NRI Divorce Documents Checklist: What Indian Courts Actually Require

A clear, court-practical guide to the documents required for filing divorce in India while living abroad.

Filing a divorce in India while living abroad requires careful documentation. Missing, incomplete, or incorrectly prepared documents are among the most common reasons for delay in NRI divorce cases.

At NRI Divorce Online, we follow a strict pre-verification approach — ensuring all documents are checked, aligned, and court-ready before filing, so your case proceeds smoothly without registry objections.

Below is a clear checklist of documents generally required for an NRI Mutual Divorce. Requirements may vary slightly depending on the court and jurisdiction.

1. Address Proof of Husband and Wife

Address proof is required to establish both current overseas residence and permanent Indian address.

Current Overseas Address Proof

  • Utility bill (electricity / water / gas)
  • Driving licence
  • Residence permit or visa
  • Government-issued ID

Permanent Indian Address Proof

  • Aadhaar Card
  • Passport (Indian address page)
  • Voter ID
  • Driving Licence

2. Marriage Proof (Husband & Wife)

Marriage proof establishes the fact of marriage, especially where the marriage was not formally registered at the time.

Accepted supporting documents include:

  • Wedding invitation card
  • Certificate or letter from religious institution: Mandir, Church, Mosque, or Gurudwara
  • Photographs of the marriage ceremony (accepted in some courts)

These documents help the court verify that a valid marriage ceremony took place.

3. Marriage Certificate (If Registered)

If the marriage is registered, the Marriage Certificate is mandatory and becomes the primary proof of marriage.

  • Issued by Registrar of Marriages
  • Municipal Authority

📌 Where available, the registered marriage certificate is always preferred over other forms of proof.

4. Address Proof of Special Power of Attorney (SPoA) Holder

This requirement applies only when the divorce is filed through a Special Power of Attorney (SPoA).

Required document:

  • Indian address proof of SPoA holder (Aadhaar / Passport / Voter ID / Driving Licence)

This allows the court to verify the identity and location of the authorised representative.

5. Birth Certificate of Children (If Applicable)

In cases involving minor children, some courts require the child’s birth certificate to record accurate details regarding age and parentage.

Why Proper Documentation Matters in NRI Divorce

  • Prevents jurisdiction-related objections
  • Avoids unnecessary court delays
  • Reduces repeat filings and adjournments
  • Ensures smooth recording of statements
  • Speeds up the overall divorce timeline

How NRI Divorce Online Helps

  • Providing document-specific guidance
  • Verifying documents before filing
  • Advising on notarisation vs embassy attestation
  • Preparing SPoA formats
  • Ensuring court-compliant documentation

Next Step

Proper documentation is the foundation of a smooth NRI divorce. Getting it right at the start saves months of delay and legal uncertainty.

Start with a ₹2,500 Document Review