Terms of Service

Section 1

Nature of Mutual Divorce Online

Mutual Divorce Online is an online legal-service facilitation and case-coordination platform through which individuals may initiate enquiries and engage legal services relating to mutual consent divorce and other related matrimonial legal services in India.

Depending on the nature and requirements of a particular matter, services may include preliminary case assessment, collection and review of information and documents, legal consultation, preparation of settlement terms, drafting of petitions and supporting documents, filing coordination, coordination with advocates, court-hearing coordination and assistance through the relevant stages of the legal process.

Legal representation, where applicable, is undertaken by an advocate assigned or engaged for the particular matter and subject to applicable law, professional requirements, court procedures and the circumstances of the case.

The Website itself does not constitute a court, government authority, statutory body or judicial forum.

Section 2

Acceptance and Applicability of These Terms

These Terms apply to:

• visitors and users of the Website;
• persons submitting enquiries or applications;
• persons making payments through the Website;
• clients engaging our services;
• persons providing information or documents in connection with a matter; and
• communications and transactions undertaken through the Platform.

Additional terms may apply to particular services, payment arrangements, engagement communications or case-specific instructions. Where such terms are expressly provided to you, they shall be read together with these Terms.

In the event of an inconsistency between these Terms and a specific written engagement or service communication issued for a particular matter, the specific written engagement terms shall prevail to the extent of that inconsistency, unless otherwise stated.

Section 3

Eligibility to Use the Website and Services

You must be legally competent to enter into an agreement under applicable law in order to engage our services.

By using the Website or submitting an application, you represent that:

• the information provided by you is true and accurate to the best of your knowledge;
• you are providing the information voluntarily;
• you are authorised to provide the information and documents submitted by you;
• you are not using the Website for any unlawful, fraudulent or unauthorised purpose; and
• you will comply with applicable laws and these Terms.

Where a person submits an application on behalf of another individual, that person is responsible for ensuring that they are authorised to do so.

Section 4

Nature of a Mutual Consent Divorce Matter

A mutual consent divorce is dependent upon the continuing and voluntary consent and cooperation of the parties to the marriage.

Submission of an online application by one spouse does not, by itself, establish that the other spouse has independently instructed us, accepted the proposed settlement terms, or agreed to proceed with a mutual consent divorce.

Before the matter proceeds to substantive legal processing, we may communicate separately with the spouses to understand their respective positions, verify consent and obtain information necessary for preparation of the matter.

Where the other spouse does not provide the required confirmation, cooperation, information, documents or consent, the matter may not proceed as a mutual consent divorce.

Section 5

Formation and Scope of the Legal Engagement

Submission of an online form, enquiry or application does not by itself constitute an unconditional acceptance of the matter for legal representation.

An engagement may be subject to:

• preliminary review of the information supplied;
• verification of jurisdiction;
• verification of identity and documents;
• confirmation of mutual consent;
• conflict-of-interest checks;
• availability of an appropriate advocate;
• professional and ethical considerations;
• applicable legal requirements; and
• acceptance of the matter by the Firm/assigned advocate.

The scope of services shall be determined by the service selected by the Client, the applicable service description, the applicable Payment Policy and any specific engagement communication issued for the matter.

Services outside the agreed scope may require a separate engagement and additional professional fees.

Section 6

Client Responsibilities

The Client is responsible for providing complete, accurate, current and truthful information and genuine documents relevant to the matter.

The Client shall:

• provide accurate personal, matrimonial, residential and contact information;
• provide genuine and valid documents;
• disclose material facts that may reasonably affect the matter;
• promptly inform us of any material change in circumstances;
• provide documents and information within the requested time;
• provide signatures, affidavits, declarations and confirmations when required;
• remain reasonably available for communication;
• make stage payments when due;
• comply with reasonable procedural instructions;
• attend court or other proceedings when personal appearance is required or directed by the Court;
• ensure that the other spouse is appropriately informed and available where their participation is required; and
• cooperate with the Firm, assigned advocate and relevant court procedures.

The Client shall not knowingly provide false, misleading, incomplete, forged, altered or fabricated information or documents.

