A family lawyer in Karachi represents clients in all personal status matters filed before the Family Courts under the Muslim Family Laws Ordinance 1961, the Family Courts Act 1964, and the Dissolution of Muslim Marriages Act 1939. MR Law Associates, led by Advocate Reema Jawed, handles divorce proceedings, khula petitions, child custody disputes, maintenance claims, dower recovery, court marriages, and guardianship matters across Karachi's Family Court jurisdictions.
Family disputes are among the most emotionally charged legal matters. Whether you are a wife seeking freedom from a toxic marriage, a father fighting for access to his children, or a couple seeking a confidential court marriage, professional legal representation ensures your rights are fully protected while navigating Pakistan's family court system with clarity and strategy.
What Family Law Services Does MR Law Associates Offer?
MR Law Associates provides comprehensive family law representation covering every category of family dispute recognized under Pakistani and Islamic law. Each case type follows different procedural requirements and involves distinct legal strategies.
Khula & Divorce Cases
Filing and executing khula petitions (wife-initiated divorce) and talaq procedures (husband-initiated divorce). We handle contested and uncontested divorces, ex-parte proceedings when spouses default, and post-divorce enforcement of court orders.
Child Custody & Visitation
Aggressive advocacy for child custody rights during and after divorce. We handle hizanat (custody) applications, visitation schedules, guardian ad litem proceedings, and enforcement when the custodial parent obstructs court-ordered access.
Maintenance & Alimony
Filing maintenance claims for wives and children under the Family Courts Act. We calculate appropriate maintenance based on the husband's income, assets, and the family's standard of living during marriage, with enforcement through salary attachment.
Court Marriage Registration
Confidential court marriage execution including Free Will Affidavits before a Judicial Magistrate, Nikah ceremony with a registered Qazi, Union Council registration, and NADRA Marriage Certificate processing. Same day completion.
Dower (Haq Mehr) Recovery
Filing suits for recovery of unpaid dower through Family Courts. We present Nikah Nama evidence, gather witness testimony, and secure court decrees enforcing the husband's dower obligation as a priority debt.
Dowry Articles Recovery
Recovering personal dowry items (jahez) withheld by the husband or in-laws. We file recovery suits in Family Court and obtain orders for the return of furniture, jewelry, electronics, and household goods that belong to the wife.
How Does Divorce Work Under Pakistani Family Law?
Divorce in Pakistan can be initiated through three primary mechanisms, each governed by different statutes and carrying different procedural requirements, timelines, and financial consequences for both spouses.
| Divorce Type | Initiated By | Timeline | Dower Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Khula | Wife | 3–18 months | Wife returns or forfeits dower |
| Talaq | Husband | 90 days from notice | Husband must pay all outstanding |
| Judicial Divorce (Faskh) | Wife (on grounds) | 8–18 months | Wife retains dower right |
| Mutual Divorce | Both parties | 3–4 months | As agreed between parties |
Khula is the most common form of wife-initiated divorce. Under the 2015 amendment to the Family Courts Act, the husband's consent is not required. If the wife asserts before the judge that she cannot live within the limits prescribed by Islamic law, the court is bound to dissolve the union. Talaq requires the husband to send written notice to the Union Council Chairman and the wife. A 90-day reconciliation period follows before the divorce becomes effective.
What Are Your Rights Regarding Child Custody After Divorce?
Pakistani law provides robust protections for children in custody disputes. Under the Guardianship and Wards Act 1890 and Islamic law principles, courts design custody arrangements that serve the child's best interests while respecting parental rights.
- Mother's preference (hizanat): Under Islamic law, mothers have preferential custody for boys until age 7 and girls until puberty. This is the starting point, not the final determination.
- Child's welfare test: For children beyond the hizanat age, courts consider the child's preference (especially for children aged 10+), each parent's financial capability, moral character, and living environment stability.
- Father's financial obligation: Regardless of who has custody, the father remains financially responsible for children's food, education, healthcare, and clothing.
- Visitation rights: The non-custodial parent receives court-ordered visitation. Typical arrangements include alternate weekends, half of school holidays, and shared religious celebrations.
- Enforcement: If the custodial parent obstructs court-ordered visitation, we file contempt of court proceedings and execution applications to enforce compliance.
How Do Maintenance and Alimony Claims Work in Pakistan?
Pakistani law imposes specific maintenance obligations on husbands during marriage and after divorce. Under the Muslim Family Laws Ordinance 1961, wives are entitled to maintenance (nafaqah) including food, shelter, clothing, and reasonable living expenses. Our maintenance lawyers calculate appropriate amounts and enforce payment through the Family Court.
| Income Level (Monthly) | Expected Maintenance Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| PKR 50,000–100,000 | PKR 15,000–30,000 | Basic household expenses |
| PKR 100,000–300,000 | PKR 30,000–75,000 | Proportional to income and standard of living |
| PKR 300,000+ | Case-by-case calculation | Courts examine discretionary spending patterns |
| Self-employed / Business | 25–35% of net profit | Requires financial audit and income verification |
During the iddat period (3 menstrual cycles or 3 months after divorce), the husband must provide maintenance at the same standard as during marriage. Family Courts enforce compliance through attachment of salary, bank accounts, or property.
