Request for Legal Consultation
And we will try to make it worth you time to discuss the issue
Our Clients
About Our Divorce and Family Law Practice in Navi Mumbai
Advocate Pooja Agrawal Gupta leads our family law and divorce practice from our office at Seawood (E), Navi Mumbai, so people searching for a family lawyer in Navi Mumbai can meet us close to Nerul, Vashi, Sanpada and CBD Belapur. We appear in family matters before the Belapur Family Court, the Thane courts and the Bombay High Court.
Why local knowledge matters: the Belapur Family Court is busy. A Navi Mumbai news report from September 2025 said around 1,772 matrimonial and maintenance cases were pending before it, and that out of 98 matrimonial disputes listed at a Lok Adalat, 7 couples withdrew their petitions and reconciled. With that kind of load, a lawyer who knows how listings, mediation and hearings actually run can save you time and stress.
Our approach has three parts:
1. Understand your facts, documents and goals in the first meeting.
2. Try to settle through counselling, mediation and negotiation where it is safe and sensible.
3. Litigate firmly when settlement fails, especially where children, safety or money are at stake.
Client's Reviews
Divorce and Family Law Services We Handle
1. Mutual Consent Divorce
For couples who agree to separate and have settled alimony, custody and property. Filed as a joint petition under Section 13B of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 (or Section 28 of the Special Marriage Act, 1954 for marriages registered under that Act). You must have lived separately for at least one year before filing. The court normally takes two motions, with a cooling-off gap of 6 months (up to 18 months).
The Supreme Court has held that this 6-month period is directory, not mandatory, and a court may waive it where the marriage has broken down for good, reconciliation has failed and the parties have settled all issues (Amardeep Singh v. Harveen Kaur, (2017) 8 SCC 746). A later Supreme Court decision in December 2021 repeated this. In Shilpa Sailesh v. Varun Sreenivasan (May 2023), a Constitution Bench held the Supreme Court can itself grant divorce on irretrievable breakdown under Article 142, which is a power of the Supreme Court and not of family courts. Read more.
2. Contested Divorce
When one spouse does not agree, the petition must rely on a legal ground. Under Section 13(1) of the Hindu Marriage Act, grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion (at least two years), conversion, unsoundness of mind, a virulent and incurable communicable disease and renunciation of the world. Wives also have additional grounds under Section 13(2). A petition within one year of marriage needs the court’s permission (Section 14). Contested cases need evidence, witness examination and several hearings, so they usually take years. Read more.
3. Maintenance and Alimony
Money support can be claimed in more than one way:
| Remedy | Law | What it gives |
|---|---|---|
| Interim maintenance | Section 24, Hindu Marriage Act | Monthly support and litigation costs while the case is pending |
| Permanent alimony | Section 25, Hindu Marriage Act | Lump sum or periodic payment at or after decree |
| Maintenance for wife, children, parents | Section 144, BNSS 2023 (earlier CrPC Section 125) | Court-ordered support from a person with means who neglects to pay; interim maintenance applications to be disposed of, as far as possible, within 60 days |
| Protection and monetary relief | Domestic Violence Act, 2005 | Protection, residence and monetary relief orders |
In Rajnesh v. Neha (2020), the Supreme Court directed that both sides file an affidavit of disclosure of assets and liabilities, and that maintenance be awarded from the date of the application. Complete, honest disclosure matters. We help clients prepare it.
4. Child Custody and Visitation
Courts decide custody on one test: the welfare of the child. Cases are filed under the Guardians and Wards Act, 1890 or the personal law (for Hindus, the Hindu Minority and Guardianship Act, 1956). We handle sole custody, joint custody, visitation schedules and transfer of custody orders. See our guide: Child Custody Lawyer in Navi Mumbai.
5. Domestic Violence and Cruelty Matters
We assist women seeking protection under the Domestic Violence Act, 2005, and advise both complainants and accused in cruelty cases. Since 1 July 2024, the old IPC Section 498A is covered by BNS Sections 85 and 86 (punishment up to three years and a fine). We explain the law clearly and handle the case, whether you are the complainant or the accused.
6. Other Family Matters
Judicial separation, restitution of conjugal rights, annulment, divorce under the Special Marriage Act, and matters for couples of other faiths (Muslim, Christian, Parsi, with their own personal laws). Also, for property that involves a family dispute, see our civil and property practice.
Divorce Process in Navi Mumbai – Step by Step
- First consultation: share marriage details, your goals, children and financial facts.
- Document check: marriage certificate, address proof, photographs, proof of separation, income and property papers.
- Pick the route: mutual consent, or contested on a legal ground.
- Filing: petition filed in the Family Court that has jurisdiction (based on where you married, last lived together or where the wife lives now). For many Navi Mumbai residents, that is the Belapur Family Court. Confirm for your case.
- Counselling and mediation: the Family Courts Act requires the court to try for reconciliation and settlement first.
- Interim orders: interim maintenance, custody and visitation orders can be sought while the case is pending.
- Evidence and arguments (contested) or second motion (mutual).
- Decree: the court passes the final divorce decree, along with orders on alimony and custody.
