Don’t badmouth each other before children as parenthood continues even after divorce, Karnataka HC tells couple while dissolving marriage

The High Court of Karnataka recently dissolved a marriage and issued a ruling that highlights the importance of respectful communication between divorced parents, particularly when it involves their minor children. While granting the dissolution of the union, the court emphasized the need for the couple to avoid disparaging remarks about each other, especially in the presence of their two daughters.

The court also ordered the husband to pay a monthly maintenance allowance of ₹25,000 per child for the upbringing, education, and medical expenses of their two daughters, until they reach the age of majority. The wife, a practicing medical doctor, had her alimony reduced from ₹2 crore to ₹50 lakh, taking into account her financial independence and assets. The children will continue to reside with their mother.

The ruling further stipulated that the father should contribute to his children's marriage expenses when the time comes, providing emotional and financial support. The court granted the father visitation rights, allowing him to spend two days a week with the children, provided the mother cooperates and ensures a smooth co-parenting relationship.

The father is also granted the right to communicate with the children via phone calls or video chats in emergencies, as needed. However, both parents are reminded to maintain peace and avoid exposing the children to conflicts during these interactions.