My husband and I got married in November 2014, but our marriage isn’t registered. Now, we’ve decided to separate amicably. My in-laws are pushing for a “mutual consent divorce” outside of court (MOU). Is this possible? What are the steps involved? What must the agreement include to make sure there are no problems later on for both of us?

Under Indian law, a divorce can only be granted by a court. An “MOU” for mutual consent divorce outside court has no legal standing. To proceed with a divorce, you must file a joint petition for divorce by mutual consent in a family court, adhering to the legal procedures and timeframe. The agreement must include details on property division, alimony, child custody (if applicable), and any other relevant matters to ensure clarity and avoid future disputes.