Court Marriage in Pakistan
Unfortunately, court marriages in Pakistan are not properly understood, and the name can be a little misleading. Often they are referred to on TV and popular Drama Series as some clandestine marriage entrenched in a dark corner of court where a couple hides away and get married before a judge! Needless to say, that is not the case. “Court Marriage” refers simply to a nikah.
Understanding Court Marriages
While most couples get married in a big fancy wedding, there are situations where a court marriage or an online muslim marriage becomes the preferred option. This could be due to geographical constraints, or the need for more reliable documentation.
The same is also true for couples who wish to get married without incurring extortionately high costs, and want to keep the nikah as simple as possible.
What is a Court Marriage?
In Pakistan, a “court marriage” is referred to a legal marriage ceremony conducted outside the norms of tradition. Unlike a traditional marriage, it bypasses the need to confer with friends and relatives, host an event, or could be due to reasons like parental objections (in some circumstances).
Once upon a time, yes, they were conducted in court (hence the name) but now that is no longer the case. Now these court marriages happen online.
Why Choose a Court Marriage?
Couples might choose an online court marriage for several reasons:
- Marriage License Expenses: In countries like Dubai, KSA and England, registering a marriage is far more expensive than registering the marriage in Pakistan, and updating governmental records in their country of choice.
- Objections: For couples facing objections to their union from family and friends, an online court marriage offers a halal, neutral and legal path to wed.
- Procedure and Time Constraints: In some cases, couples might need to get married quickly due to immigration purposes or other urgent circumstances. Court marriages can sometimes be faster than obtaining a marriage license, and doesn’t require the bride to have the consent of a wali.
What to Expect During a Court Marriage
The general process for a court marriage follows these steps:
- Prepare documents: Have digital copies of passport photos, CNIC’s, and (in some cases, but not all) divorce certificates ready to hand.
- Have witnesses: This step is mandatory for Nikahs to be religiously compliant. If you don’t have witnesses, then don’t worry, we can arrange these for you.
- Set the date: Arrange a suitable time with us for the Nikah and Court Marriage to happen online.
- Registration with NADRA: Once the Union Council accepts the documents, NADRA records are updated.
- Correct Notarization: Once the Nikah is complete, all documents need to be attested from the relevant departments, depending on where its ultimate use will be.
Important Considerations:
- Court Marriage Requirements: Procedures and required documents can vary significantly by location. Contact us for specific details.
- Legal Representation: While not always mandatory, consulting with specialist lawyers familiar with family law in Pakistan like us can be beneficial, especially for complex situations.