Family Law
The main bulk of cases in this area are couples (or a spouse) seeking divorce. Parties have to be married for at least 3 years before divorce proceedings may be commenced, and one party must be domiciled in Singapore or habitually resident in Singapore for a period of 3 years preceding commencement of the proceedings.
The sole ground of divorce is irretrievable breakdown of marriage and it can be established on any of these five reasons:
- Adultery
- Unreasonable behaviour
- Desertion for a continuous period of 2 years
- 3 years period of continuous separation of parties by consent
- 4 years period of continuation separation
Divorce may be contested or uncontested. An uncontested divorce is when parties agree to the reason for divorce and ancillary matters. Ancillary matters refer to:
- Division of matrimonial home
- Division of matrimonial assets
- Custody, care and control, access of/to children
- Child and spousal maintenance
- Legal fees
Parties will sign the divorce documents and these documents will be e-filed by us. These documents consist of:
- Consent from the defendant to the simplified uncontested divorce
- Marriage certificate
- Copy of search result on parties’ bankruptcy proceedings
- Draft interim judgment with agreed ancillary issues signed by both parties
- CPF checklists signed by both parties
A contested divorce is when parties are unable to agree on the reason for the divorce or any ancillary matter. There will be court mediation and parties may change their minds and reach a settlement. Failing which, the matter will proceed for a hearing. The court will hear both parties and reach a verdict.
We can provide you with sound legal advice on how best to navigate this tumultuous time in your life. From handling a smooth uncontested divorce swiftly, to persuading an uncooperative spouse at the negotiating table or litigating a contested divorce in a court hearing, you can trust us to always pursue your best interests.
