealt with under the Indian Divorce Act 1869. This law provides for the dissolution of marriage on certain grounds such as adultery, cruelty, and desertion. Unlike Hindu law, there are grounds to dissolve a marriage.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Parsi_Law\"><\/span><b>Parsi Law<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In India, there is a special Parsi Law for the Parsi community, which comes within the Parsi Marriage and Divorce Act, 1936. The said Act considers issues that may arise during inheritance and family matters in the light of maintenance due to a marriage. It provides rights related to law issues of a Parsi marriage.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Special_Marriage_Act_of_1954\"><\/span><b>Special Marriage Act of 1954<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Special Marriage Act 1954 allows people to enter into civil marriages no matter their background or background in faith. That sort of law makes people from different religions and castes marry, states regulations regarding registration and termination besides discussing spousal support, child support and parental rights in the framework of neutrality.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\t\t<div class=\"box shadow  \">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"box-inner-block\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"fa tie-shortcode-boxicon\"><\/span><strong><span style=\"color: #003366;\"><em>Facing a legal issue and unsure about the next steps? Don\u2019t navigate it alone \u2014 get expert legal advice from top professionals, clear guidance, and the right solutions tailored to your situation, all from the comfort of your home!<\/em><\/span><div class=\"tie-center-button\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zolvit.com\/lawyers\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"shortc-button big orange\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">Consult A Lawyer Online<\/a><\/div><\/strong>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Common_Issues_Faced_in_Family_Law\"><\/span><b>Common Issues Faced in Family Law<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Family law deals with a range of complex issues that often arise in personal relationships, significantly impacting individuals and families. Common challenges include divorce, child custody, adoption, and spousal support, each requiring careful legal consideration and resolution. Here are 11 common issues for the same:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Divorce\"><\/span><b>Divorce<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Divorce, as simply known as dissolution of marriage, is that legal procedure by which a marital union is terminated. It normally terminates or readjusts the legal rights and obligations of marriage so as to dissolve the bonds of matrimony between a husband and wife under the law of the respective country or state. This legal dissolution can be through a family court and other competent authority.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Types_of_Divorce\"><\/span><b>Types of Divorce<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Uncontested: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The spouses agree on their rights on custody, spousal support, and division of property\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Contested: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Where the couple cannot agree on others such as spousal support, and custody among others hence dragging the process further\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Mutual: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Both parties retain separate attorneys who agree to follow a low-conflict resolution\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Default:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> It is awarded if one spouse fails to respond after being served with divorce papers\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Fault Divorce<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: A spouse files on grounds of fault by the other, and proves it\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Mediated Divorce:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> An attorney acts as a mediator for both parties in order to finalise an amicable settlement between them\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Streamlined Divorce: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The quickest and lowest cost divorce available but only in circumstances where both spouses are separated for over a year, have no children under 16 years, and both spouses agreed\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Legal Separation: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Different from divorce but, though the couple is not divorced, yet they remain legally married, raising many of the same issues of family law.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Old_vs_New_Divorce_Rules\"><\/span><b>Old vs New Divorce Rules<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>\u00a0Reduced Separation Period: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The mandatory separation period has been cut from two years to one year.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Mandatory Counselling:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Couples must attend counselling sessions before filing for divorce.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Filing Location for Women:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Women can file for divorce in their current place of residence, not just where they were married.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>No-Fault Divorce:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> No specific reason is required for the divorce.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Supreme Court Authority: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Supreme Court can grant divorce based on \u2018irretrievable breakdown of marriage\u2019<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>20-Week Timeframe: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The entire divorce process is limited to 20 weeks from application to final decree.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Mutual Consent Petition<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: The first legal step is to file a Mutual Consent Petition, indicating agreement on divorce and resolution of property, alimony, and child responsibilities.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Child_Custody\"><\/span><b>Child Custody<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Child Custody is the legal right and responsibility of taking care of a child as well as making decisions for him or her by a parent or guardian. The law in the context of child custody in India is different from the religion of the parents and is formed upon Acts like Hindu Minority and Guardianship Act, 1956.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Types_of_Custody\"><\/span><b>Types of Custody<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Sole custody: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The single parent gains both legal and physical custody\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Joint custody:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Each of the parents achieves legal custody, while one has a greater percentage of time with the child<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Shared custody: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">both of the parents split an equivalent amount of time with the child<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Custody_After_Divorce\"><\/span><b>Custody After Divorce<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Either one of the divorcing or separating parents can apply for sole physical custody of any divorce case<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Visitation_Rights\"><\/span><b>Visitation Rights<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The non-custodial parent normally has visitation rights, which would entitle the child to see that parent regularly, including holidays, weekends, and special events.