Marriages continue to form the basis of a family unit in cultures worldwide. Couples enter into holy matrimony together to commit to a lifetime of love and trust. However, the last few years show there’s a high number of couples separating.
Data from the Singapore Department of Statistics show that annulments, marriage dissolutions, and Divorce rates in Singapore remain at an all-time high. In 2020 alone, 6,959 married couples filed for Divorce. The Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) also discovered that recently-wed couples separate earlier than those married for a long time. But what are the actual reasons for the high Divorce rate in Singapore?
The high figure does not explain the entire situation. The MSF surveyed the likely causes of the rising Divorce rate. Surprisingly, adultery was only in the 3rd spot. On the top spot is “women’s independence”. Women are separating from their spouses because they have more opportunities to live independently.
Infidelity, domestic violence, lack of intimacy, and financial woes are still some of the top reasons marriages in Singapore end in Divorce. Although socio-economic factors can explain a couple’s decision to Divorce, there’s no answer that fully explains the decision.
1. Infidelity
Adultery remains a prominent reason behind the high divorce rate in Singapore. Despite efforts by couples to forgive and heal through marriage counselling, the breach of trust often proves too severe.
Cheating often arises from feelings of neglect or falling out of love, leading partners to seek companionship elsewhere.
This betrayal not only jeopardises the relationship but also impacts the overall family development, as the median age at Divorce shows an increasing trend in more recent marriage cohorts. In many cases, once infidelity is discovered, the damage to the marriage is irreparable, leading to marital dissolution.
The partner who has been cheated on may find it impossible to trust again, culminating in a decision to separate, impacting both partners and any children involved.
2. Domestic Violence
Domestic violence is a critical issue that significantly contributes to the increasing divorce rates in Singapore. For many men and women, escaping an abusive relationship is essential for personal safety, yet it challenges the notion of a healthy marriage.
Victims may seek legal separation as a means to protect themselves and their children. The Ministry of Social and Family Development supports such decisions through provisions for filing Personal Protection Orders (PPOs) when the abused spouse faces continuous threats or harassment.
Legal assistance is crucial in these situations to navigate the complexities of Divorce and ensure a safe and favourable outcome.
Despite the love once shared, violence within marriage often leads to its dissolution, underscoring the importance of interventions aimed at greater marriage stability and supporting residents through effective family development policies.
3. Financial Woes
Financial woes significantly contribute to the divorce rate in Singapore, often stemming from deep-seated disagreements over spending and savings. Early in marriage, love might overshadow financial prudence, leading couples to overlook fundamental economic disparities.
However, as the median duration of marriages extends, financial stress becomes unavoidable, especially if one partner’s spending habits clash with the other’s savings-oriented mindset.
Serious quarrels can erupt over insufficient finances, with one partner potentially accruing debt or failing to contribute financially, straining the marriage to its breaking point.
Such conflicts are frequent causes of marital dissolutions, as reflected in statistics showing an uptick in divorces related to financial disagreements in recent marriage cohorts.
4. Lack Of Intimacy
A decline in physical and emotional intimacy is another factor influencing the divorce rates in Singapore. Marriages often start with strong affection and mutual attentiveness, but the romantic spark can fade over the years, leading to feelings of neglect and emotional distance.
This can be exacerbated by life’s pressures, such as work or children, which divert attention away from marital relationships. The lack of intimacy, whether physical or emotional, can make a marriage feel less fulfilling, pushing couples towards considering Divorce as a solution.
Efforts to strengthen marriages through regular communication and quality time together are crucial in maintaining a healthy relationship. Yet, many couples struggle to keep the romance alive despite daily stresses.
5. Drug And/Or Gambling Addiction
Gambling and drugs are two addictive vices. Partners who fall into this trap end up making irrational decisions. Substance abuse, for example, can alienate families and cause a mental, emotional, and physical toll on those affected.
Gambling addiction is no less different. A spouse may throw away all the couple and their family’s life savings to this vice. Pathological gamblers also often unload their frustrations on the husband or wife and the kids.
6. Communication Problems
Effective communication is important for sustaining a healthy marriage. In Singapore, where diverse cultural backgrounds coalesce, misunderstandings and conflicts can escalate when communication breaks down.
Miscommunication often manifests through unhealthy methods such as offensive remarks or yelling, which can significantly stall a relationship. Many couples find themselves in cycles of arguments without resolutions, primarily when they consistently fail to acknowledge or appreciate their partner’s perspective.
This lack of nurturing dialogue contributes to the rising divorce rates in Singapore, as effective communication is crucial for resolving disputes and reinforcing mutual understanding within married couples.
7. Marrying At A Young Age
Marrying young, particularly under the age of 25, has shown a higher propensity for marital dissolution in Singapore.
The Ministry of Social and Family Development reports that divorce rates among early marriage cohorts—particularly those married between the ages of 20 and 24—are notably higher compared to those who marry later.
This demographic tends to face greater challenges in terms of financial instability and emotional maturity. Often, young couples enter into marriage driven by romance, overlooking potential red flags that later become significant issues.
As they grow and evolve, many find that their resources and coping mechanisms are insufficient to handle the complexities of married life, leading to a higher rate of divorces in these groups compared to those who marry at a more mature age.
Conclusion About The Singapore Divorce Rate
Many couples fall into the trap that love is enough to make a marriage last. But, it takes a concerted effort from both parties for a marriage to succeed. Aside from showing loyalty and commitment, couples should have difficult conversations. If the relationship is falling apart and they can no longer work it out, then a separation might be the best choice.
Divorce is a heavy decision to make, whatever the circumstances of the marriage. Couples may feel overwhelmed at the decision, not to mention all the legalities and paperwork that go along with it.
But here at Tembusu Law, we strive to make legal situations less stressful. We provide sound legal advice to help you make informed decisions. Whether you’re seeking to finalise a Divorce or address other legal matters, our divorce lawyers in Singapore are here to help. If you face any criminal charges, our expert criminal lawyers in Singapore can also provide support.
Call us now and get a free 30-minute consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Singapore Divorce Rat
Are Divorce Rates In Singapore Increasing?
Although the number of finalised Divorce proceedings fell by 8.7% in 2021, Singapore still has one of the highest Divorce rates compared to the world.
What Are The Grounds For Divorce In Singapore?
The Singapore Divorce law states that only one possible ground for Divorce exists: the “irretrievable breakdown of marriage”.
An irretrievable marriage breakdown can be the following:
- Adultery
- Unreasonable behaviour
- Desertion for two years
- Separation for three years with the spouse’s consent
- Separation for four years
How Common Is Adultery In Singapore?
Statistics from the Department of Statistics (DOS) show that 1.3 to 2.1% of spouses who filed for Divorce said that adultery was their main reason for doing so.
Can I Sue For Adultery In Singapore?
Yes. If you can successfully prove that there was an intentional act to commit adultery, the courts will grant you a Divorce. However, cheating on the other spouse cannot guarantee that you’ll get a larger chunk of the matrimonial assets. Adultery also does not automatically grant you custody of your kids.
How Can I Get A Divorce?
A couple can only file for a writ for Divorce if they’ve been married for at least 3 years, as per the Women’s Charter.
What Are The Current Divorce Rates In Singapore Compared To The Previous Year?
In 2023, civil divorces in Singapore increased by 4.2% to 5,918, up from 5,602 in 2022. Conversely, Muslim divorces saw a significant decline of 20%, dropping from 1,505 in 2022 to 1,200 in 2023. These changes underscore the varying effectiveness of marriage enrichment programmes across different communities.
