A husband is obliged to maintain his wife during the marriage and iddat, and a father to maintain his children. Both claims are filed in the Family Court, which can order interim maintenance at an early stage. Haq mehr (dower) recorded in the nikahnama is the wife’s right and can be recovered through the same court.
Who this is for
- Wives who are not being maintained by their husbands
- Mothers seeking maintenance for their children
- Women whose prompt or deferred haq mehr is unpaid
- Husbands facing maintenance or dower claims who want to respond
How the maintenance & dower (haq mehr) process works
- 1
Review the nikahnama
We check the dower terms and any conditions recorded in the nikahnama.
- 2
File the suit
We file a suit for maintenance and/or dower before the Family Court.
- 3
Interim maintenance
We ask the court to fix interim maintenance early in the case.
- 4
Evidence on income
We present evidence of the husband’s income and the family’s needs.
- 5
Decree and execution
We execute the decree, including through attachment where payments are not made.
Documents you need
- ◆Nikahnama
- ◆Your CNIC and children’s B-forms
- ◆Evidence of the husband’s income or assets
- ◆School and medical expenses of the children
Timeline and fees
| Timeline | Interim maintenance is often fixed within the first few hearings. Final decrees usually take several months. |
|---|---|
| Fees | Quoted in writing after we review your documents. Court matters are quoted stage by stage (filing, evidence, arguments) so you know the cost of each step before it starts. |
| Governing law | Family Courts Act, 1964: section 17-A · Muslim Family Laws Ordinance, 1961: section 9 · Dissolution of Muslim Marriages Act, 1939 |
Maintenance
Maintenance covers food, clothing, residence and other reasonable needs. The Family Court can order interim maintenance while the case continues, and can strike out the defence of a husband who does not pay it.
Haq mehr (dower)
Dower is a binding obligation. Where the nikahnama records dower in cash, gold or property, we file for its recovery and, after the decree, execute it.
For husbands
We also represent husbands facing maintenance and dower claims, making sure the court has a true picture of income and payments already made.
Frequently asked questions
How much maintenance will the court order?
It depends on the husband’s means and the family’s needs. The court sets an amount it considers fair on the evidence.
Can maintenance be claimed for past months?
Past maintenance can be claimed, subject to the law of limitation and the facts of the case.
What is the difference between prompt and deferred dower?
Prompt dower is payable on demand; deferred dower becomes payable on divorce or the husband’s death, unless otherwise agreed.
