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At Qadeer & Zaheer, matrimonial and family law is a cornerstone of our legal practice. We offer compassionate yet strategic legal services to both domestic and international clients, addressing the full spectrum of family law matters with professionalism and care. Our experienced team advises and represents clients on issues including marriage, divorce (talaq and khula), child custody, guardianship, maintenance, dowry recovery, domestic violence, and inheritance disputes under the laws of Pakistan.
With a deep understanding of the cultural, religious, and legal sensitivities involved in family matters, we guide our clients through emotionally charged situations with clarity and discretion. We appear regularly before family courts, district courts, and high courts across Pakistan, advocating for our clients’ rights with skill and dedication.
At Qadeer & Zaheer, we combine legal expertise with empathy to deliver solutions that protect your rights, secure your future, and bring peace of mind during challenging times.
At Qadeer & Zaheer, we offer comprehensive legal services in matters relating to Muslim family law, with a particular focus on the lawful solemnization and dissolution of marriage in accordance with Islamic principles and the statutory framework of Pakistan.
Under Muslim law, marriage (Nikah) is considered a civil contract rather than a religious sacrament. As such, it carries legal rights and obligations for both spouses, and its dissolution—though permissible—is subject to specific legal formalities that must be strictly observed to ensure enforceability and avoid future complications.
While a Muslim husband possesses the unilateral right to pronounce divorce (Talaq), this right is not absolute or unregulated. The Muslim Family Laws Ordinance, 1961 has laid down a mandatory legal framework that governs the procedure of divorce. Compliance with this procedure is essential for the divorce to attain legal effect.
Failure to comply with the above formalities can result in serious legal consequences, including:
At Qadeer & Zaheer, our experienced family law attorneys provide professional assistance in all aspects of Muslim divorce law, including:
Whether you are seeking to lawfully dissolve a marriage, challenge the validity of a talaq, or defend your rights arising out of a marital dispute, Qadeer & Zaheer is equipped to provide clear, compassionate, and effective legal support grounded in Islamic jurisprudence and Pakistani family law.
At Qadeer & Zaheer, we provide expert legal assistance to women seeking to dissolve their marriage through Khula—a judicial form of divorce initiated by the wife under Islamic and Pakistani family law. Our practice is grounded in both Shariah principles and the procedural framework of Pakistan’s legal system, ensuring a compassionate, respectful, and effective resolution for women in difficult marital circumstances.
In Islamic jurisprudence, Khula refers to the right of a Muslim woman to seek dissolution of her marriage when she can no longer continue living with her husband in harmony—even in the absence of any specific fault or misconduct on the husband’s part. It is an equitable mechanism that respects a woman’s personal autonomy, emotional well-being, and spiritual integrity.
Under Pakistani law, Khula is governed primarily by the Family Courts Act, 1964, and is available to any Muslim woman who sincerely believes that she can no longer fulfill the obligations of marriage and that continuing the relationship would result in mental or physical harm.
Khula may be pursued in various circumstances, including but not limited to:
It is not necessary for the wife to prove fault or misconduct by the husband; rather, she must demonstrate a genuine aversion or inability to live with him “within the limits prescribed by Allah”.
The process for obtaining Khula involves the following legal steps:
At Qadeer & Zaheer, we understand the sensitive and deeply personal nature of family disputes. Our experienced family law attorneys offer confidential and strategic representation throughout the Khula process, including:
Khula represents an important legal and religious safeguard for women in Islam, reinforcing their right to dignity, choice, and freedom from distress. At Qadeer & Zaheer, we are committed to upholding these values by offering ethical, client-centered representation that protects your interests and facilitates a respectful transition toward a new chapter in life.
At Qadeer & Zaheer, we provide expert legal services related to maintenance claims under Muslim Family Law and the West Pakistan Family Courts Act, 1964, ensuring that the financial rights and responsibilities within the family structure are upheld with fairness and legal precision.
Under Islamic law and Pakistani statutory provisions, nafqah (maintenance) refers to the husband's legal obligation to provide for his wife and children. This duty encompasses:
The obligation of maintenance continues as long as the marital relationship exists and the wife is faithfully discharging her marital duties. For children, the obligation persists until they reach adulthood, or longer in the case of daughters who are unmarried or sons with special needs.
If a husband fails to provide maintenance—either willfully or due to neglect—the wife or guardian of the children has the right to initiate legal proceedings before the Family Court under the West Pakistan Family Courts Act, 1964.
A wife may file a Suit for Recovery of Maintenance in the following situations:
In response, the husband may defend the suit by arguing that:
The burden of proof rests on both parties to substantiate their claims, and the court assesses the credibility of evidence, financial capacity of the husband, needs of the wife and children, and overall family circumstances before issuing a decree.
