Why Finding a Near Me Solicitor in the UK for an Indian Divorce Feels So Hard
Are you an Indian living in the UK maybe in London, Birmingham, or Manchester trying to end your marriage peacefully through a mutual consent divorce? If yes, you’ve probably searched online for a near me solicitor who can handle your Indian divorce without you flying back to India.
But finding the right divorce lawyer near me or family solicitor near me often feels impossible. Let’s look at why this happens and how you can still finish your Indian divorce smoothly while living in the United Kingdom.
The Real Problem: Indian Law vs UK Location
When you search for a solicitor near me for divorce, most lawyers you find deal with British divorces under the UK’s Divorce Act. But your marriage was likely registered in India under:
- Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 – for Hindus, Jains, Buddhists, and Sikhs
- Special Marriage Act, 1954 – for interfaith or civil marriages
That means your divorce must follow Indian law, not British law. Even if you live in the UK, your divorce will usually go through an Indian Family Court.
This is why finding a local divorce solicitor near me who can manage an Indian divorce is tricky. What you need is an Indian lawyer or an international divorce solicitor near me who understands both legal systems.
Two Legal Worlds, One Couple
A UK solicitor can help with things like property in Britain or child arrangements. But they can’t legally end a marriage under Indian law.
An Indian solicitor, on the other hand, can handle your divorce in India but may not know about UK legal details.
So, the best way is to find a cross-border legal firm that works in both countries like LawCrust Legal Consulting. They connect the dots between the UK and India and make the whole process easier for NRIs.
The NRI-Friendly Way: Remote Indian Divorce
Good news! India now allows NRIs to complete their divorce online. Here’s how it works step by step:
- Agree on Everything
Both partners must agree on property, alimony, and child custody. A family solicitor near me or divorce lawyer near me can help draft the agreement correctly.
If you can’t travel to India, you can sign a Special Power of Attorney at the Indian High Commission in the UK. This lets your Indian lawyer represent you in court.
- Attend Virtual Hearings
After the pandemic, Indian Family Courts started using video calls. You can now attend hearings online from your home in the UK.
- Cooling-Off Period
Under Section 13B of the Hindu Marriage Act, there’s a six-month waiting period between the first and second motion.
But in Amardeep Singh vs Harveen Kaur (2017), the Supreme Court said courts can skip this waiting period in special cases. So, if you’ve been separated for a long time and both agree to end the marriage, the divorce can finish in three to six months.
Legal Update: Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023
India recently replaced the old Penal Code with the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). It updates laws about crimes like cruelty and bigamy.
While BNS doesn’t directly change divorce laws, it helps modernise India’s legal system and supports digital and remote procedures. This makes things much easier for NRIs working with international divorce lawyers.
Helpful Court Rulings for NRIs
Here are some key judgments that make divorce simpler for Indians living abroad:
- Amardeep Singh vs Harveen Kaur (2017): Cooling-off period can be waived.
- Shalini vs Rakesh (2024): Supreme Court allowed faster divorce for NRI couples.
- Sureshta Devi vs Om Prakash (1992): Both parties must keep their consent until the final decree.
These cases show that Indian courts now understand the challenges faced by NRIs.
How to Complete Your Indian Divorce from the UK
Here’s a simple checklist to follow:
- Talk and Agree – Discuss child custody, property, and financial matters peacefully.
- Choose the Right Court – File your case in the Indian Family Court where you married, last lived together, or where your spouse currently lives.
- Find the Right Legal Team – Search Indian solicitors near me or international divorce lawyers near me with NRI expertise. LawCrust Legal Consulting has both Indian and UK teams to support you.
- Submit Documents – Prepare your marriage certificate, address proof, and agreement letter. Your lawyer files everything in court.
- Attend Online Hearings – Join the sessions through video call.
- Get Your Decree – Once approved, your marriage is legally dissolved in India.
FAQs
1. Can I get a divorce in India while living in the UK?
Yes. You can complete the process online using Power of Attorney and video hearings.
2. Will a UK divorce be valid in India?
Not always. India accepts a foreign divorce only if it meets Section 13 of the Civil Procedure Code (CPC) and both partners took part.
3. How long must we be separated before filing?
You must live apart for at least one year before filing under Section 13B.
4. How long does the NRI divorce take?
Usually 6–9 months, but it can be shorter (2–3 months) if the court removes the cooling-off period.
5. Can I change my mind later?
Yes. Either spouse can withdraw consent before the final court order.
6. What about property or children in the UK?
All must be agreed in writing. A family divorce lawyer near me helps make it legal in both countries.
7. Do I need a lawyer?
Yes. NRIs should always use a qualified divorce solicitor near me to avoid legal mistakes.
Healing Beyond the Papers
Divorce is tough, but it’s also a new start. You’re not ending your story just turning a page.
Thanks to modern courts and digital tools, remote Indian mutual consent divorce is now simple, safe, and affordable for NRIs in the UK.
So, instead of only looking for a lawyer near me for divorce, look for a global legal firm that connects India and the UK. The right divorce solicitors near me will not just manage your case they’ll guide you to peace, freedom, and a fresh start.
About LawCrust
LawCrust Legal Consulting, part of LawCrust Global Consulting Ltd., is a top law firm helping NRI clients with cross-border legal issues.
We specialise in:
- Divorce and Family Law
- International Legal Consulting
- Litigation Finance and Management
With more than 50 offices in India and over 70 expert lawyers, LawCrust gives complete support for complex international cases.
LawCrust Group also includes LawCrust Realty, LawCrust Ventures, LawCrust Hybrid Consulting, Gensact, LawCrust Foundation, and LawCrust Consumer Products.