What should a Woman do after Divorce?

lawfirm94
May 8
2 min read

Divorce can be emotionally and legally challenging. If you’re a woman navigating post-divorce life in Pakistan, here’s a step-by-step guide to protect your rights and secure your future, with expert support from AdvocateInLahore.com.

1. Legal Formalities & Documentation

✅ Obtain Your Divorce Certificate

· Khula/Talaq: Get the decree from the Union Council or Family Court.

· Judicial Divorce: Ensure the court issues an official divorce decree.

· Attestation for Remarriage: If remarrying abroad, attest the certificate from MOFA + relevant embassy (e.g., UAE/USA).

✅ Update Your Marital Status

· Submit the divorce decree to NADRA to update your CNIC and family registration certificate.

· Notify banks, property registries, and other institutions about the change.

2. Financial Security & Assets

✅ Claim Your Haq Mehr & Dowry

· File a case in Family Court if your ex-husband refuses to pay Haq Mehr or return dowry items.

· Gather proof (marriage certificate, receipts, and witness statements).

✅ Child Support & Custody

· Custody (Hizanat): Mothers typically get custody of sons (until age 7) and daughters (until puberty).

· Child Support: Court can order the father to pay maintenance (under Section 491, CrPC).

✅ Property & Inheritance Rights

· If property was jointly owned, consult a lawyer to divide assets legally.

· Secure your inheritance rights from parental property (Islamic law guarantees shares).

3. Emotional & Social Well-Being

✅ Therapy & Support Groups

· Seek counseling (e.g., Taraqee Foundation, PARC) to cope with emotional stress.

· Join divorced women’s networks (e.g., Divorcee Foundation Pakistan).

✅ Rebuilding Financially

· Explore jobs, freelancing, or skills training (e.g., DigiSkills, Women’s Chamber of Commerce).

· If eligible, apply for BISP (Benazir Income Support Program).

4. Future Planning

✅ Remarriage Considerations

· Keep your divorce certificate attested for future legal needs.

· Under Islamic law, iddah period (3 months) must pass before remarrying.

✅ Legal Will & Guardianship

· Draft a will to protect children’s inheritance.

· Appoint a guardian if you’re the sole custodian.

5. How AdvocateInLahore.com Can Help

We provide:✔ Free legal consultations for post-divorce rights.

✔ Court representation for custody, alimony, and asset recovery.

✔ Document attestation (MOFA/embassies) for international cases.

✔ Emotional support referrals.

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