Consequences arising from inaccurate, incomplete, misleading or withheld information supplied by the Client shall not be attributed to the Firm or assigned advocate to the extent permitted by applicable law.

Detailed client responsibilities and related disclaimers are set out in the Legal Disclaimer & Client Responsibilities.

Section 7

Responsibility for the Other Spouse's Cooperation

In a mutual consent divorce, certain stages require the participation, consent, signatures, statements or appearance of both spouses.

The Firm cannot compel the other spouse to:

• provide information;
• sign documents;
• agree to settlement terms;
• remain available;
• appear before the Court;
• continue consenting to the divorce; or
• comply with a requested timeline.

If either spouse withdraws consent, becomes unavailable, refuses to cooperate or changes their position, the matter may be delayed, altered or become unsuitable for continuation as a mutual consent divorce.

Any resulting consequences shall be dealt with in accordance with the applicable service terms and Refund & Cancellation Policy.

Section 8

Accuracy, Verification and Reliance on Client Information

We may reasonably rely upon information, declarations and documents supplied by the Client for the purpose of assessing, preparing and progressing the matter.

We may request additional information or documents where necessary.

We may also undertake reasonable verification or clarification where appropriate; however, unless expressly agreed otherwise, the Client remains responsible for the authenticity, completeness and accuracy of information and documents supplied.

Providing information to us does not relieve the Client of the responsibility to independently review documents prepared for their approval and to bring any error, omission or change in circumstances to our attention before the relevant document is finalised or filed.

Section 9

Assignment and Reassignment of Advocates

The Firm may assign an advocate or legal professional to a matter based on factors including jurisdiction, availability, professional requirements, workload, scheduling, expertise, conflict checks and other operational considerations.

Where reasonably necessary, we may reassign a matter to another advocate or legal professional for continuity of service, scheduling, availability, professional requirements or other legitimate operational reasons.

An advocate assigned to a matter may therefore change during the course of the engagement.

Such assignment or reassignment shall not, by itself, constitute a failure to provide the contracted service.

Any advocate handling the matter shall remain subject to applicable professional and ethical obligations.

Section 10

Right to Decline or Discontinue a Matter

We reserve the right, subject to applicable law and professional obligations, to decline to accept a matter or to discontinue services where continuation is reasonably considered inappropriate, impracticable, unlawful or professionally impermissible.

Circumstances may include, without limitation:

• conflict of interest;
• inability to verify identity or documents;
• inaccurate, misleading or materially incomplete information;
• suspected fraud, forgery or misrepresentation;
• non-cooperation by a Client;
• persistent failure to provide required documents or instructions;
• failure to make payments when due;
• instructions that are unlawful or inconsistent with professional obligations;
• abusive, threatening or seriously inappropriate conduct;
• circumstances outside the agreed scope of engagement;
• inability to establish appropriate jurisdiction;
• material change in the circumstances of the matter; or
• any other circumstance in which continuation of the engagement would be inconsistent with applicable law or professional obligations.

Where services are discontinued after payment, the financial consequences, if any, shall be determined in accordance with the applicable Refund & Cancellation Policy and applicable law.

Section 11

Conflict of Interest

Before accepting or continuing a matter, we or the assigned advocate may conduct such conflict checks as may reasonably be required.

If an actual or potential conflict of interest is identified, we may decline to accept the matter, reassign the matter where professionally permissible, or discontinue representation where required or permitted by applicable professional obligations.

No person should assume that contacting the Website or submitting an enquiry automatically creates an advocate-client relationship or prevents an advocate from representing another person.

Section 12

Legal Advice and Professional Judgment

Information available on the Website is intended to provide general legal and procedural information.

Case-specific legal advice may depend upon the facts, documents, applicable law, jurisdiction, court practice and other circumstances of the individual matter.

The Firm and assigned advocates retain professional judgment regarding legal strategy, drafting, filing, procedural steps and representation.

Clients may be advised that a particular course of action is legally or procedurally inappropriate, unavailable or unsuitable. Payment for a service does not entitle a Client to require an advocate to undertake an action that the advocate reasonably considers unlawful, unethical, misleading or professionally inappropriate.

