Divorce In Singapore

A divorce is the legal procedure that ends a marriage. It is the relief of last resort for the spouse who finds himself or herself in a marriage that is terminally unhappy.

Requirements

In order to get a divorce in Singapore, you or your spouse must:-

• Be a Singapore Citizen
• Have lived in Singapore for at least three years before you apply for a divorce in the Family Justice Courts
• Be domiciled in Singapore

It should be noted that you cannot apply for a divorce in the Family Justice Courts if you and your spouse are Muslims, or were married under the Muslim law.

Additionally, under section 94 of the Women’s Charter, you cannot apply for a divorce if you have been married for less than three years unless granted permission by the Court to do so.

When will a divorce be granted?

You will be granted a divorce only if a Judge of the Family Justice Courts agrees that your marriage has ended.

According to s.95 of the Women’s Charter, the Judge must find that your marriage has irretrievably broken down.

To prove that your marriage has ended, you must show the Court proof of one or more of the following facts found under s.95(3) of the Women’s Charter:

• Your spouse has committed adultery, and you find it intolerable to live with him or her;
• Your spouse has behaved in such a way that you cannot reasonably be expected to live with him or her;
• Your spouse has deserted you for at least two years;
• If your spouse agrees to the divorce, that you and your spouse have been separated for at least three years;
• If your spouse does not agree to the divorce, that you and your spouse have been separated for at least four years.

For more information on divorce, visit Family Justice Court  and GJC Law