Case Stories: Conciliation of a Young Couple

In August 2025, a young woman approached the Neev Foundation for Legal Aid, following the breakdown in her marriage earlier this year. The parties, Mr and Mrs L, were a young couple who had been married for just six months before difficulties arising between them resulted in Mrs L moving out of the matrimonial home in June 2025.

The demand was clear - Mrs L wanted to be divorced from Mr L.

At Neev Foundation, she was counseled about her legal rights under the various statues. However, since her matter was not in court yet, she was counseled on alternative forms of dispute resolution, and the benefits of mediation and conciliation as well. Mrs L was also counseled that the process of court is long, and can be emotionally, physically and financially draining. Court decrees are vulnerable to appeals, which exacerbates the delay in reaching a final outcome. In contrast, settlement agreements cannot be challenged on merit given that they were consented to.

Following advice, Mrs L elected to participate in mediation, to which Mr L agreed. The parties agreed on a mediator, and the sessions took place at the Neev offices. This neutral location ensured both parties were treated entirely equally, with a view to alleviating the conflict between them. The sessions were conducted by a seasoned DHC Samadhan trained advocate, empaneled with Neev Foundation, ensuring the case was dealt with sensitivity and maturity.

Mr and Mrs L had three sessions of mediation over a period of three weeks, each of which varied in length from approximately one hour to two hours. [Typically, the length of sessions will vary in accordance with the approach of the mediator/conciliator, the progress being made, and the availability of everyone involved.]

Over the weeks, both parties were counseled as the case involved matters of alcohol abuse, communication methods and financial provision. Eventually, Mr L agreed to financially maintain Mrs L, and to make efforts to build his career. The parties both agreed to prioritise the other, and to communicate empathetically and patiently. The promises made were not an admission of wrongdoing, rather, served to resolve ongoing conflict between them.

Two months later, in a follow-up call, Mrs L has confirmed that her issues have been resolved and she no longer wants to separate from her husband, Mr L.

This case stands as a reminder that not every conflict must end in a courtroom. When given the space to be heard, guided with empathy, and supported through structured dialogue, even fractured relationships can find a path forward.

At Neev Foundation for Legal Aid, we remain committed to resolution-first justice—where dignity, dialogue, and informed choice lead the way.

[This blog post was written by Maya Achan, Barrister as her part of her Internship with Neev Foundation in October 2025.]