Why Finding a Near Me Solicitor in the UK for an Indian Divorce Feels So Difficult
Are you an Indian living in the UK, maybe in London, Birmingham, or Manchester, and trying to end your marriage peacefully through mutual consent?
If yes, you’ve probably searched online for a near me solicitor who can handle your Indian divorce without you needing to fly back to India.
But finding the right divorce lawyer near me or family solicitor near me often feels really hard. Let’s see why this happens and how you can still complete your Indian divorce smoothly while staying in the UK.
The Real Problem: Indian Law vs UK Location
When you search for a solicitor near me for divorce, most results show lawyers who deal with British divorces under UK law.
But if your marriage was registered in India, it was likely under:
- Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 – for Hindus, Jains, Buddhists, and Sikhs
- Special Marriage Act, 1954 – for interfaith or civil marriages
This 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.
That’s why finding a local solicitor divorce near me who can handle an Indian divorce can be tricky. What you really need is an Indian lawyer or an international divorce attorney who understands both Indian and UK laws.
Two Legal Worlds, One Couple
A UK solicitor can help with things like property or children who live in Britain.
But they can’t officially end a marriage that was registered in India.
An Indian solicitor can file your divorce in India, but they might not know about UK legal rules.
So, the best option 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, making the process much easier for NRIs.
The NRI-Friendly Way: Remote Indian Divorce
Good news! You can now complete your Indian divorce online without travelling. Here’s how it works:
- Agree on Everything
Both partners must agree on property, alimony, and child custody. A family solicitor near me can help write this properly. - Power of Attorney (PoA)
If you can’t go 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
Since the pandemic, Indian courts use video calls. You can join hearings online from your home in the UK. - Cooling-Off Period
Under Section 13B of the Hindu Marriage Act, there’s a six-month gap between the first and second motion.
But in Amardeep Singh vs Harveen Kaur (2017), the Supreme Court said this waiting period can be skipped in special cases.
So, if you’ve already been separated for a long time and both agree to end the marriage, the process can finish in three to six months.
Legal Update: Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023
India has replaced the old Penal Code with the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
It updates laws about cruelty and bigamy.
Even though it doesn’t directly change divorce laws, it helps modernise India’s legal system and supports online cases, making things easier for NRIs working with international divorce lawyers.
Helpful Court Rulings for NRIs
Here are some important judgments that make divorce simpler for Indians abroad:
- Amardeep Singh vs Harveen Kaur (2017): Waiting period can be removed.
- Shalini vs Rakesh (2024): Faster divorce allowed for NRI couples.
- Sureshta Devi vs Om Prakash (1992): Both must agree until the final order.
These rulings show that Indian courts now understand what NRIs go through.
How to Complete Your Indian Divorce from the UK
Here’s a simple checklist:
- Talk and Agree – Sort out child custody, property, and finances peacefully.
- Choose the Right Court – File your case in the Indian Family Court where you married, last lived together, or where your spouse lives.
- Find the Right Legal Team – Search for Indian solicitors near me or international divorce lawyers near me who work with NRIs. LawCrust Legal Consulting has both UK and Indian teams to help.
- Submit Documents – Provide your marriage certificate, address proof, and agreement letter. Your lawyer will file them in court.
- Attend Online Hearings – Join sessions by video call.
- Get Your Decree – Once approved, your marriage is legally ended in India.
FAQs
1. Can I get a divorce in India while living in the UK?
Yes. You can do it 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 both partners took part and it follows Section 13 of the Civil Procedure Code.
3. How long must we be separated before filing?
At least one year under Section 13B.
4. How long does the NRI divorce take?
Usually 6–9 months, but it can be as short as 2–3 months if the court removes the waiting period.
5. Can I change my mind later?
Yes. Either person can withdraw consent before the final order.
6. What about property or children in the UK?
Everything must be agreed in writing. A family divorce lawyer near me can make it legal in both countries.
7. Do I need a lawyer?
Yes. Always use a qualified divorce solicitor near me to avoid mistakes.
Healing Beyond the Papers
Divorce is tough, but it’s also a new beginning. You’re not ending your story, just starting a new chapter.
Thanks to modern courts and online systems, 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, find a global legal team that connects India and the UK.
The right divorce solicitors near me won’t just handle your case—they’ll help you move forward with 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.