What the Law Says
Family law in India is personal law — applicable differently based on religion. Hindus (including Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists) are governed by the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955. The Special Marriage Act, 1954 governs inter-religion marriages. The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 provides civil and criminal remedies across religious communities.
Child custody is decided on the paramount principle of the welfare of the child — not the rights of either parent. NRI matrimonial disputes present special complexity: divorces obtained abroad, custody enforcement across borders, and maintenance enforcement in foreign jurisdictions require specialised handling at the intersection of Indian and international private law.
What We Do
- Mutual Consent Divorce — Drafting of consent terms, joint petition filing, managing the cooling-off period or waiver application
- Contested Divorce — Full representation on grounds of cruelty, desertion, adultery and other statutory grounds
- Child Custody & Guardianship — Interim custody applications, parental alienation, international child abduction advisory
- Maintenance & Alimony — Interim maintenance applications, permanent alimony, enforcement of maintenance orders
- Domestic Violence (PWDVA) — Protection orders, residence orders, monetary relief; coordinating with relevant support agencies
- NRI Matrimonial — Defending and challenging foreign divorces, cross-jurisdiction custody, maintenance enforcement abroad
- Property Settlement — Matrimonial property division, stridhan recovery, negotiated financial settlements
Fee Guide
Blackthorn operates on a transparent, upfront fee structure. Every engagement begins with a clear fee estimate — no surprises, no hidden charges. The ranges below are indicative; your specific matter will be quoted precisely after the initial consultation.
| Service | Indicative Fee Range |
|---|---|
| Mutual Consent Divorce | ₹25,000 – ₹60,000 |
| Contested Divorce — Filing & Initial Stage | ₹30,000 – ₹75,000 |
| Contested Divorce — Full Trial Retainer | ₹75,000 – ₹3,00,000 p.a. |
| Custody Application (interim) | ₹20,000 – ₹50,000 |
| Maintenance Application | ₹20,000 – ₹50,000 |
| Domestic Violence Case (PWDVA) | ₹25,000 – ₹75,000 |
| NRI Matrimonial Matter | ₹50,000 – ₹2,00,000 |
| Per Hearing — Family Court | ₹3,000 – ₹8,000 |
* All fees are exclusive of applicable GST. Court filing fees, stamp duty and other statutory charges are billed at actuals.