What our Family Lawyers in Karachi handle
Khula and dissolution
Suits by wives under the Dissolution of Muslim Marriages Act 1939 and khula. Read more.
Talaq and divorce
Section 7 MFLO notices, Arbitration Council and divorce certificates. Read more.
Child custody
Custody, guardianship and visitation under the Guardians and Wards Act 1890. Read more.
Maintenance
Maintenance for wife and children, including interim maintenance during the suit.
Dower and dowry
Recovery of prompt and deferred dower, dowry articles and personal property.
Family court procedure
How a family suit moves in Karachi. Read the guide.
The law our Family Lawyers in Karachi apply
Muslim Family Laws Ordinance 1961
Governs registration of marriage (section 5), polygamy and Arbitration Council permission (section 6), the talaq notice and the 90-day period (section 7), maintenance through the Arbitration Council (section 9) and the presumption that dower is payable on demand (section 10).
Dissolution of Muslim Marriages Act 1939
Lists the grounds on which a wife may obtain a decree dissolving her marriage — among them failure to maintain for two years, cruelty, the husband's second marriage in breach of the MFLO, and any other ground recognised as valid under Muslim law.
West Pakistan Family Courts Act 1964
Creates the Family Courts and gives them exclusive jurisdiction over dissolution of marriage including khula, dower, maintenance, restitution of conjugal rights, custody and guardianship, and dowry. It provides for pre-trial and post-trial reconciliation and for interim maintenance.
Guardians and Wards Act 1890 and protection laws
Custody and guardianship are decided on the welfare of the minor. Where there is domestic abuse in Sindh, the Sindh Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Act 2013 provides for protection orders.
How Family Lawyers in Karachi build your case
- First meeting: we read the Nikah Nama, any notices or orders, and your timeline of events.
- Options: we explain what can be achieved by agreement, through the Arbitration Council, or by a suit.
- Drafting: plaint or written statement, with a list of witnesses and documents.
- Pre-trial: the Family Court attempts reconciliation; many matters settle or narrow here.
- Evidence and arguments if the case continues, followed by the judgment and decree.
- Execution of the decree — often the step where clients most need help.
Documents to bring to Family Lawyers in Karachi
- Nikah Nama (and the NADRA marriage certificate, if you have it).
- CNICs of both spouses and B-forms of the children.
- Any talaq notice, Union Council letter or divorce certificate.
- Evidence of income and expenses for maintenance claims.
- List of dowry articles and gifts, with receipts or photographs.
- School records and medical records relevant to the children.
Dower, maintenance and dowry: what Family Lawyers in Karachi often recover
Dower (haq mehr) is the wife's right under the Nikah. Prompt dower can be demanded at any time; deferred dower becomes due on dissolution or death, unless agreed otherwise. Maintenance of the wife is owed during the marriage and the iddat period; maintenance of children continues according to their needs and the father's means. Dowry and bridal gifts are the bride's property under the Dowry and Bridal Gifts (Restriction) Act 1976.
The amounts are fixed by the Family Court on evidence. We do not predict a figure until we have seen the documents and the other side's position.
Why clients choose our Family Lawyers in Karachi
Senior oversight
Family files are reviewed by Syed Akhtar Rizvi, Advocate Supreme Court.
Focused practice
Sobia Mohsin concentrates on khula, maintenance, dower and custody work.
Since 1985
Four decades of practice in Karachi courts by our founding advocates.
Settlement and mediation
Not every family dispute should become a long case. Where both sides are willing, a written settlement — recorded before the Family Court or the Arbitration Council — can settle dower, maintenance and the children's arrangements more quickly and with less hostility. Our family lawyers advise on whether a proposed settlement protects you before you sign it.
Overseas clients and Family Lawyers in Karachi
Many clients live abroad. Pleadings can be prepared on the basis of documents sent electronically and signed through a special power of attorney attested at the Pakistani mission. Some steps, such as recording your own evidence, may still need your attendance or a court-approved alternative.
Family lawyers for husbands
We also act for husbands — in defending maintenance and dower claims, seeking restitution of conjugal rights, following the talaq procedure correctly and securing meaningful contact with children. Fair settlement is often in everyone's interest, and our family lawyers advise husbands honestly on their obligations as well as their rights.
Reach our family lawyers on WhatsApp at +92 333 1127830.
