Divorce Procedure in Singapore Explained by Trusted Lawyers
Get a clear understanding of the divorce procedure in Singapore—from meeting eligibility criteria to obtaining the final judgment. Populus Law, your trusted legal partner, outlines each step, required documents, and key timelines to help you navigate the process with confidence and ease.
Divorce Procedure Singapore – What Every Spouse Must Know
1. Understand the Legal Grounds for Divorce
In Singapore, a spouse must prove an irretrievable breakdown of marriage under the Women’s Charter — such as adultery, unreasonable behaviour, desertion, or separation.
2. Contested vs. Uncontested Divorce
In Singapore, a spouse must prove an irretrievable breakdown of marriage under the Women’s Charter — such as adultery, unreasonable behaviour, desertion, or separation.
3. Parenting Programme is Mandatory (If You Have Children)
Couples with children under 21 must complete a mandatory Parenting Programme by the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) before filing for divorce.
4. Hire a Divorce Lawyer Experienced in Singapore Family Law
A family lawyer can help you draft the Writ for Divorce, Statement of Claim, and other required legal documents correctly, ensuring smoother proceedings.
Legal Steps to Getting a Divorce in Singapore
1. Meet the Eligibility Criteria
Either spouse must be a Singapore Citizen or have resided in Singapore for at least 3 years before filing for divorce.
2. Identify the Legal Grounds for Divorce
The court requires proof of an irretrievable breakdown of the marriage through adultery, unreasonable behaviour, desertion, or separation.
3. Decide Between Contested and Uncontested Divorce
Uncontested divorces (where both parties agree) are faster and less costly. Contested cases involve disputes and court hearings.
4. File Key Legal Documents with the Family Justice Courts
These include the Writ for Divorce, Statement of Claim, Statement of Particulars, and Parenting or Matrimonial Property Plans (if applicable).
5. Attend Mediation or Counseling (If Required)
The court may order mandatory mediation or counseling for couples with children under 21 to resolve issues amicably.
6. Obtain the Interim and Final Judgment of Divorce
Once all matters are settled, the court will issue an Interim Judgment followed by a Final Judgment (after 3 months), legally ending the marriage.
Understanding the Contested & Uncontested Divorce Process in Singapore
1. Uncontested Divorce is Faster and Cheaper
Both parties agree on all issues, making the process smooth and usually finalized within 4–6 months.
2. Contested Divorce Involves Disputes
If there’s no agreement on child custody, maintenance, or assets, the court intervenes and hearings may be required.
3. Mediation May Be Required by the Family Court
Especially in contested cases, Singapore courts often mandate mediation to help couples resolve differences amicably.
4. Both Start with Filing the Same Legal Documents
Whether contested or uncontested, the process begins with filing a Writ for Divorce and Statement of Claim in the Family Justice Courts.
The divorce procedure in Singapore depends on whether it is a simplified, uncontested divorce or whether it is a contested divorce.
Requirements for divorce in Singapore
In order to divorce in Singapore, you and your spouse must meet the following requirements as stipulated under the Women’s Charter:
- The marriage must be over 3 years old.
- Either party must be a Singapore citizen (or if both parties are not Singapore citizens, at least one party must have been habitually resident in Singapore for more than 3 years).
- The marriage must have broken down irretrievably as a result of:
- Adultery;
- Unreasonable behaviour;
- Desertion;
- Separation of 3 years with consent;
- Separation of 4 years; or
- Divorce by mutual agreement (only available in 2023).
- Address;
- Date of birth of parties;
- Occupation of parties;
- Religion of parties;
- Educational levels of parties; and
- Citizenship status of parties.
- If you have a child under the age of 21, you will need to undergo the Mandatory Parenting Programme which is free of charge! Your spouse need not attend the programme with you.
- Your divorce lawyer will file the divorce papers on your behalf and serve them on your spouse. The documents required are:
- Writ of Divorce;
- Statement of Claim containing the parties’ information and the claims by the Plaintiff;
- Statement of Particulars detailing the reasons for divorce;
- Proposed Parenting Plan explaining the Plaintiff’s future parenting proposals; and
- Proposed Matrimonial Property Plan explaining the Plaintiff’s future proposals on the matrimonial HDB flat.
- Thereafter, your spouse will have 8 days to enter his appearance. This means that your spouse will need to inform the Court if he is contesting the divorce.
- If your spouse wishes to contest the divorce, the matter will proceed on to mediation (if there is at least 1 child under the age of 21 or if both parties consent to the process of mediation)
- Parties will exchange financial documents and proposals at the mediation stage. The Court appointed mediator (usually a district judge) will help parties and lawyers negotiate with each other. If a full settlement is reached, this is the end of the contested divorce procedure.
- If parties are unable to reach a full settlement at mediation, they may continue the contested divorce procedure by proceeding for a hearing in Court, where a Court Judge will make a decision on the issues at hand.
- On average, it takes about 6 to 9 months to complete a contested divorce.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the basic requirements to file for a divorce in Singapore?
According to the Women’s Charter, the following must be met:
1.The marriage must be at least 3 years
2. At least one party must be a Singapore citizen, or if both are non-citizens, at least one must have been habitually resident in Singapore for over 3 years.
- adultery,
- unreasonable behaviour,
- desertion,
- separation for 3 years with consent,
- separation for 4 years, or
- divorce by mutual agreement (allowed only since 2023).
2. What documents are needed for an uncontested divorce?
You must provide your lawyer with:
- Marriage certificate
- Children’s birth certificates (if applicable)
- Identification documents (especially if details differ).
3. How long does an uncontested (simplified) divorce take?
An uncontested divorce typically takes between 4 to 6 months from filing to finalisation.
4. How long does a contested divorce take?
For contested cases, the process—including mediation and potentially a court hearing—commonly takes 6 to 9 months to complete.
5. What is the difference between an uncontested and a contested divorce?
In most cases, you do not need to appear in court for uncontested divorces. Your lawyer will handle all court procedures on your behalf.
- Uncontested (simplified): Both parties agree on all issues—including grounds for divorce, child custody, maintenance, and division of assets. This process involves preparing and signing papers, submitting them, and waiting for court approval.
- Contested: If disputes exist, the case follows a longer track involving filing of legal documents, possibly mandatory mediation (especially if children are under 21), and finally a court hearing if mediation fails.
6. What are the steps in a contested divorce?
- Mandatory Parenting Programme if children under 21 are involved.
- File a Writ of Divorce, Statement of Claim, Statement of Particulars, plus proposed Parenting & Matrimonial Property Plans.
- The spouse has 8 days to respond.
- Mediation follows if contested.
- 5. If unresolved, proceed to a court hearing. The full process usually spans 6 to 9 months.
7. Can a divorce be filed before 3 years of marriage?
Generally, no. The 3-year marriage duration is a mandatory requirement, except in rare cases of exceptional hardship or exceptionally unreasonable behaviour, where the court may grant early permission.
8. Is engaging a lawyer necessary for divorce proceedings?
No, it’s not mandatory. You can self‑file, but professional representation is strongly advised due to legal complexities and no court assistance is provided in self‑representation.