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Custody_Issues\"><\/span><b>Custody Issues<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The family court awards custody for the care and safety of the child. Physical custody refers to where the child spends most of his or her time, and parents have to provide for the child&#8217;s fundamental needs like food and shelter.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Considerations\"><\/span><b>Considerations<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When the visitation rights are determined, the court will consider the following considerations:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Age of the child<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Distance between the parent&#8217;s home<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Holidays and special days<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Welfare of the Child<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The child&#8217;s welfare is put first by a court when it decides the visitation rights. The rights should not hinder the smooth running of the school or other daily schedules of the child.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Safety_Issues\"><\/span><b>Safety Issues<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nevertheless, if the safety in parenting one parent is breached, the court may grant full physical custody to the other parent. If the child is opposed to staying with one of the parents, then it may require some professional help from a counsellor or family lawyer. This is an all-round approach to determine the best interest and the safety of the child in parental separation or divorce.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Property_Division\"><\/span><b>Property Division<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Property division, also known as property distribution or equitable distribution, is the process of dividing assets and debts between two parties in a divorce or separation.\u00a0 <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Therefore, this is the division of assets and debts regarding any couple&#8217;s separation through divorce. The main principle it says is that every individual should be given what is owned jointly by them. Here is a list of some of the most important elements taken into consideration while dividing the property:<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Important_Factors_Regarding_the_Division_of_Property\"><\/span><b>Important Factors Regarding the Division of Property<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Title Ownership: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When the family courts make decisions about property rights, they look into the ownership title\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Spousal Contribution:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> It takes into account the contribution of both spouses\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Co-ownership: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The ownership nature is co-owned or separate\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Fiduciary Relationship:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> If spouses can prove their contribution towards finances, then the property of the spouses can be divided as per individual equity.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are two ways of Dividing up property: by a court judgement or by mutual agreement. In some states, a judge will divide it up as they see fit rather than down the middle, which means your division of your assets would likely not be equitable.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Understanding property distribution law and related ideas, such as partition deeds, testamentary succession, and regulations to partition the land, can be the fundamental requirements for the proper provision of a fair property settlement to meet any contention between members of a family.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Adoption\"><\/span><b>Adoption<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Adoption is a legal process through which the rights and responsibilities of the biological parents get permanently transferred to the adoptive parents and that person or couple may assume the parenting rights of the child:<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Issues_in_Adoption\"><\/span><b>Issues in Adoption<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Problems that can present with adoption are as below:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Control: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A child believes that he or she will be ripped from their life and into the arms of strangers.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Transitions: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They may resist changing to a new family, fear abandonment, do not sleep, or nightmares about kidnapping.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Mourning:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> A child may act with symptoms of bereavement, and one should not miss this behaviour as attention deficit\/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Psychological Issues: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Adopted children are the victims of development and mental health conditions in association with impermanence in preparation for placement and resultant trauma.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Statutory Perspective:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The procedure for adoption is quite cumbersome and involves a court process besides checking the eligibility criteria as set under various enactments, such as the Guardianship and Wards Act Of 1890, the Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act of 1956, and the Juvenile Justice Act of 2015. A more relevant unit for the <strong><a title=\"Adoption Lawyer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.zolvit.com\/blog\/family-lawyers-adoption-process\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">adoption process<\/a><\/strong> comes from the District Child Protection Unit for the betterment of a child.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Types_of_Adoption\"><\/span><b>Types of Adoption<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0There are five kinds of adoption, such as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>\u00a0Foster Care Adoption: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Adoption of a child through the child welfare system<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><b>Independent Adoption: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Adoption of a child by a source other than an adoption agency, such as a family lawyer or physician\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Adult Adoption: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Adopting an adult, usually for inheritance purposes\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Domestic Adoption:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Adopting a baby or child born in India<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>International Adoption: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Adopting a child born in another country.