Khula, talaq or judicial dissolution: a comparison by family lawyers
Clients often ask which route ends a marriage fastest or most safely. The answer depends on who wants the marriage to end and on what grounds. This table summarises the three main routes under Pakistani law.
| Route | Who starts it | Legal basis | Effect on dower |
|---|---|---|---|
| Talaq | Husband (or wife, if tafweez was delegated) | Section 7, MFLO 1961 — notice to Union Council chairman, 90 days | Unpaid dower remains payable in full |
| Khula | Wife, through the Family Court | Family Courts Act 1964, s.10(4); aversion to the marriage | Court may direct return of benefits, usually dower received |
| Judicial dissolution | Wife, through the Family Court | Dissolution of Muslim Marriages Act 1939, s.2 grounds | Dower generally retained if a ground is proved |
| Mubarat (mutual) | Both spouses by agreement | Muslim personal law; registered through the Union Council | Settled by the parties' agreement |
Maintenance claims explained
Wife's maintenance
A husband must maintain his wife during the marriage, and during iddat after divorce. A wife who leaves the marital home without a lawful reason may face arguments that she is not entitled, so the facts of separation matter. Past maintenance can also be claimed, subject to the court's assessment and the limitation that applies.
Children's maintenance
The father must maintain his children whoever has custody. The Family Court fixes the amount on evidence of the children's needs — school fees, food, medical costs — and the father's means, and can order an annual increase. Interim maintenance can be ordered early in the case.
Evidence of income
Where the husband's income is disputed, salary slips, bank statements, property records and lifestyle evidence help the court reach a fair figure. Keep copies of anything you have.
Restitution of conjugal rights
A husband or wife may ask the Family Court to direct the other spouse to resume married life. Such suits are often filed in response to a wife leaving the marital home, and the court examines the reasons for her departure. A decree cannot be enforced by physical compulsion, but the findings may affect related maintenance claims.
Protecting children during a family dispute
Children feel family disputes most. Family lawyers at our firm encourage parents to keep children out of the conflict, agree interim meeting arrangements early and avoid involving children in evidence unless necessary. Where agreement is impossible, the Family Court can fix interim custody and meetings. Speaking to family lawyers early often prevents a temporary arrangement from hardening into a long dispute.
Other family resources
Our sister site FamilyLawyers.com.pk covers family law across Pakistan. If you are considering marriage rather than a dispute, see court marriage in Karachi.
Frequently asked questions
Which court hears family cases in Karachi?
Family Courts in each district of Karachi — East, West, South, Central, Malir, Korangi and Keamari — hear family suits. The proper court is usually where the wife resides or where the cause of action arose.
How long does a family case take?
It varies with the court, the issues and whether the other side contests. We give an estimate after the first hearing rather than a guarantee.
Can I get interim maintenance?
Yes, the Family Court can order interim maintenance while the suit is pending.
Do I have to attend every hearing?
Not always. Your advocate attends; your presence is needed for reconciliation and evidence.
What are your consultation fees?
Fees depend on the matter. Ask on WhatsApp at +92 333 1127830.
Who reviews family matters?
Syed Akhtar Rizvi, Advocate Supreme Court.
Can a husband file a family case?
Yes. Husbands may file for restitution of conjugal rights or custody, and defend claims for dower, maintenance and dissolution.
Is mediation available in family cases?
The Family Court attempts reconciliation before and after evidence, and parties can settle at any stage by a recorded compromise.
Do family lawyers handle cases for overseas clients?
Yes, through a special power of attorney attested at the Pakistani mission, with your attendance only where the court requires it.
Can a wife recover her dowry articles?
Yes. Dowry and bridal gifts are her property under the 1976 Act and can be claimed in the Family Court.
Speak to Karachi Lawyers about Family Lawyers in Karachi
Karachi Lawyers has practised since 1985 and has about 17 advocates, including two Advocates Supreme Court. Send a WhatsApp message to +92 333 1127830 with your name, a two-line summary of the matter, any deadline or hearing date, and photos of the key documents. We will tell you what the law requires, which documents are missing and what the next step is, and fix an appointment at our Gulistan-e-Jauhar office (Mezzanine Floor, Muneer Mobile Mall, Block 17) or our DHA office (Mezzanine Floor, Main Jami Commercial, Phase 7). We explain the scope of work before you instruct us, and we never promise an outcome we cannot control.
Related services from Karachi Lawyers
Official sources
For reference only. Procedures and charges change; confirm the current position for your own case.
This page gives general information about the law in Pakistan and is not legal advice for your particular case. No outcome, timeline or fee can be guaranteed before your documents and circumstances have been reviewed.
Reviewed by: Syed Akhtar Rizvi, Advocate Supreme Court
Published by: Karachi Lawyers
Last updated: