Over 10,000 divorce petitions filed in Ahmedabad Family Court in two years

In India, marriage is considered a lifelong spiritual bond rather than just a social contract. Rising lifestyle changes, social media influence and growing ideological differences are contributing to a sharp increase in divorce and family disputes in Ahmedabad, with thousands of couples approaching courts over marital breakdowns in recent years.

Data from the Ahmedabad Family Court shows that between 2024 and March 2026, more than 10,200 divorce cases and 10,300 cases related to maintenance and domestic violence were registered, reflecting significant changes in social attitudes and family dynamics. Legal experts say young couples aged between 20 and 30 are among the most affected.

According to lawyers familiar with family disputes, marriages are now breaking down within one or two years due to ego clashes, lack of patience, financial independence and the growing desire for personal freedom. In several cases, relationships that begin through social media platforms reportedly collapse within months of marriage.

Family court officials and counsellors have observed that even couples married for more than a decade are increasingly seeking separation. Excessive use of social media, strained communication, interference from extended families and disputes over lifestyle expectations are cited as common reasons behind the breakdown of marriages.

The judiciary routinely appoints counsellors to mediate between estranged couples in an effort to encourage reconciliation. However, officials said that in nearly 40 to 50% of cases, couples remain firm in their decision to separate despite counselling efforts.

The trend is no longer limited to younger couples. Family court sources said there has also been a noticeable rise in divorce petitions filed by couples above the age of 50. In one recent case that drew attention in court premises, an 80-year-old man reportedly sought divorce after decades of marriage. Lawyers said couples in their 60s are also choosing separation after spending much of their lives together.

Legal experts pointed to the growing influence of social media on relationships, saying many young people mistake online attraction for lasting emotional compatibility. Once confronted with the realities and responsibilities of married life, some relationships reportedly collapse within days or months.

Changing parental attitudes have also played a role, according to observers. Earlier, families and community elders often intervened to reconcile couples facing marital problems. However, lawyers now say parents are increasingly supporting their children’s decisions to separate rather than encouraging compromise.

Material aspirations and lifestyle comparisons are also contributing to tensions within households. Lawyers noted that disputes over financial expectations and modern amenities often escalate into long-term conflicts affecting married life.

Extramarital relationships linked to social media platforms have emerged as another major factor behind family disputes. According to legal practitioners, a notable number of cases involve married individuals developing relationships online after several years of marriage, leading to separation and family breakdowns.

Child custody trends have also changed significantly. A decade ago, mothers usually retained responsibility for children after divorce. However, family court sources said that in nearly half of recent divorce cases, mothers have voluntarily handed over custody responsibilities to fathers.

Lawyers handling such matters said there has been a noticeable rise in separations occurring within days of marriage, with even minor domestic disagreements escalating into legal disputes. Family court officials believe the trend reflects broader social changes reshaping modern relationships and marriage in urban India.