Reference: Fataawa at-Talaaq q46 p74
Question: I divorced my wife after some problems which occurred between us, and after she went to her family house I instigated a case against her [in a Sharee’ah court]. After three meetings [in which I] attempted to take her back to my house, she refused. I then pronounced one divorce upon her in front of the judge, keeping in mind that I have three young children with her, and she is currently with her family and the children are with me and I have given up on her [returning]. However, is the pronouncing of one divorce sufficient, since the judge gave her a document accordingly, or should I pronounce a second divorce on her?
Response: Sufficient for you is the [single] divorce you have pronounced upon her, and all prasie is for Allaah [alone], and do not pronounce divorce upon her more than this.
