Best Divorce & Family Lawyers In Singapore

Our Singapore Family lawyers are experienced and skilled in handling the following:

• Contested and Uncontested Divorce Matters
• Judicial Separation
• Deed of Separation
• Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements
• Annulment
• Family Assets
• Maintenance and Child Support
• Division of Matrimonial Assets
• Custody and Guardianship
• International Relationships Disputes
• Family Finance & Asset Protection Planning
• Domestic Violence
• Adoption
• Wills
• Trusts & Estate Planning
• Probate & Administration, including contentious probate disputes and multi-jurisdictional probate matters
• Lasting Power of Attorney
• Mental Capacity Act
• Advanced Medical Directive
• Appointment of deputies under the Mental Capacity Act
• Applications and appeals for Student Pass, Dependent’s Pass, Letters of Consent, Long-Term Pass and Permanent Residency
• Other Related & Complementary Divorce And Matrimonial Law Services

WHAT YOU MUST KNOW BEFORE APPLYING FOR A DIVORCE IN SINGAPORE

The Courts will only accept one reason for applying for a Divorce in Singapore, and that is if there is an irretrievable breakdown of marriage. Further, getting a Divorce is only possible if the couple has been legally married for at least three years.

Below are the only five grounds or conditions which can classify as an irretrievable breakdown of marriage:

• Adultery
• Unreasonable Behaviour
• Separation
• Desertion
• Mutual Agreement

Adultery

The legal definition of adultery involves a spouse having cheated on their partner by engaging in sexual relations with a third party. Partner A can file for a Divorce from Partner B, as soon as they suspect infidelity. 

However, using adultery as grounds for a Divorce in Singapore can be a tough process. The burden lies in Partner A to gather irrefutable evidence of their spouse cheating. Evidence may be in the form of:

• Video recordings clearly depicting sexual activity
• Salacious text messages between the spouse and another person
• Photographic evidence of sexual acts

Since Partner B may not readily admit to committing adultery, getting evidence can be difficult. In such cases, Partner A (you) may need the assistance of a private investigator.

Unreasonable Behaviour

Unreasonable behaviour doesn’t simply imply that both parties in a marriage don’t get along. Rather, you will need to prove your spouse is behaving in such a way that makes it difficult for you to stay with them any longer.

For instance, Partner B has been consistently physically abusive to Partner A. Or, Partner B has fallen to vices and is unable to hold a job to support the spouse and children (if any). The Courts may grant a Divorce in Singapore based on these facts.

What classifies as “unreasonable behaviour” is subjective. It will always depend on the circumstances of each case. Below are more examples:

• Partner B has been verbally abusive towards Partner A and/or their children.
• Partner B is constantly disrespectful towards Partner A.
• Partner B refuses to get counselling to save their marriage with Partner A.
• Partner B is fiscally irresponsible and does not fulfil their maintenance duties towards Partner A and their children (if any).
• Partner B constantly gaslights and manipulates Partner A into believing their lies. 
• Partner B is instrumental in destroying Partner A’s relationships with their friends and other family members.
• Partner B no longer spends time with Partner A, and prefers the company of their friends over the spouse.
• Partner B refuses to acknowledge their wrongdoings and continues behaving unreasonably.

Due to the wide definition of unreasonable behaviour, there are many other instances where a partner can file for a Divorce in Singapore based on this ground. The Courts will often refer to previous rulings to determine the validity of the reason. 

Other factors that the Courts may look into, include the aggrieved spouse’s condition, the defendant’s (Partner A) behaviour (whether they show passive aggressiveness or act in an overtly demeaning manner towards Partner B). 

The Courts will also consider the cumulative impact of the defendant’s behaviour — whether they’ve been acting unreasonable for an extended time period.

Separation

The Courts may only accept the grounds of separation if Partner A has proved that they have been living separately with Partner B for over three years. Partner B must also agree to the filing of the Divorce. 

Filing a Divorce in Singapore based on separation means that Partner A will need to present evidence of them living separately with their spouse. They must also be living apart due to choice, and not necessity.

For example, if Partner B has been relocated in another city for a job, the time they spent away from their spouse will not be counted in the three-year separation period.

It is also possible for a couple to be separated, but living together. The Courts will look into whether the couple have been acting as if they live in separate households. No spousal duties must take place (i.e. cleaning or cooking together, sleeping in the same bedroom, or managing a shared bank account).

Desertion

Desertion happens when one spouse has moved out of the matrimonial home and failed to return after a specific period. During such time, they also failed to inform the spouse, friends, or relatives, of their whereabouts. 

Proving desertion before filing a Divorce in Singapore must involve evidence of a spouse abandoning their partner. There are two conditions:

• Partner A and Partner B are physically separated; and
• Partner B (the spouse who has deserted) has shown intention to leave Partner A

Physical Separation

Physical separation means living separately in different households. This is different from a couple living in the same residence, but sleeping in different bedrooms. 

Intention To Leave

A spouse should be able to prove that their partner has shown explicit intention to desert/leave them. This is commonly understood as the intent to end the marriage. Deserting a partner must be non-consensual. This means a couple who has mutually agreed to live apart cannot use the “intention to desert” as a basis for getting a Divorce in Singapore.