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Alimony\"><\/span><b>Alimony<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Definition\"><\/span><b>Definition<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Alimony is an order requiring the payment of money to a spouse or former spouse from a court as part of a separation or divorce. That is, the fundamental rationale of this payout is to provide financial support to a spouse who earns a smaller income or even no income at all. Commonly referred to in some jurisdictions as spousal maintenance, alimony can be awarded to either husband or wife. Traditionally, in a heterosexual marriage with children, the breadwinner has been the husband, and the wife has sacrificed her career for childcare, leaving her at an unsatisfactory point in the divorce process.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Types_of_Alimony_Laws\"><\/span><b>Types of Alimony Laws<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The states have different forms of alimony.:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Temporary Alimony: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is an alimony paid while the divorce is still underway, hence bearing the cost incurred in divorce and daily living expenses; it ends when the divorce is finalised\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Permanent Alimony:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> It is paid monthly, continuing until either death of a spouse or remarriage of the lower-income spouse\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Rehabilitative Alimony:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Paid to support the spouse who is in the process of obtaining education or training for future employment.They are entitled to its termination after an indefinite period of time or when the payee becomes self-supporting\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Reimbursement Alimony: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is paid to reimburse one spouse for expenses such as tuition or employment-related training to improve\u00a0 their employability and is only paid once.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Lump-Sum Spousal Support: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Instead of distributing marital property, the family court awards it when one spouse waives all marital property.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Determinants_of_Alimony\"><\/span><b>Determinants of Alimony<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When awarding alimony, the judges will take into consideration a number of things, such as:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Standard of Living : <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The court looks at the standard of living during the marriage to decide whether an award of alimony is necessary\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Contributions to the Marriage: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Contributions that are made through work as a homemaker, childcare, and job-related support are considered\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Property That Enters the Marriage:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> There is consideration of the value of any property that enters the marriage\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Earning Capacity: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The ability to pay alimony by either spouse is considered; in other words, that both spouses have the same incomes, alimony may perhaps not be awarded\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Age and Health: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Both the physical and emotional condition of both spouses are taken into consideration\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Marital Misconduct: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If one spouse committed adultery, the dependent spouse may be eligible to receive alimony\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Needs of Each Spouse: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Financial needs, living costs and liabilities along with obligations of both spouses are considered.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Liabilities and assets, social status and standard of living, statutory deductions, and expenditure on children&#8217;s education and upbringing are also considered.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Domestic_Violence\"><\/span><b>Domestic Violence<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Domestic violence refers to violence or abuse in a domestic context, such as marriage or cohabitation. It is often identified with intimate partner violence-a crime committed by one person in an intimate relationship against the other. Plus, it sometimes includes violence against children, parents, and the aged. Moreover, the forms of domestic violence could be physical and verbal, as well as emotional, economic, religious, reproductive, financial, and sexual abuse, and most often occur simultaneously.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Types_of_Domestic_Violence\"><\/span><strong>Types of Domestic Violence<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Domestic violence may be one or all of the following:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Bodily Harm: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Inflicting or threatening to inflict physical injury\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Emotional Abuse: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Undermining a person&#8217;s self-esteem or emotional well-being\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Sexual Abuse: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Coercive or forced sexual activity, without consent\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Financial Abuse:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Exercising power by controlling a partner&#8217;s financial resources\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Psychological Abuse: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fear as enacted through intimidation or manipulation\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Technological Abuse:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Using technology to stalk, harass, or control a partner.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Law_Protections_for_Victims\"><\/span><b>Law Protections for Victims<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some of the laws giving safety to the domestic violence victims in India are as follows:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An Act that provides protection against various forms of domestic violence. Relief and safety orders include residence, protection, etc.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Indian Penal Code, 1860 (Section 498A): <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cruelty by husband or his relatives of a woman. It abolishes harassment and torture.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Indian Evidence Act, 1872:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Not particularly focused on domestic violence, but it does include rules regarding evidence that might be available when presenting the case in court for cases related to domestic abuse.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The section addresses crimes related to dowry and makes giving or receiving of dowry illegal.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013 Section 354A:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> These laws provide crimes relative to sexual harassment, which may be applicable to cases related to domestic violence.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The rights and welfare of children are protected in addition to the fact that children become victims of domestic violence.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>National Commission for Women Act, 1990: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Act recognises the National Commission for Women or NCW which addresses the rights of women and consequently, domestic violence.