What Are the Legal Grounds for Divorce in Pakistan?
The Dissolution of Muslim Marriages Act 1939 lists specific grounds on which a wife can seek judicial divorce (faskh). These grounds are separate from khula and do not require the wife to return her dower. The court dissolves the marriage if the claimed ground is proven.
- Husband missing for 4+ years: Whereabouts unknown and no maintenance provided to the wife.
- Failure to maintain for 2+ years: Husband has not provided financial support without valid reason.
- Imprisonment for 7+ years: Husband has been sentenced to imprisonment of 7 years or more.
- Impotence: Husband is impotent and the condition existed at the time of marriage or developed afterward.
- Insanity for 2+ years: Husband has been of unsound mind for at least 2 continuous years.
- Cruelty: Physical violence, mental torture, forcing into immoral conduct, disposal of wife's property, obstructing religious practice, or unequal treatment among multiple wives.
- Option of puberty: If the girl was married before age 16 by a guardian (not the father), she can repudiate the marriage before age 18.
How Much Does a Family Lawyer Cost in Karachi?
Family lawyer fees in Karachi depend on the case type, complexity, number of connected disputes, and court level. Most family law matters involve an initial consultation fee followed by per-hearing charges or a fixed retainer.
What Affects Family Law Case Costs?
Case Type
Court marriages cost less than contested divorces. Khula with simultaneous custody and maintenance claims involves multiple parallel proceedings.
Contested vs. Uncontested
Uncontested divorces where both parties agree on terms conclude faster and cost significantly less than cases requiring full trial proceedings.
Connected Disputes
Filing divorce alongside maintenance, custody, dower recovery, and dowry articles recovery involves multiple suits running in parallel.
Litigation Duration
Cases settled through mediation during reconciliation hearings cost less than those proceeding through full evidence, cross-examination, and judgment.
Contact MR Law Associates at Call 0333-0677747
Why Choose MR Law Associates for Family Law Cases?
MR Law Associates provides experienced family law representation led by Advocate Reema Jawed, Advocate High Court. Our practice covers the full spectrum of family disputes, ensuring clients receive coordinated legal strategy across all connected matters.
- Consolidated approach: We simultaneously file for divorce, custody, maintenance, dower, and dowry recovery in a single aggressive sweep, preventing the opposing party from using children or finances as negotiating leverage.
- Ex-parte execution: When the opposing spouse attempts to stall proceedings by hiding from court summons, we execute newspaper publications and enforce ex-parte (one-sided) decrees without their presence.
- Overseas clients: If you reside abroad (US, UK, GCC, or elsewhere), we act as your Special Power of Attorney, executing family court proceedings in Karachi without requiring your physical return to Pakistan.
- Confidential handling: Family disputes involve sensitive personal matters. Every case receives discreet, confidential treatment. Details are never shared without explicit client consent.
- Post-decree enforcement: If the ex-spouse fails to comply with maintenance, custody, or dower orders, we file execution proceedings for enforcement through salary attachment or property seizure.
Frequently Asked Questions About Family Law in Karachi
What family law cases does MR Law Associates handle?
We handle all family matters including khula, talaq, child custody, maintenance, dower recovery, court marriage, conjugal rights, dowry recovery, and guardianship cases.
How long do family court cases take in Karachi?
Uncontested khula: 3–6 months. Contested divorce: 6–18 months. Custody disputes: 4–12 months. Maintenance claims: 3–8 months. Court marriage: 1–2 hours same day. Dower recovery: 6–10 months.
Can a wife get divorce without husband's consent?
Yes. Under Pakistani law, a wife can obtain khula through the Family Court without the husband's consent. The 2015 amendment strengthened this right. Even if the husband refuses to appear in court, the judge proceeds ex-parte and dissolves the marriage.
Who gets child custody after divorce?
Mothers have preferential custody for boys until age 7 and girls until puberty. After these ages, courts apply the welfare-of-the-child test. Fathers retain financial responsibility regardless. Visitation rights are always preserved for the non-custodial parent.
Is iddat maintenance mandatory after divorce?
Yes. The husband must provide maintenance during iddat (3 menstrual cycles or 3 months). This includes housing, food, clothing, and medical expenses at the same standard as during marriage. Family Courts enforce compliance through salary attachment.
How much does a family lawyer cost in Karachi?
Fees depend on case type and complexity. Court marriages: PKR 15,000–30,000. Khula cases: PKR 50,000–150,000. Contested custody: PKR 75,000–200,000. Contact us at 0333-0677747 for a confidential fee discussion.
Need a Family Lawyer in Karachi?
Schedule a confidential consultation with Advocate Reema Jawed for divorce, custody, maintenance, or any family law matter.
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Family law outcomes depend on individual circumstances and applicable statutes including the Muslim Family Laws Ordinance 1961, Family Courts Act 1964, and Dissolution of Muslim Marriages Act 1939. For legal advice relating to your specific matter, consult Advocate Reema Jawed directly at 0333-0677747. MR Law Associates practices in Karachi, Pakistan.