• Food
  • Family
  • Beauty & Health
  • Style
  • Great Women
  • Events/Win
  • Domestic Diva Awards 2022
  • Food
    • Eating Out
    • Cooking Tips
    • Festive Food
    • Asian Recipes
    • Food
    • Celebrity Recipes
    • Dessert Recipes
    • Healthy Recipes
    • Quick & Easy Recipes
    • Western Recipes
  • Family
    • Family
    • Save Money
    • Parenting
    • Sex & Marriage
    • Travel
  • Beauty & Health
    • Beauty & Health
    • Skincare
    • Makeup
    • Hair
    • Awards
    • Diet & Nutrition
    • Fitness
    • Wellness
  • Style
  • Great Women
    • Career
    • Great Women of Our Time
    • Real Life
  • Entertainment
  • EVENTS/WIN
  • #SchoolForLife
  • Hair Awards
  • Great Escape
  • Explore Singapore
  • Also available at:
Privacy Menu
SPH Media

Copyright © 2023 SPH Media Limited. Co. Regn. No. 202120748H. All rights reserved.

  • Food
  • Family
  • Beauty & Health
  • Style
  • Great Women
  • Events/Win

Family

10 Things You Didn’t Know About Getting Divorced in Singapore

Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors
Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors
Family

10 Things You Didn’t Know About Getting Divorced in Singapore

Even as more couples head for divorce, family lawyers tell us many go into their offices woefully unprepared. We’re here to remedy that!

November 10, 2017

Last year was a bad year for marriages in Singapore. There were 7,522 divorces and annulments – a nearly 3 per cent increase from 2014. This figure is also the third highest annual one since the Singapore Department of Statistics started collecting and compiling divorce data in 1980. Even as more couples head for splitsville, family lawyers tell us many go into their offices woefully unprepared. So with divorces occurring more often these days, we’ve got some little known facts about breaking up when you’ve already said ‘I do’:

READ MORE:
Ultimate Signs Your Marriage Is Headed For A Divorce
10 Celebrity Exes Who Stayed Friends After Their Relationship Ended
Lost That Loving Feeling? 5 Relationship Killers And How To Stop Them

https://www.womensweekly.com.sg/gallery/family/10-things-didnt-know-getting-divorced-singapore/
10 Things You Didn't Know About Getting Divorced in Singapore
1. You must be married for at least 3 years
image

In order to get a divorce, you have to be married for at least 3 years.

In special cases, divorce can be filed before there has been 3 years of marriage. However, you will have to prove that you have suffered exceptional hardship or if your spouse has been exceptionally unreasonable and cruel.

Photo: Pixabay
2. You must have solid ties to Singapore
image

To obtain a divorce in the Singapore justice system, you or your spouse must be domiciled (treated Singapore as your permanent abode) at the start of the divorce proceedings.

Alternatively, either of you must have resided in Singapore for 3 years immediately before the commencement of divorce proceedings. Foreigners are subject to different divorce rules.

Photo: Pixabay
3. You must have legal grounds for divorce
image

Divorce in Singapore is based on ‘irretrievable breakdown‘ but this claim must be backed by evidence of one or more of the following:

  • adultery
  • unreasonable behaviour
  • desertion
  • 2 years separation with consent or 3 years separation without consent.

If you don’t have photographic evidence of ‘adultery‘, you can still file under ‘improper association‘ and bring in the 3rd party as a co-defendant to answer to your claims.

Photo: Pixabay
4. You don't actually need to engage a divorce lawyer
image

It is possible to file for a divorce without engaging a lawyer. It would certainly involve less costs than having a lawyer.

But bear in mind that if your partner decides to contest the divorce, it’s advisable to engage a lawyer who will guide you through the legal, procedural and formal requirements of court proceedings.

Photo: Pixabay
5. Most divorce cases never even go to court
image

That being said most divorce cases are uncontested, amicable divorces – which means that the reasons and ancillary matters (custody, division of property) are agreed upon by the spouses prior to the divorce.

Only in rare cases where spouses continue to disagree, are these then heard in front of the judge. This makes up less than a quarter of cases.

