Divorce in Singapore

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Divorce, a situation no couple anticipates, can unexpectedly arise despite meticulous planning. When it comes to divorce in Singapore, navigating the procedures can prove complex even when both parties mutually agree on terms like maintenance, custody, and asset division.

Insights About the Divorce Rate in Singapore

In 2022, the divorce rate decreased by 9.8%, marking 6,922 divorces—a noticeable decline, accompanied by a reduction in annulments, hitting a record low of 185 since 1996. Despite this decline, 29,389 couples tied the knot in 2022, showing a 3.7% rise from 2021, indicating an upward trend in marriages.

Eligibility Criteria for Filing Divorce

Filing for divorce in Singapore demands eligibility criteria:

  • Singaporean citizenship or continuous residency for at least three years before filing for divorce in Singapore.

  • A minimum of three years of marriage

  • Exceptions for marriages under three years, requiring proof of "exceptional depravity" or "exceptional hardship"

  • The marriage must be recognised by civil law

What Factors Affecting Divorce in Singapore?

Grounds for Divorce It Means You can File for Divorce
Adultery You find it unbearable to live with your spouse because they have cheated on you by having sex with someone else. Immediately at the revelation of the affair.
Unreasonable Behaviour Your partner has mistreated you mentally or physically, engaged in other misconduct, or behaved in a way that makes it unreasonable for you to live with them. At any point after the happening of the incident.
Desertion Your partner has suddenly left you and shown little interest in continuing the marriage, despite your wishes. Two years after the date of abandonment.
Separation You and your partner have been living apart, separated from each other, or together but in separate homes.
  • After three years of separation, if your spouse consents to the divorce because you have been living apart for three years.
  • After four years of separation, in the case that you did not have your spouse's approval for the divorce.

Ancillary Matters in Divorce

When your divorce is granted, the second stage of the divorce process is to address ancillary matters. The court will consider several factors during the ancillary matters hearing to divide contested assets fairly. These factors include:

  • The amount of money contributed to these assets

  • The amount of non-cash contributions made to the family's well-being

  • Help provided by one to another so that the other could pursue their profession

  • Debt owing for the child's benefit, the individual, or the joint

  • The child's requirements

  • Any agreements made before or during the marriage on the distribution of assets

  • The post-divorce financial independence of each party

  • Each party's needs after a divorce

Engaging a Lawyer to Handle Divorce Proceedings

Navigating divorce complexities, legal jargon, and task completion prove daunting. Even with streamlined processes, tailored documents remain a necessity. Professional legal guidance expedites procedures, ensuring accurate paperwork filing and a smoother process.

High Street Chambers provides lawyers proficient in assessing fair settlement conditions concerning asset division, child custody, and support. Their fixed charges offer an affordable means to secure expert assistance, potentially saving time, money, and stress.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • No, divorce cannot be finalised immediately in Singapore. Three years is the minimum duration for a legal separation, and specific reasons, including adultery or unreasonable behaviour, need to be proved. The procedure calls for fulfilling qualifying requirements and adhering to the law.

  • A Certificate of Making Interim Judgement Final, also referred to as the Final Judgement, must be obtained before you marry again.

  • Provide the listed documents to the Family Court:

    ● Writ of Divorce

    ● Particulars Statement

    ● Claim Statement

    ● After that, you'll have to pay the relevant filing fees.

    There are two options, first, you can write your documents or second, you can hire a professional divorce attorney before filing for divorce in Singapore.

  • A divorce means the legal dissolution of a marriage. It ends the marriage and allows people to live apart. Resolving related ancillary matters like maintenance, child custody, and asset division, creates a legal framework for a new start in life.