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> This act aims at preventing child marriage, hence relevant when the bride is a child victim of domestic abuse.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Grandparents_Right\"><\/span><b>Grandparents Right<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In India, grandparents even have their rights to visitation or even custody of the grandchildren. In any case, rights are governed by the best interest of a child. When granting visitation or custody rights to grandparents, the family court will consider the following factors:<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Welfare_of_child\"><\/span><b>Welfare of child<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The welfare and well-being of the child generally shall be paramount while deciding whether to give grandparents visitation or custody rights.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ability_of_grandparents_to_provide\"><\/span><b>Ability of grandparents to provide<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether the grandparents can provide a stable, supportive environment for the child.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Relationship_with_the_child\"><\/span><b>Relationship with the child<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether there is established contact between the grandparents and the child.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Parents_authority\"><\/span><b>Parents&#8217; authority<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether visitation rights will adversely affect the parents&#8217; authority.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If the parents are either dead, missing, or have abandoned the child, then the grandparents can still apply for custody.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The grandparents should first consult a family law attorney to get advice on the legal process and the specific personal law applicable to their family\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Guardianship\"><\/span><b>Guardianship<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0A guardian is a person appointed to care for another or to take care of his property, of course taking the responsibility of giving protection and taking care of the other person. That includes making all legal decisions on behalf of that person known as the ward. Generally, guardianship applies to minors-that is, individuals who have not reached 18 years of age-as well as persons who, because of physical or mental defects, are incapable of managing themselves or their property. Throughout history, the condition of minorities has been the primary basis for appointing guardians in virtually every society.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>There exist different types of guardians, such as:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Natural Guardian: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Usually the parents of the minor.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Testamentary Guardian: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A guardian named in a will by a parent who dies.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Court-Appointed Guardian:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> An appointed guardian under a court order.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The fiduciary duty of the guardian to the protected person includes acting in the best interests of the ward. Indeed, he should not be involved in any conflicts of interest and needs to make decisions with care and prudence.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In appointing a guardian, the court takes into account a number of factors among them being the age, sex, and religion of the minor as well as the character and capacity of the proposed guardian.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The court also looks into the wishes of any deceased parents and the relationship that the proposed guardian had with the minor before or at the time of their death.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Paternity\"><\/span><b>Paternity<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Paternity is being an eligible male whose legal status is that he is the father to a child. The creation of paternity is essential in so many legal rights and responsibilities including child support, inheritance, among others.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Paternity_of_Father\"><\/span><b>Paternity of Father<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Paternity can be established in various ways:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">By marriage between the father and the mother of the child at birth,\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">By voluntary acknowledgment of paternity, and then by court action.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Following this acknowledgment, some rights and duties are accrued towards the upbringing of the child.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Paternity_of_Children\"><\/span><b>Paternity of Children<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Paternity therefore, forms the basis of attaching support and benefits to the children by both parents. Paternity also has an implication on the custody and visitation rights. DNA testing would be used in litigation matters where disputes raise and confirm biological connections in cases of paternity to ensure that children have their father&#8217;s legal right and protections.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Child_Support_Enforcement\"><\/span><b>Child Support Enforcement<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Child support, also known as child maintenance, is a course of recurrent, periodic payments by a parent for the financial benefit of a child arising from the termination of marriage or similar relationship. Payments are usually provided for by an obligor-that often happens to be a non-custodial parent-to an obligee, who happens to be most often the custodial parent, caregiver, or guardian-on behalf of children from such a terminated or non-existent relationship.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Deterrents_for_Not_Paying_Child_Support\"><\/span><b>Deterrents for Not Paying Child Support<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">India makes the law for enforcement of child support by imposing various forms of sanctions on the defaulting parent, including legal and financial sanctions such as:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Legal Consequences: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Class I Magistrate can sentence the pay-tard parent to a fixed amount of monthly maintenance. Refusal or failure to comply with the order may also lead to issuing of a warrant and imprisonment for up to one month. The pay-tard parent may, in addition, be found guilty of contempt of court and be fined upon.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Financial Effects:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Arrears of child support can be forwarded to credit bureaus, which negatively affect the credit score of the non-paying parent. Thus, it becomes impossible to get loans or any kind of credit line.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Confiscation of Properties:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The family court may seize and sell the properties of the non-paying parent to pay child support.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Suspension of Licenses: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The state can revoke different kinds of licenses held by the non-paying parent, including driving, recreational, and professional licenses.