Pandya-Natasa Stankovic Love Story: Model-turned-actor Natasa Stankovic and cricketer Hardik Pandya part ways after four years of marriage.

Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya and actress Natasa Stankovic have decided to go their separate ways. The couple, who got engaged in January 2020 and have a three-year-old son named Agastya, confirmed their breakup on Instagram. “
After four years together, Natasa and I have mutually decided to part ways. We gave it our all, but we believe this is best for both of us. This was a tough decision, given the joy, mutual respect, and companionship we shared,” Hardik wrote in his Instagram post.
This announcement puts an end to months of speculation about their relationship status.
Divorce in India can be a complicated and emotionally draining process, requiring a clear understanding of legal rights and entitlements. Women going through this challenging time should be aware of their claims, especially concerning alimony and property division. Knowing these entitlements can help make the process smoother and ensure that their rights are fully protected.
Property Rights in Divorce
Jointly Owned Property: If both spouses have jointly paid for and own a property, the wife can claim her share from the husband’s portion in addition to her 50% share. According to Raj Lakhotia, Founder of Dilsewill, if the wife is separated or abandoned by the husband, she can claim her share from his portion, besides the 50% share in her name. She also retains the right to reside in the property until the divorce is finalized.
Property in Husband’s Name: When the property is solely in the husband’s name and funded by him, it is considered his self-acquired property. However, during a separation, the wife can claim maintenance as she is a class I legal heir. If the wife has financially contributed to a property registered in the husband’s name, she must provide proof of her contributions to claim a stake. The husband can claim the property unless the wife can prove her financial contribution.
Property in Wife’s Name: Properties purchased by the wife with her funds are entirely hers. She has full control to sell, retain, or gift these properties. Lakhotia notes that any property a woman has bought with her funds before or after marriage will be hers, and she can manage it as she wishes.
Maintenance Rights
During a legal separation, a woman can claim maintenance under Section 125 of the Indian Penal Code for herself and her children. This includes:
Interim Maintenance: Paid by the husband from the date of filing for maintenance until the court’s decision.
Permanent Maintenance: Provided under Section 25 of the Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act 1956, either as a lump sum or monthly payment fixed by the court.
Alimony in India is guided by several laws, including the Hindu Marriage Act and the Special Marriage Act. Courts consider various factors, such as the couple’s standard of living, the duration of the marriage, and the needs of any children, to determine alimony. Even a working woman might receive alimony if there’s a substantial income disparity between the spouses. “The goal is to ensure neither spouse faces financial difficulties after the separation,” says Piyush Tiwari, Associate at TAS Law.
Safeguarding assets in the event of a divorce involves meticulous planning. Maintaining separate bank accounts, keeping detailed records of pre-marriage assets, and creating trusts can help distinguish personal wealth from marital property. Tiwari advises that keeping detailed records of assets owned before marriage, using trusts to manage assets, and maintaining separate bank accounts can help distinguish personal wealth from marital property.