Bangalore:
Several advocates in Bangalore are doubling up as marriage counselors, as the city witnesses an increase in divorce cases.
"There is a huge upsurge in divorce cases for silly reasons. The decision for divorce is taken instantly and there is no actual thought process going into this," says counselor and advocate Shilpa K. "I have turned to counseling to help couples realise they are taking the wrong decision."
Advocate Harish R took to counseling as a social service to restore values in the families and society. "Practicing as an advocate is not enough. I wanted to move to a higher pedestal in life. I have started counseling to help couples see their misunderstanding. He also helps couples to tide over difficult circumstances that lead to divorce.
The Matrimonial Law Chambers was started 10 years ago as a legal services office in Bangalore. It has recently turned into a family counseling centre. There are five family counselors working in the chambers, who simultaneously appear in the family court.
Revathy Rohira along with her husband started this initiative of counseling couples heading towards divorce. Rohira, an advocate for the past 17 years, specialised in the divorce cases. She realised that divorce could be avoided through proper counseling.
"The family counseling centres become the medium of communication for the couple. We also tell them the real intention behind a particular behaviour," says Rohira.
The counsellor observed that often higher expectations and responsibilities after marriage lead to arguments and in some cases, to divorce. "Our intention is to fight the root cause and help couples lead a better life," she adds.
The counseling centers act as an intermediary body even after divorce. They help separated couple to interact with each other in the larger interest of their children.
At least 80% of divorce cases are filed under the Hindu Marriage Act. About 70% of them are by those employed in the IT and BPO sectors. Over the past few months, more than 60% of divorce cases was disposed off through mutual consent.
Copyright restricted. Under license from
www.3dsyndication.com