Frequently Asked Questions

In Singapore, the sole ground for divorce is the irretrievable breakdown of marriage, which can be proven through one of the following facts:

• Adultery
• Unreasonable behavior
• Desertion for at least 2 years
• Separation for 3 years with consent
• Separation for 4 years without consent

A straightforward uncontested divorce typically takes 4-5 months from filing to completion. Contested divorces can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years, depending on the complexity of issues and level of cooperation between parties.

Essential documents include:

• Marriage certificate
• Birth certificates of children (if any)
• Identification documents
• Proof of address
• Financial documents (income statements, property documents)

The court's primary consideration is the child's best interests. Factors considered include:

• Child's emotional and physical needs
• Parents' ability to provide care
• Child's relationship with each parent
• Child's preferences (if mature enough)
• Existing care arrangements

Common custody arrangements include:

• Sole custody: One parent has decision-making rights
• Joint custody: Both parents share decision-making rights
• Care and control: Physical custody of the child
• Access: Visitation rights for the non-custodial parent

Child maintenance is determined based on several factors:

• Financial resources of both parents
• Child's needs and standard of living
• Educational expenses
• Medical needs
• Any special circumstances

The court considers various factors when dividing matrimonial assets:

• Length of marriage
• Direct financial contributions
• Indirect contributions (homemaking, childcare)
• Needs of children
• Income and earning capacity of both parties

Matrimonial assets typically include:

• The matrimonial home
• Assets acquired during marriage
• Assets used by the family
• CPF savings accumulated during marriage
• Business assets built up during marriage

Assets acquired before marriage generally remain as individual property unless they have been:

• Substantially improved during marriage
• Used for family purposes
• Converted into matrimonial assets
• Included in a prenuptial agreement