Understanding the Divorce Process and Legal Requirements in Singapore

Divorce in Singapore is not an easy task to handle, but once one understands how the process works, it may be easier to end a marriage. Singapore adheres to a systematic law system to avoid injustice on either side of an agreement particularly when children and money are at stake. Regardless of whether the separation is contentious or not, it is better to be certain of the legal procedure to minimize stress and prevent unnecessary delays. 

Divorce in Singapore is provided in a situation where the marriage has irreparably broken. This implies that the court should be convinced that the reconciliation is impossible. Although there are couples who do the process amicably, most couples hire a divorce lawyer in Singapore so that they can be sure that all the legal requirements are well addressed and their interests are safeguarded. 

It starts with application of a writ of divorce at the Family Justice Courts. It is based on this that the court considers the validity of the reasons that led to divorce and proceeds to family and child issues. 

Divorce Reasons which are legally sound 

The following needs to be demonstrated in order to be divorced in Singapore: 

• Infidelity of a spouse. 
• Intolerable unreasonable behaviour. 
• Abandonment of at least 2 years. 
• Separation for three years with consent  
• Four-year absence without permission. 

Of these, unreasonable behaviour is most frequently employed because it is more flexible and has a shorter timeline. 

Important Pre-filing Requirements 

Prior to commencing proceedings, there are some requirements to be satisfied: 

• The marriage has to be three years old. 
• The spouse should either be a citizen, permanent resident or long-term resident. 
• The case has to be brought to the Family Justice Courts of Singapore. 

In case the marriage is less than three years, it needs permission by court which is not given other than in extreme hardship. 

Divorce Processes 

The divorce process is normally done in two phases. The first is the dissolution stage where the court makes a decision as to whether the marriage has failed. After passing the test, the case is taken to the stage of the ancillary matters where the main issues are settled. 

These include: 

• Separation of marriage property. 
• Custody and care of children. 
• Spouse or child maintenance. 

A good divorce lawyer in Singapore will be able to negotiate such issues successfully, particularly where there are disagreements. 

Uncontested vs Contested Divorce 

Divorces can be either uncontested or contested. Uncontested divorces are quicker and cheaper since both parties settle on critical terms. Contested cases, however, are those that are disputed and must go through the court and thus take time and legal costs. 

Learning these differences assists people to get better ready and decide about the most appropriate approach to their case. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

How long does divorce take in Singapore? 
Divorce can be resolved in about 4-6 months with uncontested cases and longer with contested ones depending on the complexity. 

Which is the simplest basis of divorce in Singapore?
Unreasonable behaviour is widely utilized because it does not need any lengthy periods of separation. 

Is a divorce lawyer in Singapore needed to file a divorce?
Legal advice is not compulsory but it assists in making mistakes and in making the proceedings go over more easily. 

What occurs to assets when there is divorce? 
The court allocates assets according to financial and non-financial inputs of the two spouses. 

Who has child custody following divorce? 
The court takes the best interest of the child into consideration when deciding on who should have custody of the child. 

Contact Us
Divorce Lawyer Singapore
Phone Number: +65 98330314
Email: javern@populuslaw.com.sg
Enquire Us: https://www.divorcelawyersingapore.com.sg/contacts/