Family & Succession

Matrimonial, maintenance, custody, inheritance, wills and succession-related matters. The entries below are general information, not a prediction of outcome.

Matter & remedy matrix

8 common matters

8 matters
Mutual-consent divorcePossible remedies & information
Possible remedies

Joint petition and decree subject to applicable personal law, statutory conditions and court procedure.

Likely forum

Family Court / competent court

Documents commonly relevant

Marriage proof, identity/address documents, settlement terms, child/property details

Timing / first actions

Confirm eligibility and separation details, prepare marriage and address records, and document agreed terms concerning finances and children before filing jointly.

Contested divorcePossible remedies & information
Possible remedies

Divorce or other matrimonial relief on legally recognized grounds under applicable personal law.

Likely forum

Family Court / competent court

Documents commonly relevant

Marriage proof, pleadings evidence, communications, financial/child records

Timing / first actions

Preserve marriage, residence, financial and relevant communication records; identify the applicable personal law, jurisdiction and any immediate interim needs before filing.

Maintenance / alimonyPossible remedies & information
Possible remedies

Interim/final maintenance or monetary relief under applicable matrimonial/family/criminal-procedure law.

Likely forum

Family Court / Magistrate / competent court

Documents commonly relevant

Income/assets, expenses, dependants, marriage/relationship records

Timing / first actions

Compile income, expense, dependency and prior-support records; document immediate household or child needs and seek advice on interim relief in the correct proceeding.

Domestic violence proceedingsPossible remedies & information
Possible remedies

Protection, residence, monetary, custody/compensation and other orders as provided by law.

Likely forum

Magistrate / competent court

Documents commonly relevant

Incident records, medical/police material, residence/relationship proof, financial records

Timing / first actions

If anyone is in immediate danger, move to safety and call 112; preserve available evidence, seek medical help when needed and contact the appropriate Protection Officer, police or court support.

Child custody / visitationPossible remedies & information
Possible remedies

Interim/final custody, visitation and guardianship orders guided by child welfare and applicable law.

Likely forum

Family Court / competent court

Documents commonly relevant

Child records, schooling/medical details, parenting evidence

Timing / first actions

Record the child's current location, routine, care arrangements and any travel or removal concern; avoid unilateral confrontation and seek prompt child-focused interim directions where necessary.

Inheritance disputePossible remedies & information
Possible remedies

Determine applicable succession law; declaration/partition/administration and related relief where required.

Likely forum

Civil Court / succession/probate jurisdiction

Documents commonly relevant

Death certificate, family tree, title/assets, will if any

Timing / first actions

Secure death, family and title records; identify the estate and possible heirs, check for transfers or encumbrances and seek advice on preservation or interim relief.

Legal heir / succession certificate mattersPossible remedies & information
Possible remedies

Legal-heir documentation and/or succession certificate/administration proceedings depending on asset and applicable law.

Likely forum

Competent court / revenue authority depending on relief

Documents commonly relevant

Death certificate, relationship records, asset/debt details

Timing / first actions

Collect the death certificate, family tree, identity records and asset details; confirm which certificate or court process the relevant bank, authority or asset requires before applying.

Will / probate disputePossible remedies & information
Possible remedies

Probate/letters of administration where applicable; proof or challenge of will; succession litigation.

Likely forum

Competent probate/civil court

Documents commonly relevant

Original will, attesting witness details, medical records if relevant, death certificate, asset records

Timing / first actions

Secure the original will without marking it, record its custody, identify attesting witnesses and estate assets, and obtain prompt advice before assets are distributed or transferred.

Important: The correct remedy can change with ownership, personal law, limitation, jurisdiction, procedural stage and available evidence. Some matters may involve more than one forum.