In Singapore divorce, there is a 2 stage process for contested and uncontested divorces.
Stage 1 is called the dissolution of marriage. The court decides if the marriage has irretrievably broken down or not. If it has, the court will grant the Interim Judgment; to officially dissolve the marriage.
Stage 2 is called the ancillary matters. The court decides how the affairs of both parties to beg dealt with. Affairs mentioned here include:
- Spousal maintenance
- Child custody
Parties can only apply for the Interim Judgment for a final of 3 months after receiving or upon settling all the ancillary matters. The parties receive a Certificate of Final Judgment, concluding all divorce proceedings.
Requirements to get a divorce in Singapore
Before you file a divorce against your spouse, make sure that you are ready to process all the requirements needed to file the case. Here are the requirements to get a divorce in Singapore:
- Eligibility. There are eligibility requirements in filing a divorce in Singapore, such as:
- Be domiciled in SG or resident in SG for at least three years starting the commencement of divorce proceedings.
- Been married for at least three years, unless the complainant has suffered exceptionally unreasonable and cruel or exceptional hardship.
These requirements are not applicable to married under Muslim law. If you are a Muslim, then you should research Muslim law.
- The irretrievable ground of marriage. It is a requirement to prove that your marriage has gone through irretrievably broken down. It is the only legal ground for filing a divorce in Singapore. Here are a few ways to prove that the marriage had irretrievably broken down:
- Adultery. The defendant committed adultery and the complainant finds it intolerable while living together.
- Abandonment/Desertion. The defendant has abandoned the complainant for at least two years.
- Separation. Both parties have separated for at least four years.
- Unreasonable behavior. Defendant behaved that the complainant can’t reasonably be expected to live with both of them together.
Before filing a divorce in SG
If both parties have at least one child below 21 years old, and can’t agree on the legal ground for divorce, as well as all ancillary matters, both are required to attend an MPP (Mandatory Parenting Programme). MPP is conducted by DSSA (Divorce Support Specialist Agency) counselor, aiming to help the divorcing parents generate informed decisions prioritizing their child’s needs and well-being.
If you are one of those filing for a divorce against your spouse, you must Click here to engage a lawyer in Singapore for Divorce matters.
