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Matrimonial Law

Family Law: Custody and Child Support Guidelines

Custody decisions revolve around the welfare of the child. Here is a breakdown of how courts evaluate parental roles, financial responsibility, and co-parenting arrangements.

January 5, 2025
Adv. Priya Verma

Indian family courts prioritise the “best interests of the child” standard. This includes physical safety, emotional stability, educational continuity, and the ability of each parent to provide a nurturing environment. While historical norms favoured mothers, recent jurisprudence recognises active fatherhood and shared parenting models.

Custody Considerations

Courts evaluate the child’s age, current living arrangements, special needs, and personal preferences (for children above nine years). Joint custody is increasingly recommended where parents can cooperate, ensuring regular involvement from both sides.

Child Support Calculations

Financial support is linked to the child’s lifestyle before separation, school fees, healthcare, extracurricular activities, and inflation projections. The non-custodial parent typically pays a monthly amount, with annual reviews to account for promotions or changes in circumstance.

Documentation and Mediation

Detailed parenting plans and mediation reports help demonstrate a constructive approach. At J & S Attorney Alliance, we draft comprehensive submissions that address holiday schedules, decision making rights, relocation clauses, and dispute resolution protocols.

Whether you are negotiating amicably or embroiled in contentious litigation, our family law advocates offer compassionate yet assertive representation to secure a child-first outcome.

Plan your next steps with clarity

Book a confidential session with our matrimonial law experts to understand custody strategy, mediation options, and documentation requirements.