Mutual Agreement

Changes to the Women’s Charter, which will take effect from 2023, can now allow couples to file for a Divorce based on mutual agreement. In this case, both parties must come to a mutual agreement that their marriage has irretrievably broken down. They must also provide an explanation for arriving at such a conclusion.

The parties must detail their attempts at reconciliation. They must have also prepared for alternative arrangements for their children and finances after the Divorce is finalised.

But, it is still within the Court’s discretion to accept the validity of this ground, especially if they believe the couple can still reconcile in the future.

Why Do You Need A Family Lawyer In Singapore For Your Divorce

It’s never easy to have to deal with Divorce Procedures, Spousal Maintenance, Child Custody and Division of Matrimonial Assets issues on your own, and you may feel overwhelmed by the stress and worry that comes with going through any contested proceeding in the Family Justice Courts in Singapore. Although some people choose to handle a divorce on their own when they don’t have the opportunity, choice or resources to engage a legal professional, it’s always a good idea to try to get legal advice from a team of Divorce lawyers to know more about the process of Divorce, what your rights are and to help you make a well-informed decision and plan accordingly.

A skilled specialist Family Law practitioner will advise you the strengths and weaknesses of your case and suggest beneficial, feasible and realistic terms of the Divorce that you should aim for or accept. Your Divorce lawyer will also be able to ensure that the Divorce documents and written arguments submitted to Court are properly prepared, effective and can help to persuade the Judge to accept your explanations and ultimately decide in your favour.

Having a good Divorce Lawyer in Singapore who is attentive and thorough will also help you identify, avoid and navigate past flaws in your own case such as arguments and evidence that may be used against you unexpectedly – this will enable you to modify your strategy appropriately when you encounter unforeseen roadblocks and obstacles that may otherwise derail your case.

When it comes to Child Custody disputes, a knowledgeable and capable divorce lawyer will be able to pursue your best interests whilst also balancing the need to do what’s in your children’s best interests in terms of their welfare and wellbeing.

As a leading Family Law firm in Singapore, our team of best Divorce lawyers in Singapore with legal experience will also help you steer past problematic issues regarding spousal maintenance and child maintenance, whether you’re trying to enforce a Maintenance Order against your ex-husband who’s defaulting on maintenance payments or if you’re trying to reduce the amount of maintenance you need to pay to your ex-wife because there’s been a material change and reduction to your financial situation.

Whether you’re facing problems regarding spousal & child maintenance issues, matrimonial assets or other ancillary matters, Tembsu Law provides free initial consultations, so if you are still looking for a Singapore Family Lawyer, get in contact with us today.

Benefits Of Engaging A TOP Divorce Lawyer In Singapore

If you are considering the benefits of getting a lawyer in Singapore for Divorce, here are some of the reasons why you should engage a top Divorce Lawyer in Singapore.

• Providing focus and direction: When emotions run high during the Divorce process, you’ll benefit from having a Divorce lawyer provide clear, pragmatic and unbiased advice on objectives, tactics and solutions.

• Reducing stress and anxiety: Having a good Divorce Lawyer in Singapore to represent you throughout the process will help relieve you of constant worry that may otherwise arise when you don’t have legal and tactical support.

• Saving time and money: Reaching a fair and peaceable settlement and avoiding a painfully contested divorce will always help you save time and cost. A good Divorce Lawyer in Singapore will also help you identify, compare, explain and choose the most appropriate and suitable solution for your unique family and personal profile and situation in negotiating favourable terms of settlement.

• Practical solutions: In addition to helping you achieve your desired outcome and reach your targeted key objectives, your divorce lawyer will also be able to devise practical solutions in troubleshooting issues that arise because of the consequent knock-on effects of your divorce.

LAWYER FEES & DIVORCE COST IN SINGAPORE

Divorce can be a costly and stressful process in Singapore. Some contentious and contested Divorce cases in Singapore can cost a fortune, so it’s important to make sure you’re getting the best representation during your Divorce proceedings.

Our lawyer fees for Divorce in Singapore depend on the scope and amount of work involved – this is something that we always discuss and agree on with you before we start work.

Lawyer Fees For Divorce In Singapore Can Be Affordable

In some cases, the legal fees are considerably lower. However, the total cost will vary depending on the circumstances surrounding the Divorce. Higher fees may be required for contested Divorces, primarily if the parties disagree on many issues, including child custody. If so, the attorney would spend more time preparing the arguments and evidence for his client’s case.

At Tembusu Law, the fees we charge are all-inclusive. There will be no hidden setup fees or other additional fees.

Breakdown On Lawyer Fees For Divorce In Singapore

Tembusu Law firm offers services to both contested Divorce and Uncontested Divorce cases.

The standard lawyer commitment for a divorce in Singapore fluctuates based on your particular situation. As a broad benchmark, one might need to allocate a modest to a substantial amount of resources for an uncontested Divorce, particularly when both parties are in consensus on all conditions, eliminating the necessity for negotiations.

At times, a more significant commitment may be required, encompassing cases involving matrimonial property, children, and maintenance. This level of involvement may also be necessary if there’s still some negotiation needed in the case, or if one party doesn’t agree with all the terms of the Divorce.

For a more accurate quote on our lawyer fees for Divorce in Singapore, we highly recommend contacting us for a free consultation.