Family Law · Maintenance (Nafaqa)
Maintenance Cases in Karachi
Every woman and child has the legal right to financial support from the husband or father under Pakistani law. Yet many are denied this essential support — after separation, Khula, or divorce, or even during the marriage itself.
At GNS Law Associates, our experienced family lawyers in Karachi help wives, divorced women, and mothers claim their rightful maintenance (Nafqa) through the Family Courts — quickly, confidentially, and effectively.
What Is Nafaqa?
Who Can Claim Maintenance
Maintenance (Nafaqa) is the financial support a man is legally obligated to provide. We help secure it for:
Wives
A wife is entitled to maintenance during the marriage. The husband's duty is unconditional — it applies even if the wife has her own income, and continues through the iddat period after divorce.
Children
A father must support his children's food, clothing, housing, education, and medical needs — generally until they can support themselves, and for daughters commonly until marriage.
Divorced & Separated Women
Maintenance can be claimed during separation and for the iddat period following divorce or Khula. We pursue arrears where support was wrongfully withheld.
How We Help
The Maintenance Process
Quick Filing
For urgent financial needs we move fast — filing a maintenance suit in the Family Court that sets out reasonable needs and the payer's means.
Assessment
The court assesses a fair monthly amount based on the husband's or father's income and the family's reasonable needs.
Order & Annual Increase
The court fixes the monthly maintenance and the date it is payable. Karachi Family Court orders commonly include a standard yearly increase to keep pace with inflation.
Enforcement
If payments are not made, we enforce the order through execution — including attachment of salary, bank accounts, or property.
Why GNS
Why Choose Us for Maintenance Cases
- Experienced family lawyers with a strong record in maintenance matters
- Quick filing and urgent action when financial needs cannot wait
- Combined relief — we pursue maintenance alongside custody, Haq Mahr, and dower where relevant
- Enforcement focus — we don't just win orders, we make sure they're paid
- Confidential, women- and child-centred representation
- Overseas Pakistanis welcome — handled via Power of Attorney
FAQ
Maintenance — Common Questions
How much maintenance can a wife or child claim?+
The amount is set by the court based on the husband's or father's income and the reasonable needs of the wife and children. Karachi Family Court orders often include a standard annual increase.
Can I claim maintenance during the marriage, not just after divorce?+
Yes. A husband's duty to maintain his wife is unconditional during the marriage. Maintenance can be claimed even while still married if support is being denied.
Does my own income stop me from claiming maintenance?+
No. A wife's right to maintenance during marriage does not depend on her own income — the husband's obligation remains.
Can I recover past (arrears of) maintenance?+
Yes. The court can award maintenance from a past date and order recovery of unpaid arrears.
What happens if he refuses to pay the court-ordered maintenance?+
We enforce the order through execution proceedings, which can include attachment of salary, bank accounts, or property.
Until what age are children entitled to maintenance?+
Generally until they can maintain themselves; for daughters, commonly until marriage. The court decides on the facts of each case.
Can overseas Pakistanis claim or contest maintenance?+
Yes. Through a Power of Attorney we can act for you in maintenance matters in Karachi while you remain abroad.
Denied the Support You're Owed?
If your husband or your children's father is refusing his financial responsibility, don't suffer in silence. Our family lawyers are ready to help you secure your rightful maintenance. First consultation is free.
