You’ve found a Singapore divorce lawyer that you trust and are ready to get down to the business of planning the divorce.
But where to start? The first thing to keep in mind is that your family lawyer must have a complete picture of your situation to give you good divorce advice and formulate a solid plan.
To ensure that your lawyer is in sync with your needs and circumstances, here are the four most important topics to discuss at a consultation.
Key Points
- A divorce consultation is more useful when your lawyer has a clear picture of your circumstances, concerns and priorities.
- Bring relevant information about your income, expenses, CPF monies, property and other assets so your financial position can be properly assessed.
- Raise spousal and child maintenance issues early, including your financial needs and existing obligations.
- If you have children, be prepared to discuss custody, care and control, access and practical parenting arrangements.
- Tell your lawyer about any family violence, threats or safety concerns as early as possible, as these may require separate and immediate legal advice.
- Preparing your questions and relevant documents beforehand can help you make better use of your consultation.
Finances
Untangling a couple’s finances and property is one of the most difficult aspects of divorce. Both you and your Singapore family lawyer should have a clear, realistic vision of your finances at the beginning of the process.
Before your consultation, collect the relevant financial documents for your lawyer to review. These may include notice of assessment, payslips, deeds to real estate, stock certificates, CPF statements, and more.
During the consultation, your family lawyer can begin to assess which items most likely constitute marital property and must be divided upon divorce, and which ones may constitute separate property that you (or your spouse) will own outright.
This process will help you to formulate a post-divorce budget, plus get a sense of which property may be a thorny issue in the divorce.
Spousal Maintenance
If you need spousal maintenance, raise the issue with your divorce lawyer as soon as possible.
Your lawyer will examine the factors to determine whether you are entitled to maintenance based on your individual circumstances. You and your lawyer will need to discuss the strength of these issues in advance.
The Woman’s Charter details that in assessing whether and how much maintenance is necessary, the court will consider each parties’:
- income and earning capacity
- financial needs and obligations
- the standard of living during the marriage
- age
- physical or mental disabilities
- contribution to the marriage (whether financial, childcare, or otherwise)
- potential financial losses that each person may incur upon divorce
- reasonable and necessary monthly expenses
Related Article: 3 Myths Surrounding Division of Matrimonial Assets
Child Custody
Child custody is often a sensitive situation in divorce. Consider and discuss your ideal child custody situation with your divorce lawyer.
Be prepared to talk about your vision for who will have daily care and control of your children, whether split custody is a viable option for you, the ideal visitation schedule for your children, and your spouse’s attitude toward child custody.
If you believe that there is going to be a battle for custody, let your lawyer know right away, as you will have to start working on a plan.
Related Article: 4 Mistakes to avoid if you have Care and Control of your Child
Abuse Issues
If you have an abusive spouse, either toward you or the children, let your lawyer know as soon as possible. Your divorce lawyer can help you to apply for a Personal Protection Order at the Family Justice Courts.
In addition, your lawyer can advise you on how to gather evidence of the abuse, and help protect you from being intimidated or bullied during the divorce process.
Related Article: 3 Broad Questions about the Divorce Process in Singapore
Speak to a GJC Family Lawyer
Every divorce begins with different circumstances. Understanding your financial position, arrangements for your children, maintenance concerns and other issues can help you identify what needs to be addressed before taking the next step.
GJC Law offers two consultation options depending on the assistance you require:
- Free 20-minute Divorce Process Call – for general information about the Singapore divorce process, procedures and available next steps.
- Strategic Divorce Consultation – a paid consultation with a family lawyer for legal advice on your circumstances, rights, financial or parenting issues, proposed settlement terms and divorce strategy.
- Assess if you can file for divorce in Singapore.
- Help you understand each step of the divorce process.
- Address questions & concerns related to divorce process.
- Help you explore your divorce options.
If you are unsure which consultation is appropriate, our team can help you identify the option that best suits your enquiry.
We’re here for you
At your initial consultation stage, our Divorce Lawyers will:
