Finding the Right Solicitors for Family Law Who Understand Both the UK and India
If you are an Indian living in the UK and thinking about divorce, you might feel confused. The UK law is very clear and modern, but Indian marriage laws are based on culture and family values. When children, money, and property are involved, it can become even harder.
This guide will help you find the right solicitors for family law who understand both the UK and Indian rules. With the right lawyer, you can handle your case calmly and confidently.
Why Indians in the UK Need a Special Divorce Lawyer
For Indians living in the UK, divorce is not simple. You may have married in India under the Hindu Marriage Act, Special Marriage Act, or Muslim Law. Now, you want a UK court to accept your divorce. The hard part is making sure both Indian and UK laws work together.
A normal divorce solicitor may know UK law well, but not how Indian law affects your property, children, or whether your divorce will be valid in India.
That is why you should find an Indian lawyer or international divorce lawyer who knows both sides well.
Since 2022, the UK divorce process has followed the no-fault system. This means no one needs to blame the other person. It makes the process smoother. But if your property or marriage is connected to India, your lawyer must understand both systems.
What Makes a Good Family Solicitor Near Me?
- Knows UK Family Law
Find divorce lawyers who know how to handle property, child custody, and prenuptial agreements.
A good family court solicitor or divorce barrister can make the process easier.
If money is a concern, ask about fixed fee divorce solicitors near me or affordable divorce lawyers.
- Understands Indian Laws
Your lawyer should know Indian marriage laws like the Hindu Marriage Act, Muslim Law, or Special Marriage Act.
They must understand how Indian courts handle property, children, and marriage validity.
A trusted Indian solicitor near me will understand both your culture and legal needs.
- Knows About Both Countries (Cross-Border Cases)
Many NRIs ask, “Should I file for divorce in the UK or India?”
It depends on where you live, your assets, and what you want from the case.
An experienced international divorce lawyer near me or matrimonial solicitor can help you choose the right option.
They can also work with Indian lawyers to avoid confusion or delay.
How UK and Indian Laws Work Together
- The UK Divorce Process
In the UK, couples can apply for divorce after 20 weeks. This gives both people time to think.
The UK court focuses on fair financial division and child arrangements.
If you own property in India, your family divorce lawyer near me must make sure the UK court’s order is accepted by Indian courts too.
- Indian Marriage Laws and the UK
Even if you get divorced in the UK, Indian courts still decide on things like dowry, ancestral property, or marriage recognition.
Under the Hindu Marriage Act (1955), reasons like cruelty, adultery, or desertion are still valid grounds for divorce in India.
- New Indian Law – Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)
India has introduced a new criminal law system called the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023.
It does not replace marriage laws but adds stronger punishment for cruelty in marriage under Section 69.
This helps protect spouses better in cases involving abuse or domestic violence.
- Recent Court Decisions
In 2024, the Supreme Court of India said divorce can be granted if the marriage has completely broken down, even if one partner disagrees.
In 2025, another case gave an NRI woman higher alimony and property rights, showing that courts are becoming more fair and supportive.
How to Find the Right Family Solicitor Near Me
Step 1: Search Online the Right Way
Use search terms like Indian divorce lawyer UK, international divorce lawyers, family solicitors London, or Indian solicitors near me.
This helps you find experts who understand both Indian and UK laws.
Step 2: Check Their Experience
Look for law firms that are members of Resolution UK. This group promotes peaceful divorces.
Ask if the lawyer has handled NRI or international divorce cases before.
Step 3: Ask Simple Questions
When you meet a lawyer, ask:
- Have you helped clients married in India before?
- Do you work with Indian lawyers?
- Can you explain how the UK divorce process affects my Indian property?
A good divorce attorney near me will answer in clear, simple English.
Step 4: Discuss the Fees
Ask for a written estimate. Many affordable divorce solicitors near me offer fixed-fee options for simple divorces.
For complex cases involving property or children, fees might be higher, but everything should be explained clearly.
Step 5: Choose the Right Help
You may also need a custody lawyer if you have children.
If you have large assets or property in both countries, you might need high net worth divorce attorneys to handle your finances properly.
Caring for Yourself During Divorce
- Divorce is not only a legal issue; it is emotional too.
- Many Indians in the UK feel lonely and stressed when they are far from family.
- It helps to talk to friends, support groups, or counsellors.
- You can also try mediation to settle matters peacefully before going to court.
If your case involves money or property in two countries, an international divorce attorney near me can help make things fair for both sides.
Remember, divorce does not end your life. It gives you a chance to start again.
FAQs
1. Can I get divorced in the UK if I married in India?
Yes. If you live in the UK, you can apply for divorce here, even if your marriage was registered in India.
2. Do I need lawyers in both countries?
Yes. If you have property or legal issues in India, you will need lawyers in both the UK and India.
3. What is a no-fault divorce?
It is a system where you do not have to prove anyone was at fault. You just agree the marriage has ended.
4. Will a UK divorce be valid in India?
Usually yes, if both partners take part in the UK case. The Indian court will review it before confirming.
5. How much do cheap divorce solicitors near me charge?
A simple divorce might cost around £500–£1,000. If your case is complex, it will cost more.
6. Can I get legal aid divorce solicitors?
Yes. If you have a low income, you might qualify for legal aid. Check the UK government’s website for more details.
7. What happens with child custody in UK-India cases?
Both countries focus on what is best for the child. If there is a risk of the child being taken abroad, talk to a family law solicitor near me who knows international child custody laws.
Outlook: The Future for NRI Divorce Cases
As more Indians live abroad, more couples need solicitors for family law who understand both UK and Indian rules.
Both countries are making divorce laws simpler and kinder.
Choosing the right family law solicitor is not just a legal choice; it is a personal one.
With the right support and care, you can move forward with peace and dignity.
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.