A wife, child or parent in India can claim maintenance from a person working in Saudi Arabia in the court where the claimant lives. The court considers the tax-free salary, allowances and assets. The respondent can appear through an advocate and file his affidavit of income attested at the Indian mission, and should never ignore summons.
- Document route
- Indian Embassy or Consulate attestation
- Time difference
- 2.5 hours behind IST
- Handled in India at
- Family court or Magistrate
- Travel to India
- Usually by video or attorney
How it works from Saudi Arabia
For a claimant we file under the general maintenance law or the matrimonial statute with evidence of the respondent's employment. Summons are served through official channels or electronically.
For a respondent we file a full disclosure showing net income, living costs in the Kingdom and money already sent home. Interim maintenance is fixed on affidavits. Orders are enforced against property in India and can lead to passport action.
What is different for NRIs in Saudi Arabia
- Maintenance runs from the date of application.
- Regular documented support helps the respondent.
- A lump-sum settlement can end all cases.
Step by step from Saudi Arabia
Free review call
Calls are held in Saudi office hours, and on Friday or Saturday if you prefer. We read your papers on a maintenance matter first, so the call is about your options and not a repeat of the facts.
Authority from Saudi Arabia
Where a representative must act for you in India on a maintenance matter, you sign before the consular officer at the Embassy in Riyadh or the Consulate in Jeddah, or at a consular camp visiting your city. We draft the document and send signing instructions.
Work in India
In India, we file or answer the claim with the income affidavit the Supreme Court requires and press for or resist interim maintenance. Updates for clients in Saudi Arabia go by email and WhatsApp with scans of whatever is filed.
Result and handover
At the end you receive the order, and we handle execution or modification later. Originals are couriered to your address in Saudi Arabia if you need them.
The law in full
This page covers what changes when you handle a maintenance matter from Saudi Arabia. For the Indian law, the complete document checklist, common mistakes and more questions, read our main page on Maintenance & Alimony. For other matters, see all legal services for NRIs in Saudi Arabia or the Family, Marriage & OCI practice area.
Questions from NRIs in Saudi Arabia
Can my wife claim maintenance while I am in Saudi Arabia?
Yes, where she resides in India.
How is the amount fixed?
On both parties' disclosed income and needs.
What if I do not respond?
An ex parte order with arrears, and enforcement.