Divorce and family lawyers in Singapore
When a family is going through change, you need advice you can rely on. We offer careful, considered counsel, with your interests and those of your children at the heart of every matter.
General information on divorce and family law in Singapore, not legal advice. For advice on your own circumstances, speak with one of our lawyers.
How we work
Directors who know the courts
Our family work is led by Rebecca Vathanasin and Kelvin Tan, both Directors. Rebecca focuses on matrimonial law and has appeared in the Family Justice Courts, the Syariah Court and at every level of the Singapore Courts. Kelvin acts in matrimonial proceedings and personal protection matters.
Client-centric, one step at a time
We start by listening. We explain where you stand in plain terms, set out the options open to you, and agree the next step with you before taking it.
Measured, not combative
Many family disputes are best settled through negotiation or mediation, and we work towards that where it serves you. Where agreement is not possible, we prepare your case thoroughly for court.
Two offices
You can meet us at Beauty World Plaza on Upper Bukit Timah Road or at High Street Centre on North Bridge Road, whichever is easier for you.
Our divorce and family services
We act in civil and Muslim family matters, from the first conversation about separating to arrangements that need revisiting years later.
- Divorce under the Women's Charter
- Muslim divorce in the Syariah Court
- Custody, care and control, and access
- Spousal and child maintenance
- Division of matrimonial assets
- Personal protection orders
- Deeds of separation
- Variation and enforcement of court orders
Family law in Singapore
For civil marriages, divorce and related matters are governed mainly by the Women's Charter and heard in the Family Justice Courts. Marriages registered under the Administration of Muslim Law Act (AMLA) are dissolved through the Syariah Court. The notes below give a general overview.
Grounds for a civil divorce
The only ground for divorce is that the marriage has irretrievably broken down. This is shown by one of the following facts.
- Mutual agreement
- Since 1 July 2024, both spouses can jointly ask the court to end the marriage on the basis that they agree it has broken down, without either having to be found at fault.
- Adultery
- Your spouse has committed adultery and you find it intolerable to live with them.
- Unreasonable behaviour
- Your spouse has behaved in such a way that you cannot reasonably be expected to live with them.
- Desertion
- Your spouse has deserted you for a continuous period of at least two years.
- Three years' separation
- You have lived apart for at least three years and your spouse consents to the divorce.
- Four years' separation
- You have lived apart for at least four years. Your spouse's consent is not needed.
How a civil divorce proceeds
A divorce cannot generally be filed within the first three years of marriage unless the court gives permission on the basis of exceptional hardship. After that, the process has two main stages.
- 1.
Mandatory Co-Parenting Programme
Where there is a child under 21 and the parents do not agree on the divorce or on all the arrangements that follow, the parent filing must first attend the Mandatory Co-Parenting Programme.
- 2.
Dissolving the marriage
The court decides whether the marriage has irretrievably broken down. If it is satisfied, it grants an interim judgment of divorce.
- 3.
Ancillary matters
The court then deals with the arrangements for children, maintenance and the division of matrimonial assets, either by recording the parties' agreement or by deciding the disputed issues.
- 4.
Final judgment
Once the ancillary matters are resolved, the interim judgment can be made final and the marriage is formally ended.
Children, maintenance and assets
- Custody, care and control, access
- Custody concerns major decisions about a child's upbringing and is often shared. Care and control decides who the child lives with day to day, and access sets out the time the other parent spends with the child. The child's welfare is the paramount consideration.
- Maintenance
- The court can order maintenance for children and for a wife, and in some circumstances for an incapacitated husband. Maintenance can also be sought while the marriage continues.
- Matrimonial assets
- Assets acquired during the marriage, and in some cases before it, are divided on a just and equitable basis. The court considers both financial and non-financial contributions to the marriage and the family.
If you or your family are not safe
Under the Women's Charter, you can apply to the Family Justice Courts for a personal protection order against a family member who has committed or is likely to commit family violence. In urgent cases an expedited order may be available. In an emergency, call the police on 999.
Fees
We explain how your matter will be charged before any work begins. Fees for divorce are set out on our divorce page.
| Deed of separationAdvice on, and drafting of, a deed covering children, maintenance and property. | To be confirmed |
|---|---|
| Personal protection orderAdvice and representation on an application for, or in response to, a protection order. | To be confirmed |
| Custody, maintenance and variationApplications, negotiation and mediation, whether agreed or contested. | To be confirmed |
Every engagement includes
- An explanation of your position and options
- A clear scope of work before we begin
- Preparation of documents and court filings
- Updates at each stage of the matter
You will have a clear figure at your consultation before you commit to anything.
Where to begin
If you are unsure what your next step should be, arrange an initial consultation at Beauty World Plaza or High Street Centre. We will listen to your circumstances, explain the options open to you and discuss how we would approach your matter.
Common questions
Can we divorce if we both agree the marriage is over?
Yes. Since 1 July 2024, spouses can apply for divorce by mutual agreement, without either having to rely on fault or a period of separation. The court must still be satisfied that the marriage has irretrievably broken down.
We have been married for less than three years. Can I file for divorce?
Generally not. You would need the court's permission, which is given only where you show exceptional hardship. Other options, such as a deed of separation, may be worth discussing.
How is a Muslim divorce different?
Marriages registered under the Administration of Muslim Law Act are dissolved through the Syariah Court, which has its own procedures. Depending on the circumstances, some related matters may be dealt with in the Family Justice Courts. Advice at the outset helps you understand which court handles which issue.
What is the Mandatory Co-Parenting Programme?
It is a programme that a parent must attend before filing for divorce where there is a child under 21 and the parents do not agree on the divorce or on all the related arrangements. It is meant to help parents think through the effect of divorce on their children.
Who decides where the children will live?
If parents cannot agree, the court decides, with the child's welfare as the paramount consideration. Custody is often shared, while care and control is usually given to one parent, with the other parent having access.
How do I apply for a personal protection order?
You can apply to the Family Justice Courts if a family member has used, or is likely to use, family violence against you or your child. Where there is imminent danger, an expedited order may be available. If you are in immediate danger, call 999.
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Have questions?
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