CONTESTED, UNCONTESTED DIVORCES AND CUSTODY & MAINTENANCE MATTERS
Like family legal matters, divorce cases – regardless of context and circumstances – can be especially challenging for all parties involved. Our team comprises some of the best divorce lawyers in Singapore, dedicated to issuing a collaborative approach towards a peaceful and feasible solution for both parents and children.
At Tembusu Law, we recognise the importance of a joint and transparent decision-making process with our clients. Understanding the nuances between contested and uncontested divorces as well as maintenance or custody matters can be difficult in present conditions at home. Our divorce lawyers are committed to representing and justifiably helping you achieve a fair and equitable settlement in Court.

Our divorce lawyers are experienced and skilled in handling the following:
- Processing of divorce cases
- Contested and uncontested divorces
- Deed of separation
- Prenuptial, postnuptial separations
- Child custody, guardianship & support
- Spousal maintenance
- Personal Protection Orders (PPO)
- Matrimonial assets
- Asset protection & family finance
- Judicial separation
Typical fee structure
- Basic - $4,500
- Intermediate - $6,500
- Advanced - $8,500
“When I reached out to you, you reached back and helped me. You were genuinely concerned for my wellbeing and thought about how best to manage a difficult situation with my loved ones in mind. Most of all, you never judged me. I will never forget that.”
Eligibility for divorce
To successfully file a divorce in Singapore, you must meet the eligibility requirements set by the Women’s Charter. You or your spouse must be:
- A Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident of Singapore
- Living in Singapore for at least three years
In addition, you must also be married for at least three years. If you have been married for less than three years and want to end your marriage with your spouse, you will only be able to do so:
- If the Court is satisfied that you have suffered exceptional hardship or your spouse has been exhibiting behaviour towards you that is exceptionally unreasonable and cruel
- If you file for an annulment of marriage, which declares that your marriage never existed at all.
Please note that you cannot apply for a divorce in the Family Justice Courts if you and your spouse are Muslims, or had been married under the Muslim Law in Singapore. It is best to speak to a divorce lawyer for advice and find a suitable solution to move forward with.
Proving irretrievable breakdown of marriage
Irretrievable breakdown of marriage refers to a situation where both spouses are no longer able or willing to live together as husband and wife. In Singapore, irretrievable breakdown of marriage must be proven with at least one of the following legal grounds of marriage to successfully file a divorce:
- Adultery
- Unreasonable behaviour
- Desertion
- Separation
Each of the above entails a set of requirements to prove that are reasonable grounds to file a divorce. In certain instances, you will need to provide good evidence to support your case. A divorce lawyer will walk you through the necessary steps to obtain the required information to present to the Family Justice Courts in Singapore. For more information, you may browse our knowledge base.
SPEAK WITH OUR DIVORCE LAWYERS TODAY
Experienced in managing a range of settlement cases, our team – comprising some of the best divorce lawyers in Singapore – are dedicated to serving your needs in Court. Alongside family legal issues, divorce cases can be emotionally challenging for parties involved, especially children of young age. We are committed to easing the process for you and your family with support and guidance every step of the way. Call our team of specialised divorce lawyers for free consultation support today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Divorce in Singapore
What is the divorce process in Singapore?
In Singapore, the divorce process involves two stages. This applies to both contested and uncontested divorces.
The first stage refers to the dissolution of marriage, in which the Family Justice Courts discuss and decide whether the marriage has irretrievably broken down. Should the Courts be convinced that the marriage has indeed broken down, it will grant an Interim Judgement of Divorce. This officially ends the marriage between the two parties.
In the second stage, the Court deals with ancillary matters pertaining to child custody, maintenance and matrimonial assets. Once all ancillary matters are settled, the Courts will grant a Certificate of Final Judgement, which can only be extracted three months from the date of the Interim Judgement.
In your first meeting with our divorce lawyer in Singapore, you will be provided with an overview of the two stages so you are well prepared for the processes that will ensue. For more details, visit our FAQ page.
What documents are required to file for a divorce?
If you intend to file for a divorce in Singapore, you will need to submit certain documents to the Family Justice Courts. Your lawyer will provide you with a good run-through of the following documents and work closely with you to draft them:
- Writ for divorce
- Statement of claim
- Statement of facts
- Proposed Parenting Plan
- Proposed Matrimonial Property Plan for HDB owners
What is the cost of divorce in Singapore?
The cost of Singapore varies between contested and uncontested divorces. If you are intending to file for a divorce, you may book a free consultation with our lawyers to discuss your situation and the potential costs that will be involved. If you require free legal advice and counsel in Singapore, our pro-bono lawyers can assist you.
Can I file for a divorce in Singapore without a lawyer?
You may file for a divorce in Singapore without a lawyer. This means you will need to manage the preparation and filing of all legal documents on your own, and represent yourself in court should you need to contest your divorce.
However, if you are constrained on time and resources, and are uncertain of the legal processes in Singapore, this may not be the best approach for you. By seeking the help of a divorce lawyer, you can rest assured that all the legal formalities are carried out professionally while you take care of other important matters at hand.
What will our divorce lawyer do for you?
Our divorce lawyers come with years of experience dealing with both contested and uncontested divorces in Singapore. They will guide you through every stage of the process, from establishing a reasonable ground for divorce to achieving a fair settlement in all ancillary matters. Our fair, transparent and joint decision-making approach ensures that we put in place the best legal solution for you.