You would get custody of your daughter if husband is agreeable in mutual consent divorce
if he is not agreeable then you have to file petition seeking sole custody of daughter
your extra marital affair is not ground to deny you custody
I am in an unhealthy, mentally draining marital relationship since 8 years and 2 years back I landed up in an affair. My husband got to know about it and we are seeking marriage counselling. In case , the counselling does not work, can we go for a mutual consent divorce? He might fight for custody of our daughter on grounds of my infedility, but is that possible? My in laws are incapable of taking care of the child and their home environment is unsafe for the child, he has a mentally retarted sister and in many instance she has tried harming my daughter, when i had visited them. I am an independent well earning woman. I have my mother, who is a home maker and stays with my sister. My mother has taken care of the child, during most of our childhood and she too is financially independent. Please let me know, what happens in such cases and what would be the best way to get out of these relationship amicably, so that even he is not hurt.
You would get custody of your daughter if husband is agreeable in mutual consent divorce
if he is not agreeable then you have to file petition seeking sole custody of daughter
your extra marital affair is not ground to deny you custody
- Yes, you can take his consent for mutual divorce , and which can be granted within a short period of time.
- Your affair cannot be a ground for the refusal of custody of the daughter.
- Under the Guardian and Ward Act, , the welfare of the child as the paramount importance, like ethical upbringing of the child, Safe-keeping of the child, Good education , and economic well-being of the guardian.
- Further, as per the Supreme Court, for the custody of the minor, the only consideration is the welfare of the minor.
- Under Hindu law, A mother usually gets custody of the minor child, under the age of 5 and fathers get custody of older boys, but it is not a strict rule and is primarily decided based on the child’s interests.
You can talk to him and make him agree for mutual consent divorce on the condition that the child custody will be with you and he can have visitation rights to visit the child periodically on agreed time and schedules.
The situation at his house is not conducive for the child's growth and you can very well argue upon the point namely he has a mentally retarded sister and old aged ,mother who cannot take care of her own self, hence considering the child's welfare is paramount, the child custody to be given to you.
It further depends on how strongly you project your case in your favor.
Mutual Consent Divorce is possible even if counselling fails, both must agree to divorce terms, including child custody.
Custody of 5-year-old daughter usually favors the mother, especially if:
You are financially independent.
You can show a safer, stable home environment (vs unsafe conditions at in-laws’).
Infidelity alone does not disqualify you from getting custody — child’s welfare is most important, not parents' conduct.
Best way forward:
Negotiate custody terms during mutual consent discussions itself.
Mention clear parenting/visitation rights in the divorce petition.
Highlight your financial stability, safer environment, and support from your mother.
Dear Client,
Hope this helps you; if you still have any clarifications or issues, do not hesitate to ask.
My daughter will turn 5 this year, and he too wants shared custody. He is not a responsible person, how can i make him agree on this point. He wants the child to stay with him as well, which i don't think would be feasible. What are the best alternatives for shared parenting for a 5 year old minor girl. I don't want to get into any fights, when it comes to child and would like to settle it amicable. Previously he said, he would keep the child with him over the weekends , then later again changed his statement to weekdays also. Please provide me a solution, how to deal with this.
Let the court decide issue as to custody of your child as your husband is not ready to accept only visitation rights
If the case is going on in a court you may have to wait for the disposal.
You can strongly challenge the custody case if you find a good reason in this case
Yes, you can get custody of your 5-year-old daughter through mutual consent divorce, especially if:
You’re financially independent and stable.
The child’s safety and well-being is better ensured with you.
Your husband’s family environment is proven unsafe (e.g., incidents with his sister).
Infidelity is not a disqualification for custody. The court prioritizes child’s best interest, not marital faults.
Negotiate joint legal custody but physical custody (where the child lives) with you.
Offer liberal visitation rights:
Alternate weekends with father.
Mid-week video calls.
Shared holidays/summer breaks.
Include terms in the mutual consent petition itself to avoid future disputes.
Emphasize stability and daily routine for child.
Highlight that he’ll still be involved through visitation.
Mention that joint decision-making (education, health) will remain.