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Father's rights law in Clarke Quay, Singapore, revolves around custody, care and control, and access to the child after a divorce. Under Singapore law, both parents have equal rights and responsibilities for the upbringing and welfare of the child. Still, the court's primary concern is to ensure the best interests of the child are met. The law does not prefer one parent over the other because of their gender.
Engaging a lawyer can be beneficial in complicated situations involving disagreements over custody, care and control, or access to the child. It's essential especially when the other party engages a lawyer or disputes arise on child maintenance issues, division of matrimonial assets, or other related disputes. A lawyer can provide you with legal advice, represent your interests in court and make sure your rights as a father are upheld.
In Singapore, the key law governing father's rights is the Women's Charter (Cap 353). Specifically, under Section 121 of the Women's Charter, parents have equal obligations to maintain, educate, and care for their children. In cases of dispute, the court considers the welfare of the child as a paramount factor in decision-making. Father's rights also pertain to decisions about the child's education, religion, and health matters. Joint custody, where both parents have a say in significant matters of child upbringing, is generally encouraged.
Joint custody refers to a court order where both parents are given equal say in making major decisions about the child’s life. The child may live with one parent who has 'care and control', but both parents share responsibility in matters of welfare and upbringing.
In Singapore, the courts do not inherently favour either parent. The central consideration is always the child's best interest. Therefore, a father can win a custody battle if it is in the child's best interest.
If the father is not married to the mother, he still has obligations towards his child, but his rights may need to be legally established, such as registering the birth of the child and acknowledging paternity.
Child support and visitation rights are two separate issues under Singapore law. The court generally believes that it is in the child's best interest to maintain a relationship with both parents. Therefore, even if a father fails to pay child support, he generally cannot be denied access to his child.
If the court determines that the mother is unfit to have care and control (due to abuse, neglect, mental illness, etc.), the father can be awarded care and control of the child.
You can turn to organisations such as the Family Justice Courts, Ministry of Social and Family Development, and The Singapore Mediation Centre for more information and guidance. There are also several legal clinics and non-profit organisations in Singapore that provide free legal advice.
If you need legal assistance, identify a trustworthy and reputable lawyer specialising in family law. Prepare all the necessary documents and details of your case. The legal process may seem overwhelming, but remember to focus on what's essential, acting in your child's best interest.
