Step-by-Step Court Procedure for Khula (Divorce Initiated by Wife) in Pakistan

Under Pakistani law (Dissolution of Muslim Marriages Act 1939 and Family Courts Act 1964), a wife can obtain a divorce without her husband's consent by filing a suit for **Khula** in the Family Court. Here is the step-by-step procedure: 1. **Filing the Suit:** Your lawyer will draft and file a plaint for the dissolution of marriage in the Family Court of the district where you reside. 2. **Summons to Husband:** The court will issue formal summons to the husband via bailiff, registered post, and newspaper publication to ensure service. 3. **Pre-Trial Reconciliation:** Once the husband appears, the Family Court Judge is legally mandated to hold a pre-trial reconciliation meeting between the husband and wife in chambers. 4. **Decree of Khula:** If reconciliation fails, the court will dissolve the marriage by issuing a decree of Khula. 5. **Haq-Mehr Return:** Since the Khula is initiated by the wife, the court will generally order the wife to surrender/return her Haq-Mehr (dower) or any financial benefits she received from her husband during marriage. 6. **Union Council Notice:** After obtaining the court decree, a certified copy must be sent to the Union Council of your area. The Union Council will issue the final Certificate of Dissolution of Marriage after the 90-day Iddat period. **Timeline:** A standard Khula case usually takes between **2 to 6 months** to conclude in the Family Court.