Legal Question in Family Law in India
My husband and our 2 kids are all US citizens. We have been living in India for the past 3.5 years. We have US passport and OCI (overseas citizen of INdia). Our financial accounts are with US banks and are joint such that for any withdrawal both signatures are required. At this point, if I file for divorce in India, will I be able to get maintenance support for my kids? How will Indian courts ensure that he pays maintenance if after filing divorce, my husband flees to US and continues on with his life. After all, his signatures are required for separating the joint accounts which are solely with US banks. How will the Indian Courts ensure that he is available for signing the maintenance withdrawal from the joint accounts?
4 Answers from Attorneys
you can file the divorce case in india if the marriage was solemnized in india. you need to show some proof that the cause of action arose in india. as you both and your children are US citizens, to my mind, in the light of latest ruling of SC, you may have to approach US courts for settlement of your matrimonial dispute. however, i would like to see all the documents and know all the facts before i could be sure of maintainability of case in india.
The maintainability of the petition is a big challenge for you before one opines on the maintainance. The bank accounts in USA may be attached. The court may compel him to give particulars of the assets for payment of maintainance.
According to me unless and untill you are a citizen of India OR the marriage has taken place in India you cant file the divorce case since you are not the citizen of India. You have to approach the U.S. Court for the same. But exact advise can be given only after having a detailed conversation.
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DEVANSH BHARDWAJ
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LUCKNOW
if both parties agree to it the divorce may be taken by mutual consent after deciding consent terms to avoid all complications.