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In Chinatown, Singapore, child custody laws operate under the larger umbrella of Singapore's family laws. It focuses on the welfare of the child, following the principles that children have the right to be cared for by both parents. The courts typically decide on issues about child custody, care, and control, and access rights. The rights can be given to either parent or shared, depending on the best interests of the child.
Legal advice in child custody cases can be crucial for various reasons. If the parents cannot agree on the custody arrangements, a lawyer can mediate to reach a compromise or represent your interests in court. You may also require a lawyer to navigate the complexities of custody law, fulfil the procedural necessities, or ensure the enforcement of the court's child custody orders.
Several key aspects of Singapore's local laws apply to child custody cases. Singapore's Women’s Charter emphasizes that the welfare of the child is paramount, taking account of physical, emotional and psychological health, and educational needs. Parents who are divorced or separated must also attend a mandatory parenting programme before filing for divorce. The order of Care and Control determines which parent the child will live with, and the non-residential parent will be granted access rights.
Custody involves decision-making on important issues of the child's life, like education and religion. Care and control involve the day-to-day care, with the child usually living with the parent that has this right.
Yes, in certain circumstances, other people important in a child's life such as grandparents, aunts, uncles, or older siblings may apply for custody.
Singapore's family courts determine this by considering the child's wishes (depending on their age and maturity), their current living arrangements, emotional ties to parents or siblings, the need for stability, and so on.
Yes, the court can modify custody orders if there is a significant change in circumstances, and changes can be justified in the child's best interests.
Violating child custody orders is considered contempt of court in Singapore, and you may face fines, imprisonment, and other penalties.
You may consider reaching out to the Family Justice Courts or the Ministry of Social and Family Development. Other resources include the Law Society Pro Bono Services and counselling services like the Thye Hua Kwan Family Service Centre at Chinatown.
If you need legal assistance, you should first gather all relevant documents like birth certificates, school reports, medical records, and any evidence of each parent's relationship with the child. Then, engage a family lawyer to get an understanding of your case. You may also need to prepare for a mandatory mediation session at the court before any court trial.
