Divorce is a life-altering decision that requires careful thought and preparation. Before engaging a Divorce lawyer in Singapore, it is important to reflect on key aspects of your marriage, finances, and future plans.
Rushing into legal proceedings without fully understanding the implications can lead to unnecessary stress and complications. Asking the right questions can help clarify your position and ensure you make informed choices that align with your best interests.
Are your marital issues temporary or long-term? Have you exhausted all efforts to resolve them? Are you emotionally and financially prepared for what lies ahead? These are just some of the important considerations that will help you make an informed decision.
This article will guide you through the essential questions to ask before getting a Divorce lawyer in Singapore, ensuring that you are fully prepared for the process.
1. What Problems Do You Face In Your Marriage?
It’s always important to consider what is causing any feelings of unhappiness in your marriage. Before assuming the worst, take the time to identify not just if you feel a certain way, but why. Whether it be commitment issues, a lack of communication, lifestyle differences or anything in between, understanding the problem is the first step.
Understanding the root cause of your feelings—whether it is a growing emotional distance, a loss of intimacy, or conflicting long-term goals—can help clarify whether your marriage can still be repaired or if separation is the more viable option. Before assuming the worst, take the time to reflect on not just what is happening, but why you feel the way you do. Identifying these patterns can give you a clearer perspective on your next steps.
2. Have You Tried Fixing Those Problems?
Once you have an idea of what the underlying issue may be, ask yourself: how have you and your spouse tried to overcome those issues? Is your partner aware of how you feel? Have you found any success while trying to resolve it, or do you feel like you keep coming back to the same problems?
Consider whether you have voiced your concerns openly and honestly with your spouse. Have the two of you tried counselling, adjusting expectations, or making lifestyle changes to address the problems? If solutions have been attempted but the same arguments and frustrations keep resurfacing, it may be a sign that the marriage is at a standstill. On the other hand, if your spouse is unaware of your struggles or unwilling to engage in meaningful discussions, it could indicate a lack of mutual effort in preserving the relationship.
3. What Is Your Role In The Breakdown Of The Marriage?
Sometimes, marital issues can be very one-sided – for example, if your partner has an affair. But as the saying goes, it takes two hands to clap: many relationship problems involve contributions from both parties, and external factors such as work-related stress and mental health can have an unseen impact. Without shouldering unnecessary blame, consider if and how you played a part in any breakdown in the relationship.
Ask yourself: have I been emotionally available to my spouse? Have my work commitments, stress, or personal struggles affected our relationship? Have I contributed to misunderstandings or miscommunications? Taking accountability does not mean taking all the blame, but recognising any unintentional role you may have played in the marriage’s deterioration.
This self-awareness is crucial, whether you decide to work on the marriage or move forward with Divorce. It helps ensure that, moving forward, you avoid repeating the same patterns in future relationships and make decisions with a clearer, more balanced perspective.
4. Do You Feel Happier Alone?
5. What Are The Grounds For Divorce In Singapore?
Getting a divorce in Singapore is not as simple as calling the best lawyer, paying a fee and signing a piece of paper. You will need to fulfil a range of legal requirements which include:
- Married for at least three years unless there is proof of exceptional depravity or hardship
- There is an irreparable breakdown of the marriage
- At least one of the following has occurred:
- Adultery
- Unreasonable behaviour (e.g. violence, neglect, verbal abuse, drug or alcohol addiction)
- Separation for three years (consent from both parties)
- Separation for four years (without mutual consent)
You will then need to go through the legal procedures of divorce, which can take months to complete even if things remain amicable between you and your spouse. If the divorce is contested or child custody is involved, the process will inevitably be further prolonged.
Conclusion About Questions To Ask Before Getting A Divorce
Divorce is never an easy decision, and asking yourself the right questions to ask before getting a divorce can help you navigate this life-changing process with clarity. By evaluating your marital issues, attempts at resolution, financial preparedness, and the legal implications, you can make a well-informed choice that protects your interests and future well-being.
Divorce isn’t always the answer, but sometimes it is. Tembusu Law’s experienced and compassionate Divorce lawyers are based in Singapore and can help you.
If you are considering Divorce and need expert guidance, Tembusu Law’s professional Divorce Lawyer in Singapore can provide you with clear, compassionate, and practical legal advice.
Reach out to Tembusu Law to discuss your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Questions To Ask Before Getting A Divorce
How Long Does The Divorce Process Take In Singapore?
The duration of a Divorce depends on whether it is contested or uncontested. An uncontested Divorce typically takes around four to six months, while a contested Divorce can take a year or longer due to Court proceedings and negotiations.
What Are The Costs Involved In Filing For Divorce?
The cost of a Divorce varies based on complexity. An uncontested Divorce may cost between SGD 1,500 to SGD 3,500, while a contested Divorce can be significantly higher, depending on legal fees, Court costs, and other related expenses.
How Is Child Custody Determined During A Divorce?
Child custody is decided based on the child’s best interests. The Court considers factors such as the child’s welfare, emotional needs, and each parent’s ability to provide care. Custody can be awarded as sole custody, joint custody, or split custody arrangements.
What Happens To Matrimonial Assets After A Divorce?
Matrimonial assets, including property, savings, and investments, are divided based on what is “just and equitable.” The Court considers the financial and non-financial contributions of both parties before making a decision on asset division.
Do I Need To Attend Court For A Divorce In Singapore?
If the Divorce is uncontested and both parties have agreed on the terms, a Court hearing may not be necessary. However, if the Divorce is contested, both parties may need to attend Court proceedings to resolve disputes regarding financial matters, child custody, or asset division.