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Surrogacy\"><\/span><b>Surrogacy<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Surrogacy is the arrangement wherein a surrogate mother agrees to carry a child for the intended parent or parents. Immediately after delivery, the surrogate surrenders all rights of custody and guardianship over to the intended parent(s). As such procedure involves complicated legal and medical procedures, it is best guided through the expertise of professionals and more so support groups.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Requirements_for_Surrogacy\"><\/span><b>Requirements for Surrogacy<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eligibility criteria for surrogacy in India are as follows:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At least one partner should have proven infertility\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Married couples who were not able to conceive despite unprotected intercourse or a medical condition that does not allow conception\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Couples with a medical condition like an absent or abnormal uterus or where the uterus has been taken away; for example, in cancer cases or other reasons\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Surrogacy is allowed if the gestational surrogacy is carried out for medical purposes\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Indian widows and divorcees in the age group of 35 to 45 years are also allowed to have surrogacy.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Who_Can_Be_a_Surrogate_Mother\"><\/span><b>Who Can Be a Surrogate Mother?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eligibility to Become a Surrogate Mother in India:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">She must be a married woman with at least one child\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Her age must be between 25 to 35 years\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">She must have a certificate of medical and psychological fitness from a registered physician\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Should not be allowed to provide her gametes for the surrogacy\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can be a surrogate only once in lifetime\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Be insured 36 months, also for postpartum delivery complications.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Surrogacy_Bill\"><\/span><b>Surrogacy Bill<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Surrogacy Regulation Bill was introduced in November 2016 but could not come through. The bill proposed prohibition of commercial surrogacy and commissioning parents to comprise only infertile couples. However, the Surrogacy Regulation Bill 2020, approved on 26 February 2020, permits any willing woman to act as a surrogate and governs bodies overseeing the process. The new bill does not support commercial surrogacy, provides for altruistic surrogacy, and does not mandate the definition of infertility; therefore, medical needs that couples may have are possible.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ethical_and_Legal_Consideration\"><\/span><b>Ethical and Legal Consideration<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In 2002, the Indian Council for Medical Research issued guidelines for surrogacy, which were accepted by the government in 2005. For its part, Law Commission of India, as well gave indications of the importance of surrogacy with its 228th report proposing the following guidelines:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Surrogacy arrangements are governed strictly by a contract outlining all terms, including consent by the surrogate, agreement by her family, and medical procedures\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Provision of financial support for the surrogate child in case the intended parents die or get divorced<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Life insurance coverage should be guaranteed in surrogacy contracts<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At least one of the intended parents should serve as a donor in order to have a biological connection with the child and to avoid a risk of child abuse<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The surrogacy arrangement should involve a single intended parent who is also a donor. If this is not achievable, adoption should be undertaken\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Surrogacy should treat the surrogate child as a legal child of the commissioning parent(s) without the need of adoption\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Birth certificates for the child should carry only the name of the commissioning parent(s)\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There must be the right to privacy of the donor as well as the surrogate mother\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sex-selective surrogacy is strictly prohibited, and the abortion cases would have to abide by the &#8216;Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971&#8217;.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span><b>Conclusion<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Family law encompasses a wide range of legal matters related to familial relationships, including marriage, divorce, child custody, adoption, and more. It addresses the rights and responsibilities of individuals within a family structure and aims to protect the best interests of children and vulnerable parties. Common issues in family law often require legal guidance to navigate complex emotional and legal landscapes, ensuring that rights are upheld and conflicts are resolved fairly. Understanding the fundamentals of family law can empower individuals to make informed decisions during significant life changes. Contact Zolvit lawyers for quick solutions for Family law issues. <\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Family law, also known as matrimonial law or the law of domestic relations, governs family matters and domestic relations. This section of law deals with divorce and loss of parental rights. It also covers issues such as adoption of children and custodial battles. Family law has been broadly categorised into five major sets: Hindu law &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":26,"featured_media":43278,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3728],"tags":[3736,3735,3733,3738,3739,3734,3737],"class_list":["post-43291","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-family-lawyer","tag-child-custody","tag-divorce","tag-family-law","tag-family-lawyer","tag-legal-aid-service","tag-legal-issues","tag-property-disputes"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zolvit.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/43291","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zolvit.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zolvit.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolvit.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/26"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolvit.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=43291"}],"version-history":[{"count":11,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolvit.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/43291\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":45438,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolvit.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/43291\/revisions\/45438"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolvit.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/43278"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zolvit.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=43291"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolvit.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=43291"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolvit.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=43291"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}