What are the legal grounds for divorce in Singapore?

One ground, six facts

Singapore law does not grant a divorce simply because one or both spouses want one. The court must be satisfied that the marriage has irretrievably broken down, meaning there is no reasonable prospect of the relationship being repaired. To show that, you rely on one of the following facts.

Adultery

Your spouse has had sexual intercourse with someone else, and you find it intolerable to live with them. You will usually need evidence, such as an admission or an investigator's report. There is a time element too: if you keep living together for more than six months after you find out, you may no longer be able to rely on it. Our adultery guide covers this in detail.

Unreasonable behaviour

Your spouse has behaved in such a way that you cannot reasonably be expected to live with them. This is the most commonly used fact. Examples range from violence and verbal abuse to persistent neglect, excessive gambling, controlling behaviour, or simply a long pattern of incompatibility and indifference. The court looks at the effect on you, not at whether the behaviour would be intolerable to everyone.

Particulars of behaviour are set out in your papers, so they are often agreed or toned down between the parties to keep the divorce uncontested.

Desertion for two years

Your spouse has left you, without good reason or your consent, and with no intention of returning, for a continuous period of at least two years before you file.

Three years' separation, with consent

You have lived apart for at least three continuous years before filing and your spouse consents to the divorce. Living apart can sometimes include living under the same roof, if you have truly run separate households, but this needs careful evidence.

Four years' separation, no consent needed

You have lived apart for at least four continuous years before filing. Your spouse's agreement is not required.

Divorce by Mutual Agreement

Since 1 July 2024, couples can jointly ask the court to find that the marriage has broken down, without either of them being blamed. You both set out the reasons, the efforts you have made to reconcile, and the arrangements for your children and finances. See our guide to Divorce by Mutual Agreement.

Choosing the right fact

The best fact is usually the one that is true, provable, and least likely to inflame matters. If your spouse is willing to cooperate, a mutually agreed fact or carefully worded particulars of behaviour can keep the whole divorce uncontested. If not, the choice affects the evidence you need to gather. This is one of the most useful things to discuss in a first consultation.