Family disputes are among life's most difficult moments. Dhende Associates provides experienced, confidential, and compassionate legal guidance across divorce, child custody, maintenance, domestic violence protection, and all matrimonial matters — before Pune Family Court, Magistrate Courts, and the Bombay High Court.
Family law matters are deeply personal and emotionally demanding. Our approach combines rigorous legal advocacy with empathy — we protect your rights and your children's welfare while guiding you through every procedural and emotional challenge.
We believe that wherever possible, family disputes should be resolved with minimum acrimony and maximum protection of children's interests. We explore mediation and negotiated settlements before litigation — but where litigation is necessary, we pursue it with absolute precision and determination. Your children's welfare and your dignity are our primary considerations.
Family law in India is governed by personal laws based on religion: the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 for Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Sikhs; the Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) Application Act, 1937; the Indian Christian Marriage Act, 1872; and the Special Marriage Act, 1954 for interfaith couples. Custody and guardianship are governed by the Guardians and Wards Act, 1890. Domestic violence claims are under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act (PWDVA), 2005. Maintenance claims also lie under Section 125 CrPC / Section 144 BNSS across all religions.
From the moment you seek advice to final resolution — we handle every aspect of your family law matter with care, precision, and complete confidentiality.
For couples who agree to separate, mutual consent divorce under Section 13-B of the Hindu Marriage Act is the fastest and least painful route. We draft the joint petition, separation agreement, and custody/maintenance terms, guiding both parties through both motion hearings and the cooling-off period waiver application.
Where separation is disputed, we represent clients in contested divorce before Pune Family Court on grounds of cruelty, desertion, adultery, conversion, or mental disorder. We build thorough evidence, lead and cross-examine witnesses, and present precise written submissions on the applicable grounds.
Custody matters are decided on the paramount principle — the welfare of the child. We represent parents in custody, visitation, and guardian applications before Pune Family Court and under the Guardians and Wards Act, 1890. We also advise on interim custody orders and enforcement of visitation rights.
Maintenance applications under Section 24 HMA (interim), Section 25 HMA (permanent alimony), and Section 144 BNSS (maintenance for wife, children, and parents across all religions). We press for maintenance that reflects the spouse's actual income and lifestyle, using income disclosure applications.
Comprehensive PWDVA representation under Sections 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 22, and 23 — protection orders, residence orders, monetary relief, and custody orders. We file urgent applications before the Magistrate and pursue enforcement where orders are violated. Custody and vacation travel permissions under Section 21 are handled with sensitivity.
Division of matrimonial assets — jointly acquired property, benami holdings, and property held in the name of family members. We handle injunctions to prevent dissipation of assets, disclosure applications, and partition claims under Hindu Succession Act and general civil law.
Where one spouse has withdrawn from the society of the other without reasonable cause, a Restitution of Conjugal Rights petition lies under Section 9 HMA. We represent both petitioner and respondent — including advice on using withdrawal-without-response as a ground for subsequent divorce under Section 13(1A).
Custody and travel permissions for children — particularly important for NRI families. We handle applications for permission to travel abroad with children pending custody proceedings, LOC requests, and passport impounding/release matters before Family Court and High Court.
Family law in India is religion-specific. The law applicable to your divorce, maintenance, or succession depends on your personal law. Here is a clear reference.
| Community | Divorce Law | Maintenance | Custody / Guardianship | Succession |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain | Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 (Sections 13, 13-B) | Sections 24, 25 HMA + Section 144 BNSS | Hindu Minority and Guardianship Act, 1956 + Guardians and Wards Act, 1890 | Hindu Succession Act, 1956 |
| Muslim | Dissolution of Muslim Marriages Act, 1939; Triple Talaq Act, 2019; Khula; Mubarat | Section 144 BNSS (secular); Muslim Women Protection Act, 1986 | Guardians and Wards Act, 1890 (welfare principle applies equally) | Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) Application Act, 1937 |
| Christian | Indian Divorce Act, 1869 (as amended); Special Marriage Act, 1954 | Section 36-37 Indian Divorce Act; Section 144 BNSS | Guardians and Wards Act, 1890 | Indian Succession Act, 1925 |
| Parsi | Parsi Marriage and Divorce Act, 1936 | Section 144 BNSS | Guardians and Wards Act, 1890 | Indian Succession Act, 1925 |
| Interfaith / Any Religion | Special Marriage Act, 1954 (Section 27) | Section 144 BNSS (universal application) | Guardians and Wards Act, 1890 | Indian Succession Act, 1925 |
| All (DV Victims) | N/A — Not a divorce statute | PWDVA 2005 — monetary relief, residence orders | PWDVA 2005 — Section 21 custody orders | N/A |
Family law requires both legal precision and human sensitivity. Here is our structured approach to every family law engagement.
A fully confidential discussion of your situation — marriage background, children, property, and your priorities. We listen first, then assess all legal options, likely timelines, and costs honestly.
We agree on a clear legal strategy — whether mediation first, interim protective orders urgently, or direct petition. Your specific goals (children, property, protection, closure) drive the plan.
Petition drafted, filed before Pune Family Court or Magistrate, and served on respondent. All formalities — notice, summons, affidavits — handled precisely and without delay.
Pursuing decree, custody order, or protection order to conclusion — and ensuring enforcement where orders are not voluntarily complied with. Contempt applications filed where needed.
Protection orders under PWDVA can be obtained on an ex-parte basis the same day in genuine emergency situations. Do not wait.
Gathering the right documents early significantly strengthens your position. Here is what is typically needed for the most common family law matters.
In family matters, you need an advocate who combines legal excellence with genuine human understanding. Here is what makes us the right choice for your family law matter in Pune.
Every family's situation is unique and deeply personal. We listen without judgment, advise without assumptions, and represent your interests with complete respect for your dignity and privacy.
Family consultations are held in strict confidence. Your disclosures are legally privileged. We do not share details of your matter with anyone without your explicit instruction — including family members.
In all custody and matrimonial matters involving children, we keep the child's welfare as the primary consideration — even where this means advising a path that is strategically different from what a parent might initially prefer.
In genuine domestic violence emergencies, we can file for ex-parte protection orders that can be obtained within 24–48 hours. We have the experience and relationships to move the court quickly when safety is at immediate risk.
Family courts can be slow — we tell you honestly what to expect. Mutual consent divorces: 6–18 months. Contested divorces: 3–7 years. We advise on strategies to compress timelines wherever possible.
We handle NRI divorces under Hindu Marriage Act (Section 19 jurisdiction), NRI maintenance defaults, and cross-border custody disputes involving children in India. Coordination with overseas counsel available.
Sensitive family law questions deserve honest, clear answers. Here are the most common questions we receive — with plain-language responses.
Family matters are handled with complete discretion. Share your situation with our advocates — by WhatsApp, call, or in person at our Gokhalenagar, Pune office. All consultations are strictly confidential, judgment-free, and without any obligation to engage.
Office Hours
Monday – Saturday · 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM