After pronouncing talaq, the husband must give written notice to the chairman of the relevant Union Parishad or the equivalent city corporation or municipal authority, and send a copy to his wife. The chairman forms an Arbitration Council with representatives of both spouses to attempt reconciliation. If the talaq is not revoked, it takes effect ninety days after the chairman receives the notice. It should then be properly registered with the Nikah Registrar. Skipping notice is an offence and may leave the marriage intact, so the divorce procedure should be followed carefully and documented at each stage.

Yes, in two main situations. First, if the kabinnama gives her a delegated right of divorce, usually in the clause dealing with that right, she can exercise it by talaq-e-tafweez and follow the same notice process as a husband. Second, if both spouses agree, they can separate by khula or mubara'at, normally recording terms on dower and other claims. If neither applies, the wife must apply to the Family Court. Recent case law emphasises that notice to the local authority remains important even in agreed separations, so we follow the full divorce procedure in every case.

A husband can pronounce talaq and give notice, but the law delays its effect. Where the wife is pregnant, the talaq does not take effect until the later of ninety days from notice and the end of the pregnancy. Until then the couple remain married, the husband must maintain his wife, and either can seek reconciliation through the Arbitration Council. The child's status, right to maintenance and the mother's custody rights in early years are not affected. We advise both wives and husbands on their rights and obligations during this period and on documenting the dates correctly.

Once the talaq takes effect, the local authority that received the notice can issue a certificate or letter confirming that the divorce has become effective, and the Nikah Registrar who registered the divorce can provide a certified copy of the register entry. Requirements, fees and practice vary between Union Parishads, city corporations and municipalities. Overseas authorities often require both documents, translated into English and attested. If the notice was never properly served, there may be no valid certificate to issue. We obtain and check these documents and correct defects where the divorce procedure was incomplete.

A straightforward talaq or talaq-e-tafweez with proper notice takes effect after ninety days, or later if the wife is pregnant, and registration follows. Agreed separations can be completed within a similar period if the settlement is ready. A contested Family Court case for dissolution or for dower and maintenance takes longer, depending on the court's list, service on the other side, evidence and any appeal, and in some districts pre-case mediation now comes first. We give a realistic estimate of time at the start of each matter and explain what can be done to keep the case moving.

Any unpaid prompt dower remains due, and deferred dower generally becomes payable when the marriage ends. The wife is entitled to maintenance during the iddat period, and the father remains responsible for maintaining his children whatever the custody arrangements. If payment is delayed or refused, the wife can bring a claim in the Family Court, and the court can order interim maintenance. The divorce procedure itself does not cancel these rights, and a husband cannot avoid dower by divorcing. We advise on calculating claims accurately, negotiating payment and enforcing decrees where needed.

Many of our cases involve a spouse in the UK, the Gulf or North America. A Bangladeshi talaq can be given from abroad, with notice served through an authorised representative and correct addresses for service, and a power of attorney can allow a lawyer or relative to deal with the local authority and registrar. Foreign divorces may need recognition in Bangladesh, and Bangladeshi divorces may need to be accepted overseas, which depends on that country's own law. We coordinate the divorce procedure in Bangladesh with counsel abroad so the outcome is recognised wherever it matters.

Hindu personal law in Bangladesh does not generally provide for divorce. A Hindu wife can instead seek separate residence and maintenance on recognised grounds under the 1946 Act, and property and custody questions go to the courts. Christian spouses must apply to the court under the Divorce Act 1869, and a decree may require confirmation by the High Court Division. Civil marriages under the Special Marriage Act 1872 and interfaith marriages need separate and careful analysis. We advise on the correct framework and divorce procedure for each faith and represent clients in the relevant court proceedings.