Family Court, Chennai — which family matters it hears
In short
The Family Court hears divorce, maintenance, custody and other matrimonial matters, under section 7 of the Family Courts Act 1984. Chennai has dedicated Family Courts, so these matters do not go to a general civil court. A petition may be filed where the marriage was solemnised, where the parties last lived together, or where the respondent lives — and a wife may also file where she now lives.
What does the Family Court, Chennai hear?#
Divorce, maintenance, custody and other matrimonial matters.
| Divorce and judicial separation | Where the marriage was solemnised, where the parties last resided together, or where the respondent resides — and a wife may also file where she currently resides. |
|---|---|
| Mutual-consent divorce | Where the marriage was solemnised, where the parties last resided together, or where either resides. Both parties appear in person for the first and second motion unless exempted. |
| Custody | Where the minor ordinarily resides — the child’s residence, not the parent’s. Usually inside a pending matrimonial petition; otherwise a standalone application under the Guardians and Wards Act. |
| Maintenance in a matrimonial case | Sections 24 and 25 of the Hindu Marriage Act are decided by the court hearing the matrimonial case — for Chennai, the Family Court. |
Does your matter belong here?#
It probably does if:
- You are seeking a divorce, contested or by mutual consent, or judicial separation.
- You are seeking custody of, or access to, a child who ordinarily lives in Chennai.
- You are claiming maintenance within a divorce or other matrimonial case.
What looks as if it belongs here and does not?
| Maintenance under section 144 BNSS | The Magistrate — and it may be filed where you live |
|---|---|
| A Domestic Violence application | The Magistrate |
| A Hindu Adoptions and Maintenance Act claim | A civil suit |
| A child removed to another state | Sometimes a habeas corpus petition before the High Court |
| Two proceedings between the same parties in different cities | A transfer petition to consolidate them, decided by the Supreme Court |
Where is the Family Court, Chennai?#
The official contact page for the Chennai courts gives the Family Court no postal address, so none is given here.
Official website: chennai.dcourts.gov.in (Chennai City Courts)
The official list of Chennai courts names a Principal Family Court and seven Additional Family Courts.
Which guides apply here?#
Which other courts sit in Chennai?
Where do these facts come from?
- Chennai City Courts (eCourts) — official website
- Chennai City Courts (eCourts) — Contact Us
- Family Courts Act, 1984 — s.7
- Guardians and Wards Act, 1890
Jurisdiction as stated in the guides linked above. Website checked against the official sources on 8 November 2026. General information, not advice on your facts.
If you are unsure whether your matter belongs in this court, a paid consultation can tell you before anything is filed.
₹500 for 30 minutes · in person, phone or video · Tamil or English
Book a Consultation