Family Law Checklist

Family Law Case Checklist

Many family law cases are delayed not because of legal complications but because important documents are missing.

Whether you are filing a divorce case, Khula case, child custody matter, maintenance claim, visitation rights petition, guardianship application, inheritance matter, or marriage registration issue, having the correct documents ready from the beginning can save significant time and expense.

This Family Law Checklist provides a practical overview of the documents and information commonly required in Pakistani family law matters.

Basic Documents Required For Most Family Law Cases

The following documents are commonly required in almost every family law matter:

• Original CNIC.

• Biometric Verification

• CNIC copies of relevant parties.

• Family Registration Certificate (FRC).

• Current address details.

• Mobile numbers and contact information.

• Recent passport-size photographs.

• Supporting documents relevant to the dispute.

Marriage Related Documents Checklist

For matters involving marriage, divorce, Khula, maintenance, custody, or family disputes, the following documents are frequently required:

• Nikah Nama.

• Marriage Registration Certificate.

• Union Council registration records.

• Photographs relating to the marriage.

• Previous family court orders (if any).

• Divorce Certificate (where applicable).

• Khula Decree (where applicable).

Child Custody Checklist

Parents filing child custody matters should generally gather:

• Birth Certificate of the child.

• B-Form.

• Family Registration Certificate (FRC).

• School records.

• Educational reports.

• Medical records.

• Vaccination records.

• Photographs with the child.

• Previous custody orders.

• Evidence relevant to the child's welfare.

Related guide: Child Custody Petition Format.

Child Maintenance Checklist

For maintenance claims, supporting financial documents can be extremely important.

• Birth Certificate of the child.

• B-Form.

• School fee receipts.

• School admission documents.

• Medical bills.

• Prescription records.

• Expense records.

• Evidence regarding the parent's income.

• Previous maintenance orders.

Related guide: Child Maintenance Petition Format.

Visitation Rights Checklist

• Birth Certificate of the child.

• B-Form.

• Family Registration Certificate.

• Previous custody orders.

• Previous visitation orders.

• Communication records.

• Evidence of denied access.

• School details.

• Travel information where relevant.

Guardianship Checklist

Guardianship cases often require additional documentation relating to the minor.

• Birth Certificate of the minor.

• B-Form.

• Family Registration Certificate.

• Death Certificate of parent (if applicable).

• Passport records.

• School records.

• Medical records.

• Property documents of the minor.

• Inheritance documents.

Haq Mehr Recovery Checklist

• Nikah Nama.

• Marriage Registration Certificate.

• CNIC of the claimant.

• Family Registration Certificate.

• Divorce Certificate (if applicable).

• Khula Decree (if applicable).

• Evidence of unpaid Haq Mehr.

• Property records where relevant.

• Financial records where relevant.

Dowry Articles Recovery Checklist

Dowry cases become much stronger when proper evidence exists.

• Dowry list.

• Photographs of articles.

• Purchase receipts.

• Jewellery receipts.

• Nikah Nama.

• Marriage Registration Certificate.

• CNIC of the claimant.

• Witness information.

• Evidence showing possession of articles.

Inheritance Checklist

Inheritance matters usually require extensive family and property documentation.

• Death Certificate.

• CNIC of legal heirs.

• Family Registration Certificate (FRC).

• Property ownership documents.

• Revenue records.

• Bank account records.

• Investment records.

• Vehicle ownership documents.

• Business ownership documents.

• Legal Heir Certificate (if available).

Related guide: Inheritance Petition Format.

Court Marriage Checklist

• Original CNIC of bride.

• Original CNIC of groom.

• Passport-size photographs.

• Two witnesses.

• Witness CNIC copies.

• Affidavit of free will.

• Divorce Certificate (if previously married).

• Death Certificate of former spouse (where applicable).

Marriage Registration Checklist

• Nikah Nama.

• CNIC of husband.

• CNIC of wife.

• Witness information.

• Passport-size photographs.

• Proof of residence.

• Union Council details.

• Marriage-related supporting documents.

Overseas Pakistani Family Law Checklist

Overseas Pakistanis generally require additional documents.

• NICOP.

• Pakistani Passport.

• Residence Permit.

• Visa copy.

• Special Power of Attorney.

• Nikah Nama.

• Marriage Registration Certificate.

• Birth Certificates of children.

• Family Registration Certificate.

• Foreign address proof.

• Travel records where relevant.

Related guide: Overseas Pakistani Family Law Application Format.

Information You Should Prepare Before Meeting A Family Lawyer

• Full names of all parties.

• Current addresses.

• Dates of marriage.

• Dates of separation.

• Children's details.

• Property details.

• Income information.

• Previous court proceedings.

• Previous settlements or agreements.

• Key events and timelines.

Common Mistakes That Delay Family Law Cases

• Missing Nikah Nama.

• Incomplete FRC.

• Lost Birth Certificates.

• Incorrect CNIC information.

• Failure to preserve receipts and records.

• Missing property ownership documents.

• Failure to identify all legal heirs.

• Using unofficial or uncertified documents.

Need Help Preparing Your Family Law Documents?

At Malhi Law Associates, we help clients identify the documents required for Divorce, Khula, Child Custody, Child Maintenance, Visitation Rights, Guardianship, Haq Mehr Recovery, Dowry Articles Recovery, Court Marriage, Marriage Registration, Inheritance, and Overseas Pakistani Family Law matters throughout Pakistan.