Photo: Pixabay
6. It's okay to chage your mind
image

Starting divorce proceedings also doesn’t mark a point of no return – people can and do change their minds.

Carrie Gill, partner at law firm, Harry Elias Partnership LLP’s Matrimonial and Family Law practice, says that about 10 per cent of women have a change of heart after seeking advice. While another 20 per cent happily reconcile.

Photo: Pixabay
7. You'll have to fill in a lot of paperwork
image

Several documents need to be filed in the Family Justice Courts in divorce proceedings. The relevant filing fees need to be paid as well. The documents are:

  • A writ for divorce – if you are filing this, the same writ will be served on the Defendant personally
  • A statement of claim – this should specify on what facts (whether of adultery, unreasonable behaviour, desertion or separation) you are relying on to get a divorce
  • A statement of particulars – this should set out in full the details of the facts stated in the statement of claim
Photo: Pixabay
8. Both spouses have something to lose
image

Many people think divorces favour the fairer sex because of the Women’s Charter, but because men often earn more and therefore, contribute more to the family finances, women can lose out when it comes to apportioning matrimonial property.

The flip side of the coin is that alimony is usually awarded from the man to the woman and not the other way around, even if the missus earns more.

Photo: Pixabay
9. Be prepared for a lifestyle downgrade
image

Divorce will be hard on your wallet especially if you’re looking to hire lawyers because that will set you back anywhere from $5,000 to $30,000 or more if the court cases drags on.

Also, with your marriage expenses divided up you may have to think about contributing to the family more. Make sure you can support your children, and afford a place of your own, before signing on the dotted line.

Photo: Pixabay
10. You shouldn't cut off all ties with the ex
image

Even if you’re convinced there’s no future with him, it helps to still hold civilised conversations with him, especially if you have children.

Usually both parties will co-parent and having an amicable relationship with your ex can help a lot with issues like scheduling, holidays, behavioural problems and the like. This can save you time and money in the long-run.

READ MORE:
‘Conscious Uncoupling’: 8 Unusual Celebrity Break-Up Statements
What Happens To Your HDB Flat When You’re Getting Divorced?
Women Share Their Secrets to Keeping Their Marriage Strong

(Text by Aretha Loh and Hoe I Yune, HerWorld Plus / Additional reporting Natalya Molok)

Photo: Pixabay
  • TAGS:
  • couples
  • divorce
  • family
  • law
  • legal
  • marriage
  • relationships
  • singapore
SHARE THIS ON

What’s Hot

Family

How To Address Family Members In Mandari...

Family

Chinese Zodiac Forecast For The Year Of ...

Family

10 CNY Traditions That Are Disappearing

Family

Witty Comebacks For Nosey Questions At CNY

Family

15 Chinese New Year Superstitions And Taboos

Family

Can You Keep The 'Family' In The Family ...

Family

Spring Cleaning 2023: Vacuum Cleaner Dea...

Family

Black Friday 2022: Everything Worth Buyi...

Family

"My Child's Privacy Is More Important Th...

Family

Black Friday 2022: Best Vacuum Cleaner D...

Family

5 Ways To Reduce Your Income Tax In Sing...

Family

The Best Gifts Under $20 For Every Occasion

Editor’s Picks
  • Food 20 Kid-Friendly Restaurants For Parents Who Need A Break
  • Save Money 10 Things To Know About Giving And Receiving Ang Bao This CNY
  • Home Ideas 14 Kid-Friendly DIY Decorations To Make For CNY
  • Fashion 15 Best Places To Get Matching "Bunny" Outfits For The Family This CNY
  • Fashion Local Celebs & Personalities With The Cutest CNY Family Outfits
  • Entertainment All The Celebs Expecting Babies In 2023
Don't Miss Out Ever Again!
Tips & tricks to stay sane + win invites to our events!

By signing up, you indicate that you have read and agreed with our Privacy Statement
Footer Menu
  • About Us
  • Contact
  • Conditions of Access
  • PDPA
  • Privacy Policy
?>">
SPH Magazine

Copyright © 2023 SPH Media Limited. Co. Regn. No. 202120748H. All rights reserved.