Share your needs with us, get contacted by law firms.
Free. Takes 2 min.
Browse our 3 legal questions about Divorce & Separation in Singapore and the lawyer answers, or ask your own questions for free.
Divorce and separation law in Raffles Place, Singapore, is governed by the Women's Charter for civil marriages and the Administration of Muslim Law Act for Muslim marriages. While separation can be mutual and less complicated, divorce often involves proceedings to resolve issues like asset division, child custody, and maintenance fees. In Singapore, you can only file for divorce if you have been legally married for at least three years unless exceptional circumstances exist.
In cases of divorce or separation, you may need a lawyer to provide expert advice and representation for negotiations, court hearings, and settlements. An experienced lawyer can help protect your interests and those of your children regarding key aspects like division of matrimonial assets, child custody and visitation rights, and spousal maintenance. Furthermore, a lawyer can guide you through the complex legal procedures and paperwork involved in divorce or separation, ensuring all proceedings are handled legally and smoothly.
In Singapore, the overriding consideration in child custody cases is the child's welfare. Both biological parents have an equal obligation to maintain their child, regardless of who has custody. As for property division, the court considers factors like the financial contribution made by each party towards the acquisition or improvement of the property and the needs of the children. A couple can legally separate through a Deed of Separation, while the grounds of divorce can include adultery, unreasonable behavior, desertion, and separation for at least three years with consent or four years without consent.
Yes, you can file for divorce in Singapore if you or your spouse has been domiciled in Singapore at the time of the start of divorce proceedings or resided in Singapore for at least three years before the start of the divorce proceedings.
The principle of the child's welfare being of paramount importance guides the decision. Factors considered include the child's age, sibling relationships, the physical and mental health of the parents, and which parent has been the child's main caregiver.
Matrimonial assets are divided based on each party's direct or indirect contribution towards acquiring them. This may include maintaining the family or caring for a child or elderly relative, which indirectly contributes to the acquiring of assets.
A Deed of Separation is a legally binding agreement that a couple may enter into, outlining the terms of their living apart. This agreement usually covers matters like child custody, division of assets and maintenance payments.
The grounds for divorce in Singapore include adultery, unreasonable behaviour, desertion for at least two years, separation for three years with the other party's consent and four years' separation without consent.
You can seek further advice and assistance from relevant governmental bodies like the Family Justice Courts, the Ministry of Social and Family Development, and the Legal Aid Bureau. These organizations provide information, resources, and legal aid services to help you understand and navigate divorce and separation procedures.
If you wish to proceed with a divorce or separation, it's advisable to seek professional legal advice. You may want to consult a lawyer familiar with Singapore's divorce laws to discuss your options and get guidance through each step of the process. Always remember to gather all necessary documents such as marriage certificates, property titles, and financial documents prior to your consultation with your lawyer.