At Qadeer & Zaheer, our experienced family law attorneys offer end-to-end legal representation in maintenance-related disputes, including:
Maintenance cases often involve emotional tensions and factual disputes regarding financial contributions, spousal conduct, and child welfare. Professional legal representation is crucial to:
Whether you are a wife seeking rightful support, a mother advocating for your children's financial well-being, or a husband defending against unjustified demands, Qadeer & Zaheer is equipped to represent your case with integrity, discretion, and legal skill. We aim to uphold the principles of justice, equity, and dignity within the framework of Muslim personal law and Pakistani family law.
At Qadeer & Zaheer, we offer comprehensive legal representation in matters relating to child custody and visitation rights under Pakistani family law. Recognizing the emotionally charged nature of such disputes, our experienced legal team provides sensitive yet strategic legal guidance to ensure that the best interests and welfare of the child are always prioritized.
In Pakistan, the custody of minor children is governed by Islamic principles and codified laws, including the Guardians and Wards Act, 1890, and relevant family law precedents. The term "custody" refers to both legal custody (decision-making authority) and physical custody (where the child resides), while visitation rights ensure that the non-custodial parent maintains meaningful contact with the child.
The paramount consideration in any custody determination is the welfare of the minor—a legal standard that goes beyond mere emotional preference or parental convenience. Courts assess custody cases based on a variety of factors, including:
The Pakistani legal system recognizes several forms of custody arrangements:
At Qadeer & Zaheer, we understand that child custody matters are not one-sided. We offer legal support to:
We advocate for mothers aiming to secure or retain custody of their children, particularly in early childhood years, as Islamic jurisprudence and local law traditionally favor maternal custody of young children—provided the mother is deemed fit and responsible.
We also represent fathers who are either seeking custody or facing unjust denial of visitation rights. Our firm strongly believes in protecting the child's right to a meaningful relationship with both parents, as long as such a relationship serves the child’s welfare.
Whether you are initiating a custody claim, seeking enforcement of visitation rights, or responding to an existing case, our lawyers at Qadeer & Zaheer are here to protect your interests with compassion, discretion, and legal excellence.
At Qadeer & Zaheer (Advocates & Legal Consultants), we offer specialized legal services for obtaining Guardianship Certificates from Family Courts in Pakistan. Whether you are a biological parent, close relative, or a third party seeking legal authority to care for a minor, our team provides reliable legal assistance to help you fulfill your responsibility lawfully and effectively.
A Guardianship Certificate is a legal document issued by the Family Court under the Guardians and Wards Act, 1890, officially recognizing an individual as the lawful guardian of a minor child. This certificate is necessary in situations where the guardian needs to:
In the absence of a guardianship certificate, a person—even a close relative—may face legal and bureaucratic barriers in acting on behalf of the child.
Under Pakistani law, the natural guardian is usually the father of the minor. However, in his absence, or if he is deemed unfit or unavailable, guardianship can be granted to:
The court evaluates each case based on the welfare of the minor, including emotional bonds, financial capacity, moral character, and the ability of the applicant to protect and care for the child.
Our firm handles the entire legal process required for obtaining a Guardianship Certificate, including:
The process typically involves filing an application supported by documentary proof such as:
Our family law team brings together legal acumen, procedural expertise, and a compassionate approach to guide you through sensitive guardianship matters. We understand the legal complexities and emotional nuances involved in caring for a child, and we work diligently to secure judicial recognition of your right to act in the child’s best interests.
Whether you are a grandparent stepping in after the loss of parents, a mother needing formal recognition in a school or legal setting, or a relative planning to take a child abroad, our firm ensures that the legal guardianship process is handled smoothly, lawfully, and efficiently.
At Qadeer & Zaheer, we are committed to resolving family law matters with sensitivity, professionalism, and legal expertise. Contact us today to discuss how we can assist you with your family law needs in Karachi.
With a track record of success, our legal professionals bring a wealth of experience to the table. We have successfully navigated a diverse range of cases, earning the trust and confidence of our clients.
We offer forward-thinking legal strategies tailored to each client’s needs. Our innovative approach ensures personalized guidance, proactive problem-solving, and practical solutions that drive efficiency, compliance.
We approach every case with careful planning, customizing our legal strategies to suit each client’s unique situation. Our dedicated focus is on delivering tangible results, long-term value, and exceptional client support.
Integrity and ethics are the cornerstones of our practice. We adhere to the highest standards of professionalism, ensuring that our clients receive legal representation that is not only effective but also ethically sound.