Deciding to divorce is an important step, but knowing what to do next can be difficult. Before filing, it is useful to understand the legal requirements, divorce process and the decisions that may need to be made about your children, finances and matrimonial assets.
Preparing early can help you understand your position and consider whether matters can be resolved by agreement before proceedings begin.
If you have decided to divorce, here are some of the key issues to consider before taking your next step.
- Check your eligibility – Make sure you meet the requirements to divorce in Singapore.
- Understand the basis for divorce – Irretrievable breakdown must be established through one or more recognised facts.
- Consider the children – Custody, care and control, access and maintenance may need to be addressed.
- Review your finances – Consider the matrimonial home, CPF, other assets, liabilities and maintenance.
- Prepare before filing – Understanding your position early can help you approach the divorce with greater clarity.
– Grounds for Divorce
– Separation
– Marriage Certificate
– Overseas Marriage
– Child Custody
– Child Maintenance
– Matrimonial Assets
– Remarriage
– Grounds for Divorce
– Separation
– Marriage Certificate
– Overseas Marriage
– Child Custody
– Child Maintenance
– Matrimonial Assets
– Remarriage
What are the grounds for divorce?
You can get a divorce in Singapore, provided you have been married for at least three years. The only ground for divorce in Singapore is that your marriage must have broken down beyond repair.
The following circumstances may help prove that your marriage’s irreparably broken down:
Adultery and unreasonable behaviour
If your spouse has been unfaithful or displays unreasonable behaviour such that you can’t be expected to cohabitate, it can prove that the marriage is beyond repair.
Related Article: 10 points to consider before filing for Divorce based on Adultery
Desertion
If your spouse has deserted you continuously for two years, you may be eligible to file for divorce.
Related Article: Divorce based on Desertion for 2 Years
Separation
If you have been living apart for three years consensually or four years without consent, you may be able to apply for a divorce.
Related Article: Methods Of Separation Before Pursuing Divorce In Singapore
Mutual Agreement
You and your spouse both agree that the marriage has irretrievably broken down, have made attempts at reconciliation and have considered the ancillary matters, including the children’s issues and the financial issues.
Related Article: Divorce by Mutual Agreement (DMA) in Singapore
Can we be separated under one roof?
Yes, you may; however, you would need to show the following:
- You and your spouse have different sleeping arrangements.
- There is a significant reduction in family outings and other shared activities.
- Both of you are financially independent, like having separate bank accounts.
- A decreased number of household chores that you do for each other.
Do I need a copy of the marriage certificate?
Yes, you would need to have a copy of the marriage certificate to file for divorce.
What if I was married overseas?
If your spouse is a foreign citizen, you may apply for a divorce in Singapore even if you were married overseas. However, if both of you are foreign citizens, you can apply for the divorce process only if you have been a Singapore resident for at least three years. We recommend you consult an Expat divorce lawyer for more information on how to divorce in Singapore.
What about child custody?
When parents divorce, the Singapore courts consider the welfare of the child as the paramount consideration. There are three main arrangements to consider:
Custody – who makes major decisions about the child, such as education, healthcare and religion. Custody may be joint or sole.
Care and control – which parent the child lives with and who is responsible for the child’s day-to-day care.
Access – the time the other parent spends with the child, which may include weekdays, weekends, school holidays and special occasions.
Parents can agree on these arrangements. If they cannot agree, the court will determine what arrangements are appropriate, with the child’s welfare as the primary consideration.
What about maintenance for the children?
All children under 21 are entitled to financial support from their biological parents. The parents must contribute to the maintenance of the children after 21 years if the child has a mental or physical disability. If a child over 21 is studying or serving full-time national service, they may also be entitled to maintenance.
Related Post: Podcast On Child Custody & Child Maintenance
What about the house, investments, CPF, and so on?
In Singapore, the divorce process comprises 2 steps- the dissolution of the marriage and the ancillary stage. The family court will be responsible for the division of matrimonial assets like a house, investment, or CPF during the ancillary stage.
When can I get married again?
You can remarry after your divorce has been finalised and the Final Judgment has been granted.
Generally, the Final Judgment can only be extracted at least 3 months after the Interim Judgment, or after all ancillary matters have been resolved, whichever is later.
You’ve Decided — What Comes Next Matters
Making the decision to divorce is not just emotional, it sets in motion a legal process that affects your finances, children, housing, and long-term stability.
At this stage, many people are still unclear about:
- Whether they meet the legal requirements to file
- How to establish the grounds for divorce
- What to expect in terms of child custody, maintenance, and asset division
- How to approach the process without unnecessary delays or complications
Getting clarity early can make a significant difference in how smoothly the process unfolds.
At GJC Law, Ms Gloria James and her team work with individuals at this exact stage, helping them understand their position, structure their next steps, and move forward in a way that is both practical and considered.
If you have reached the point of deciding, it may be helpful to take a step back and ensure that your next move is properly thought through.
You may wish to speak with one of our divorce lawyers for a confidential consultation to better understand:
- Your eligibility and options
- The process ahead
- What to prepare before filing
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A clear starting point can help you avoid unnecessary complications later.
We’re here for you
Our lawyers at GJC Law offer a free 20-minute consultation to explain the divorce process and determine whether you qualify for divorce in Singapore.
Our goal is to help you find a resolution that works for you.