Section 13

No Guarantee of Court Outcome

No representation, statement or communication by the Firm shall be understood as a guarantee that:

• a divorce decree will necessarily be granted;
• a petition will necessarily be accepted by the Court;
• a particular settlement term will necessarily be approved;
• a cooling-off period will necessarily be waived;
• a particular application will necessarily be allowed;
• a particular court date will be assigned;
• the matter will be completed within a particular period; or
• any particular judicial or administrative outcome will occur.

All court orders, judicial decisions, procedural directions and case outcomes remain subject to the jurisdiction and discretion of the competent Court or authority.

Section 14

No Guarantee of Timeline

Any timeline communicated through the Website, by telephone, email, WhatsApp or other communication channel is an indicative estimate unless expressly stated otherwise in writing.

The actual duration of a matter may depend upon factors including:

• court workload;
• availability of hearing dates;
• registry requirements;
• adjournments;
• judicial directions;
• document deficiencies;
• jurisdictional issues;
• additional applications;
• availability and cooperation of the parties;
• court holidays;
• technical or e-filing issues;
• government or third-party processes; and
• other circumstances outside the Firm's reasonable control.

Accordingly, no estimated timeline should be treated as a guaranteed completion date.

Section 15

Court and Procedural Discretion

The Firm may prepare, file and present documents and applications in accordance with the applicable legal and procedural requirements. However, the Court retains independent authority over matters placed before it.

The Court may:

• request additional documents;
• require corrections or modifications;
• require additional appearances;
• adjourn a matter;
• decline a particular request;
• require further verification;
• issue procedural directions; or
• pass any order permitted by law.

The Firm cannot control or guarantee the actions, decisions, listing practices or directions of a Court, registry, government authority or other third party.

Section 16

Court Appearances and Personal Attendance

Where personal appearance of one or both spouses is required by the Court, the Client remains responsible for attending as directed.

Where video conferencing, exemption, representation through an authorised person or another alternative procedure may be legally available, its availability remains subject to applicable law, court rules, judicial orders and the discretion of the relevant Court.

The Firm does not guarantee that a Client will be permitted to avoid personal attendance merely because the matter was initiated online or because remote procedures may be available in some cases.

Section 17

Communication and Official Contact Details

The Client must provide accurate and accessible contact details, including email address and mobile number, and must promptly notify us of any change.

Communications relating to a matter may be made through:

• email;
• telephone;
• WhatsApp or other electronic messaging services;
• online forms or portals; and
• other communication channels designated by us.

A Client should not assume that an instruction, request or document has been received or acted upon merely because it has been sent. Where acknowledgment is reasonably required, the Client should obtain confirmation from the designated communication channel.

The Firm may maintain records of relevant communications for case administration, legal, compliance, security and evidentiary purposes, subject to the Privacy Policy and applicable law.

Section 18

Automated Emails, Notifications and Electronic Communications

The Website and associated systems may generate automated communications, including:

• application acknowledgements;
• payment confirmations;
• form submission confirmations;
• document-related notifications;
• status updates;
• reminders;
• verification messages; and
• other service-related communications.

Such communications may be generated and delivered automatically at any time, including outside normal business hours, weekends and public holidays, based on actions taken through the Website, application system, payment system or other authorised communication channel.

The timing of delivery of an automated communication shall not, by itself, be interpreted as evidence that a member of the legal team personally initiated or reviewed that communication at that particular time.

The person submitting an application is responsible for the contact information supplied by them, including contact details relating to the other spouse, and represents that they are authorised to provide such information.

Section 19

Electronic Records and Electronic Acceptance

The Client acknowledges that electronic records may be maintained in relation to applications, communications, documents, approvals, payments and other interactions.

Where the Client electronically accepts terms, submits information, approves a document, provides a confirmation or completes a payment, such action may be recorded and relied upon as evidence of the relevant transaction or communication, subject to applicable law.

The Client is responsible for maintaining the security of their email account, mobile device, passwords, OTPs and other credentials used in connection with the service.

Section 20

Documents, Drafts and Client Approval

Documents prepared for a matter may be shared with the Client for review, clarification, correction or approval.

The Client is responsible for reviewing material information contained in documents before providing approval, signatures or instructions for filing.