Mutual Consent Divorce vs Contested Divorce: Comparison
| Point | Mutual consent divorce | Contested divorce |
|---|---|---|
| Agreement | Both spouses agree on divorce and all terms | One spouse opposes, or terms are disputed |
| Law | Section 13B HMA / Section 28 SMA | Section 13 HMA / Section 27 SMA and other personal laws |
| Need to prove fault? | No | Yes, a legal ground must be proved |
| Typical time | Often 6 to 18 months | Usually several years |
| Hearings | Few (two motions) | Many (evidence, cross-examination, arguments) |
| Cost | Generally lower | Generally higher, depends on length |
| Stress and privacy | Lower, more private | Higher, more public record |
| Best for | Couples who have settled alimony, custody and assets | Cases with disputes, cruelty, desertion or non-cooperation |
Our Goals & Achievements in Legal Practice
Why Choose Advocate Pooja & Associates?
Experienced Guidance for Divorce & Family Law Matters in Navi Mumbai
Choosing a divorce or family lawyer is an important decision, especially when your case involves children, maintenance, property, or other sensitive family matters. At Advocate Pooja Agrawal & Associates, we focus on understanding your situation first and then explaining the legal options available to you in clear, practical terms.
01. 21+ Years of Legal Experience
Advocate Pooja Agrawal has over 21+ years of litigation experience and handles family and matrimonial matters along with other areas of law.
02. Focus on Divorce & Family Matters
Our family and matrimonial practice covers mutual and contested divorce, child custody, maintenance, domestic violence and related family disputes, allowing clients to receive focused legal guidance for sensitive matters.
03. Local Court Experience
With practice before courts including Belapur and Thane, we understand the local court procedures and practical requirements involved in family and matrimonial cases.
04. Settlement-Oriented Approach
Where appropriate, we first explore mediation, negotiation and other settlement options. If litigation becomes necessary, we continue to assess opportunities for a practical resolution while protecting your legal interests.
05. Clear & Practical Legal Advice
Every family dispute is different. We take time to understand your circumstances, explain the available legal routes and help you make informed decisions rather than making unrealistic promises about the outcome.
06. Support Beyond Divorce
Family-law matters often involve issues beyond the divorce decree. We can assist with related concerns such as child custody, maintenance, matrimonial disputes and domestic violence proceedings, depending on the circumstances of the case.
Why Clients Choose Us
Experience. Local Court Knowledge. Practical Advice. Personal Attention.
Whether you are considering a mutual divorce, facing a contested divorce, dealing with a child custody issue or seeking advice regarding a family dispute, our aim is to help you understand your rights and available legal options at every stage.
AREAS WE SERVE
Family Lawyer and Divorce Lawyer Near You in Navi Mumbai
We assist clients from Seawoods, Nerul, Vashi, Sanpada, CBD Belapur, Kharghar, Kopar Khairane, Airoli, Ghansoli, Ulwe, Panvel, New Panvel, Kamothe and Taloja.
Frequently Asked Questions
Advocatepooja offers the best divorce lawyer in Navi Mumbai with a team of experts providing premium services to help resolve your marriage and family-related disputes. We make it easy for you to search for the right legal representation by offering free consultations with our experienced lawyers. Our team is also available 24/7 to answer any questions and address any concerns you may have. Start your search today and get the right legal advice you need from Advocate Pooja!
We understand that divorce is an emotional process. To get started, one of our experienced family lawyers will discuss your needs and goals with you to determine how best to proceed. We will provide you with sound legal advice and any necessary paperwork so that you can focus on the things that matter most in your life. Our team of experts will be there every step of the way, providing you with the support and guidance needed to ensure a successful outcome.
Every divorce case is unique and the duration of your case depends upon a lot of factors. We cannot provide an accurate estimate for how long it will take to resolve your case, however we can assure you that our team of highly experienced Divorce lawyers in Navi Mumbai will work diligently to help you come out with the best possible outcome in the quickest time possible.
A divorce lawyer is a trained professional who can guide you through the often complicated and emotionally-draining process of your divorce proceedings. Our lawyers provide the necessary legal knowledge to help you understand your rights and responsibilities under Indian law, as well as offering appropriate guidance on matters such as asset division and spousal support payments. Moreover, our dedicated team of lawyers will work hard to ensure that you get a fair and just treatment in court.
Navigating through a divorce can be complicated and challenging, but with the help of Advocatepooja’s team of best divorce lawyer in navi mumbai you don’t have to worry. Our team specializes in offering premium services that simplify the process and help resolve any marriage or family-related disputes in Navi Mumbai. From negotiating settlements to preparing paperwork and more, we make sure your divorce is as easy as possible.
When looking for a good family lawyer in navi mumbai, make sure they have the right experience and expertise required for your case. It is also important to check if the lawyer has dealt with similar cases before and has an understanding of how family law works in India. You should also look for qualities like hard work, good communication skills, empathy, and reliability. Advocate Pooja is here to provide you with the right legal advice and support throughout the process!
There are a few things you should look for in a divorce lawyer.
Firstly, they should have a comprehensive understanding of the law and be well versed in relevant case law and legislation that affects your case.
Secondly, they should also be able to empathize with your situation as divorces can be emotionally draining.
Finally, they should be efficient at finding solutions to the legal issues you’re facing while still offering sound legal advice. At Advocate Pooja we offer all of these qualities and more.
At Advocatepooja, we use a multi-pronged approach to resolving divorce cases. We believe in the power of mediation and negotiation to resolve disputes. If that is not possible, we will take all necessary steps to protect your interests, whether that involves litigation or other measures. Our lawyers are also experienced in collaborative law and utilize this method whenever possible. Rest assured that you will have the full support of our team throughout the process.