A family matter was brought to the attention of the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) North West, where the applicant, one of five siblings, was facing issues with their mother, who had remarried for the third time and was now living in Surat with her husband. The applicant, who had been provided a house by their biological father, was facing a legal dispute as the mother claimed ownership of the property. The case was further complicated by internal family conflicts, health issues, and financial concerns, leading to legal proceedings and the need for counseling.
To address the existing issues, both individual and family counseling sessions were provided by a professional counselor. The process began with a notice sent to the respondent (the mother) to attend the counseling sessions. Initially, despite repeated notifications, she failed to appear. After some time, the respondent acknowledged the importance of resolving the matter and attended an individual counseling session.
During the counseling sessions, both the applicant and the respondent were given a platform to express their grievances, thoughts, and emotions. The counselor facilitated discussions on the causes of the conflict, which included the respondent’s poor health and her inability to participate in court proceedings due to living in the village. The counselor also worked to establish a more empathetic understanding between both parties and encouraged open communication.
In addition to individual counseling, a family counseling session was conducted, which also involved the brother (the respondent’s son). The session deeply explored family dynamics, including parental roles, household responsibilities, conflicts, and future plans. Both the applicant and the respondent recognized the emotional strain and acknowledged their respective mistakes. This led to an agreement that they would take steps to improve their relationship and the home environment.
Through these sessions, both parties also discussed practical solutions for dividing household responsibilities and ensuring the well-being of all family members. A significant breakthrough occurred when the respondent appealed to her children (son and daughter) to contribute financially for her care. The family agreed on a clear division of duties, as well as on managing the house and family property in a way that would prevent future disputes.
As a result of the counseling, both parties agreed to work on their relationships with each other and other family members. To avoid any future misunderstandings or legal conflicts, they signed a mutual agreement, authenticated by both parties. This document was attached to the counselor interaction sheet to ensure clarity and transparency. The applicant decided to provide ₹2000 per month as financial assistance to the respondent (mother).
After understanding the positive and negative aspects of their situation, the family shared ideas on improving their domestic life and relationships. They agreed on a fair division of financial and caregiving responsibilities, promoting a more harmonious environment for everyone.
The successful mediation and counseling facilitated by DLSA North West helped resolve a complex family dispute by fostering understanding, mutual respect, and clear communication. By addressing both emotional and practical concerns, the counselor was able to guide the family towards a peaceful and fair resolution. This case stands as evidence of the power of professional counseling in resolving family conflicts and promoting long-term solutions for better family dynamics.