Where the Client identifies an error or omission, the Client should immediately notify the Firm before the document is filed or relied upon.

Once a document has been approved, signed or filed, subsequent changes may require additional work, correction, refiling or other procedural steps and may be subject to additional fees where applicable.

Section 21

Scope of Services and Additional Work

The service purchased by a Client is limited to the scope expressly described for that service.

Unless expressly included, a mutual consent divorce engagement does not automatically include unrelated or additional proceedings such as:

• contested divorce proceedings;
• domestic violence proceedings;
• criminal proceedings;
• maintenance proceedings outside the agreed scope;
• child custody litigation beyond the agreed service;
• property litigation;
• execution proceedings;
• appeals or revisions;
• contempt proceedings;
• separate legal notices;
• independent agreements or transactions; or
• other proceedings unrelated to the agreed service.

Additional work may be undertaken subject to a separate professional fee and engagement.

Section 22

Court, Government and Third-Party Expenses

Professional fees and service charges are governed by the applicable Payment Policy.

Unless expressly stated otherwise for a particular service, expenses imposed or charged by courts, government authorities, registries, notaries, embassies, consulates, translators, couriers, attestation agencies, payment providers or other third parties may be payable separately.

Where a particular service package expressly includes specified expenses, such inclusion shall be governed by the description applicable to that service.

Section 23

Payment Obligations

Clients are required to make stage payments in accordance with the applicable Payment Policy.

Where a payment becomes due and remains unpaid, we may suspend further work until the payment is received.

Any delay caused by non-payment, delayed instructions, missing documents or other Client-side delay may correspondingly affect the progress of the matter.

Payment terms, fee structure and stage-wise charges are governed by the Payment Policy.

Section 24

Cancellation and Refunds

Cancellation, withdrawal from a matter and refund eligibility are governed by the Refund & Cancellation Policy.

A Client's decision to discontinue the matter, reconcile with the spouse, change legal strategy, engage another advocate, fail to cooperate or otherwise cease to proceed does not automatically create a right to a refund.

Refund eligibility, where applicable, shall depend upon the nature and stage of the services, work already performed, the applicable Refund & Cancellation Policy and applicable law.

Section 25

Website Availability and Technical Limitations

We endeavour to keep the Website and associated systems available and functional; however, continuous or uninterrupted availability cannot be guaranteed.

The Website may occasionally be unavailable because of:

• maintenance;
• server or hosting issues;
• software or hardware failure;
• internet connectivity problems;
• cyber incidents;
• payment gateway issues;
• third-party service interruptions;
• telecommunications failures;
• scheduled upgrades; or
• circumstances beyond our reasonable control.

We shall not be responsible for delays or losses caused solely by technical failures or circumstances outside our reasonable control, subject always to applicable law.

Section 26

Third-Party Services and Websites

The Website may use or link to third-party services, websites or technologies, including payment gateways, communication platforms, hosting providers, analytics services, document services and other infrastructure providers.

Third-party services operate under their own terms and policies.

We do not control the operation, availability, security or policies of third-party platforms and shall not be responsible for matters solely attributable to such third parties, subject to applicable law.

Section 27

Prohibited Use

You shall not use the Website or our services:

• for any unlawful purpose;
• to submit knowingly false or fraudulent information;
• to upload forged or manipulated documents;
• to impersonate another person;
• to interfere with Website security or functionality;
• to attempt unauthorised access to systems or accounts;
• to transmit malicious software;
• to misuse personal information belonging to another person;
• to harass, threaten or abuse our personnel or associated professionals; or
• in any manner that may expose the Firm, its personnel, advocates or service providers to unlawful or professional risk.

We may suspend or restrict access where reasonably necessary to protect the Website, our personnel, clients, service providers or legal interests.

Section 28

Confidentiality and Privacy

We recognise the sensitive nature of matrimonial and legal information.

Information provided through the Website or in connection with a legal matter will be handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy, applicable professional obligations and applicable law.

Confidentiality may be subject to circumstances in which disclosure is required or permitted by law, court order, professional obligations, regulatory requirements or legitimate legal processes.

The Privacy Policy separately explains the collection, use, storage, disclosure and protection of personal information.

