No matter how much you love the person, there will be a time you need to let go of them. For sure, you know how difficult this choice is. You have to end the life you had with them for years. Probably, that is why you are here today, reading this article. You have thought several times about filing a divorce in Singapore, but in the end, your answer remains the same. Not only your marriage is beyond repair, but you are no longer happy being together. 

Fret not since you are not alone in this matter. Ever since COVID-19 came to exist, the cases of divorce all over the world have increased. Many couples have been through many arguments and disagreements since the circuit breaker. So, there is no need for you to be hesitant with your decision if you indeed want to end your marriage through divorce. Here, take a look if you meet the criteria to apply for divorce in Singapore.

• Either you are Singapore citizen or PR that have been married for three years.
• Married for at least three years and gained special permission from the Family Justice Courts.
• You met the legal grounds for divorce.

What are the steps to process a divorce in Singapore?

What are the legal matters for divorce in Singapore?

The dissolution of your marriage starts with the legal grounds. These are courses of action that either you or your spouse have done throughout your matrimony. If you meet either one of these, then that means your relationship is indeed beyond repair. Read the following for you to understand further. 

• Adultery

It happens when either you or your spouse has engaged in an intimate relationship with another party. If you are in a similar situation, you need to gather evidence to prove this legal ground. Aside from pictures, there should also be witnesses of their infidelity. Additionally, you have to file your divorce within six months you discovered the issue.

• Unreasonable behaviour

This legal ground is quite complex since there are many categories underneath. Apart from domestic violence, you can start the process of your divorce in Singapore if your spouse is under the following:

• Gambling addiction 
• Addicted to alcohol
• Unable to finance necessities
• Treat of domestic violence 

• Desertion of two years

It means either you or your spouse live in separate ways for two years. For this legal ground, you both need to prove you no longer care about each other and want to end your relationship legally. 

Ancillary Matters

After satisfying the legal grounds for divorce in Singapore, you would need to consider these factors. You have to since this concern who will get who, what asset you will have in the end. To further understand what ancillary matters are, read the definition below.

• Child custody

This ancillary matter has a significant impact on the lives of your child. So, aside from deciding who will provide their education and needs, you need to ask them who they want to be with once you go separate ways. 

• Division of assets

If you both have not agreed on what assets you will get in the end, the court will decide and divide it into two parties. So, make sure before you file a divorce, you have discussed this matter. 

• Support for the spouse and children, wherever applicable

Although you already went separate ways, you have to support each other until your child reaches 21 years old. During the hearing, you will know when you send your support and how much money you will give. 

Two options when filing a divorce in Singapore

• Contested

A contested divorce in Singapore means both parties do not agree with one another. Therefore, the Family Justice Courts have to decide what their dissolution of marriage is and their ancillary matters. As a result, the procedure of divorce will take longer than usual. Perhaps, six months to one year.

• Uncontested

On the other hand, an uncontested divorce is where both parties agreed on one thing. They do not have any problem with the legal ground and the distribution of their assets, and because of that, it would only last for four months. 

Whatever options you choose to file a divorce, you must submit these following documents to the Family Justice Courts.

• Writ of divorce

These are the divorce papers that you already fill up from the Family Justice Courts.

• Claim statement

It is a letter that will explain why the court must let you start the procedure of your divorce in Singapore.

• Parenting plan proposal

A document that could explain how you will raise your child in the future.

• Matrimonial property plan

A list of assets and why you need to have them.

• Acknowledgement of service

You recognised and agreed to have a divorce

• Memorandum of appearance

It is a memo that shows that you will appear on the court or whoever you choose to do it on your behalf.

Are you ready to end your unrepairable marriage? Consult a divorce lawyer near you!

If you think you are ready to get a divorce in Singapore, then make sure to file one right away. Well, in any case, you need help, you can hire a divorce lawyer. For that matter, you can go to Lie Chin Chin. They can help you understand your rights and obligations through the process of your divorce. So, go to their website today and have your first free legal consultation!

Did you find this article helpful? If that is the case, share it with your family and friends. That way, they know the process of divorce in Singapore, and it would help them understand the things they need to do when they cut ties with their spouse.