Section 9 RCR

hi, my brother had filed section 9 case after his wife had filed a complaint in women cell. under section 9 proceedings girl's lawyer asked for mediation. brother at no point said that he does not want to live with her. during mediation girl said she wants divorce and asked for one time hefty settlement amount. brother expressed his inability their lawyer said if you dont pay we will file criminal cases. same day they have filed cases under section 12, and petition under section 498a. she has not yet replied to section 9 case but she has requested for maintenance/legal expenses under section 24 in section 9 case. how we should go about. should we withdraw section 9 case to save maintenance cost we have to pay. when we should withdraw case after she files reply or at any point in time. in terms of priority which will be taken up first by courts pending reply from girl or court will fix maintenance exp to be paid to boy to girl first overall what kind of course of action you suggest. we need your help as entire family is innocent