Section 29

Intellectual Property

Unless otherwise stated, the Website and its contents, including text, graphics, photographs, logos, page designs, layouts, forms, original written material and other content, are owned by or licensed to Mutual Divorce Online and are protected by applicable intellectual-property laws.

You may access and use the Website for lawful personal purposes.

You may not, without prior written permission:

• reproduce substantial portions of Website content;
• copy or republish proprietary forms or materials;
• commercially exploit Website content;
• modify or redistribute Website materials;
• reproduce Website designs or layouts; or
• represent our content as your own.

Section 30

Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, Mutual Divorce Online and persons acting on its behalf shall not be responsible for loss or delay arising solely from circumstances beyond reasonable control, including court decisions, court scheduling, government action, third-party failures, Client-supplied information, failure of the other spouse to cooperate, technical failures, communication failures or other external circumstances.

Nothing in these Terms is intended to exclude, restrict or limit liability or rights that cannot lawfully be excluded, restricted or limited under applicable law.

Nothing in these Terms shall be interpreted as relieving any advocate or legal professional from their professional or ethical obligations.

Section 31

Events Beyond Reasonable Control

We shall not be responsible for delay or inability to perform caused by circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including natural disasters, public emergencies, government restrictions, court closures, strikes, widespread technical failures, telecommunications outages, cyber incidents, infrastructure failures or other circumstances that materially interfere with the provision of services.

Where such circumstances affect a matter, we will endeavour to resume or continue the relevant service when reasonably practicable.

Section 32

No Waiver

Failure or delay by us in enforcing any provision of these Terms shall not constitute a waiver of that provision or of our right to enforce it subsequently.

Any waiver must be understood in the context in which it is expressly given and shall not constitute a general waiver of future enforcement.

Section 33

Severability

If any provision of these Terms is determined by a competent authority to be unlawful, invalid or unenforceable, that provision shall be interpreted or modified to the minimum extent necessary, where legally permissible, and the remaining provisions shall continue to operate to the fullest extent permitted by law.

Section 34

Modifications to These Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time to reflect changes in our services, procedures, technology, legal requirements or business operations.

The updated version will be published on the Website with a revised "Last Updated" date.

Unless otherwise required by applicable law, changes shall apply prospectively.

Where a material change affects an existing engagement in a manner requiring specific notice or consent under applicable law, appropriate communication will be provided.

Section 35

Relationship with Other Policies

These Terms should be read together with:

• Payment Policy — governing fees, payment stages and payment-related matters.
• Refund & Cancellation Policy — governing cancellation and refund eligibility.
• Legal Disclaimer & Client Responsibilities — governing legal disclaimers, client obligations, limitations, court-related matters and related responsibilities.
• Privacy Policy — governing the collection, use, storage, disclosure and protection of personal information.

Each policy forms part of the overall framework governing use of the Website and engagement of our services.

Section 36

Governing Law and Jurisdiction

These Terms shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws applicable in India.

Any dispute arising in connection with these Terms, the Website or services shall be subject to the jurisdiction of the appropriate courts, tribunals, consumer authorities or other competent legal forums having jurisdiction under applicable law.

Nothing in these Terms is intended to deprive a Client of any mandatory legal right or remedy available under applicable law.

Section 37

Complaints and Communication

We encourage Clients to raise any concern regarding a service promptly so that it can be reviewed and addressed where appropriate.

For questions regarding these Terms or your engagement, you may contact:

Email: support@mutualdivorceonline.com

Where a matter relates specifically to a refund, payment or cancellation, the Client should follow the procedure specified in the applicable Refund & Cancellation Policy.

Section 38

Acknowledgement and Acceptance

By accessing the Website, submitting an application, providing information, communicating with us regarding a matter, making a payment or otherwise engaging our services, you acknowledge that:

• you have read and understood these Terms;
• you have had an opportunity to review the related policies;
• the information supplied by you is accurate to the best of your knowledge;
• you understand that mutual consent divorce depends upon the continued consent and cooperation of both spouses;
• you understand that courts and other authorities retain independent discretion over matters placed before them;
• you understand that no particular legal outcome or completion date is guaranteed; and
• you agree to comply with these Terms and the applicable policies governing the relevant service.