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The only ground for divorce is the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage under the Women’s Charter. This can be proven by one of six facts:

• Adultery
• Unreasonable behaviour
• Desertion for at least 2 years
• Separation for 3 years (with consent)
• Separation for 4 years (without consent)
• Divorce by Mutual Agreement (DMA) – introduced on 1 July 2024, allowing couples to jointly agree that the marriage has broken down without needing to prove fault.

DMA is a new, no-fault divorce option in Singapore. Both spouses must agree that the marriage has irretrievably broken down and file a written agreement setting out:

• Why they believe the marriage cannot continue
• Efforts at reconciliation
• Proposed arrangements for children and finances

The Court must be satisfied that the agreement is fair before granting the divorce. DMA reduces blame and conflict and is designed to give couples a more amicable way to separate.

Yes. Adultery is one of the recognised facts to show irretrievable breakdown of a marriage. The spouse filing must show that adultery occurred and that it is intolerable to continue living with the other party. Evidence is usually required, such as private investigator reports, messages, or clear admissions.

To use adultery as a ground for divorce:

• You must file within 6 months from the date you found out about the adultery.
• If you continued to live with your spouse for more than 6 months after discovering the adultery, the Court may consider that you condoned the act. In that case, you cannot rely on adultery as your ground for divorce.

If there is not enough evidence for adultery, you may still rely on unreasonable behaviour. For example, unexplained overnight absences, close relationships with a third party, or neglect of the marriage may be sufficient for the Court to find unreasonable behaviour.

The Court’s primary concern is the welfare of the child. Custody (long-term decision-making authority) is usually joint, while care and control (day-to-day living arrangements) may be awarded to one parent. The other parent is typically granted access rights. Parents with children under 21 must also attend the Mandatory Co-Parenting Programme (MCPP) before filing for divorce.

Matrimonial assets generally refer to property or wealth accumulated by either spouse during the marriage. In some cases, assets acquired before the marriage may also be included - particularly where they were significantly enhanced in value or maintained through the efforts of one or both parties during the marriage.

All matrimonial assets - including properties, CPF monies, savings, and investments - are divided in a manner the Court finds just and equitable. Both financial contributions (e.g. paying for property, mortgage, expenses) and non-financial contributions (e.g. childcare, homemaking) are considered. The Court has broad discretion, and settlements often involve both property transfers and CPF refunds.

The timeline depends on whether the divorce is uncontested or contested.

Uncontested divorce: If both spouses agree on all issues, the Court usually grants an Interim Judgment within 4–6 weeks of filing. After a mandatory 3-month waiting period, the divorce is finalised when the Final Judgment is extracted. In total, an uncontested divorce typically takes about 4–6 months.

Contested divorce: If there are disputes over issues such as custody, property, or maintenance, the process is much longer. Contested cases may involve multiple mediation sessions, affidavits, and hearings. These often take 6 to 18 months or more, depending on the number and complexity of disputes.

1.  How much does a divorce cost in Singapore?

The cost depends on whether your divorce is contested or uncontested. An uncontested (simplified) divorce typically costs between $1,500 and $3,500. A contested divorce can range from $10,000 to $35,000 or more, depending on the complexity of disputes over children, property, or maintenance.

2.  Why is uncontested divorce cheaper than contested divorce?

Uncontested divorce is cheaper because both parties agree on all issues — custody, maintenance, and division of assets. This avoids lengthy hearings, reduces lawyer hours, and speeds up the process.

3.  Can mediation help reduce divorce costs?

Yes. Mediation is strongly encouraged by the Family Justice Courts and can save significant legal costs. By resolving disputes through mediation, couples often avoid expensive contested trials. This makes the divorce process faster, less adversarial, and more affordable.

4.  What other factors affect divorce costs?

• Whether there are children under 21 (custody and maintenance issues add complexity).
• Whether there is an HDB flat or other high-value matrimonial property.
• The number of assets and accounts that need to be divided.
• The level of conflict between spouses (e.g., high-conflict divorces usually cost more).

5.  Can I fix my divorce costs upfront?

Yes. Many firms, including ours, offer fixed fee packages for uncontested divorces so you know your costs upfront. Contested matters are more complex, but we strive to keep fees transparent and reasonable.

6.  Are there ways to manage or reduce divorce costs?

• Explore mediation early.
• Stay open to settlement on major issues.
• Prepare documents and financial records clearly.
• Engage a lawyer who offers clear, fixed fees where possible.

7.  How much do private investigators (PIs) cost in divorce cases?

If you are relying on adultery as the ground for divorce, you often need evidence from a licensed PI. PI fees in Singapore typically range from $3,000 to $15,000 or more, depending on the length and complexity of surveillance. These fees are separate from legal fees.Because PI work can be costly, many clients instead rely on “unreasonable behaviour” as the ground for divorce, which does not require PI evidence. This is also the most common ground for divorce in Singapore, as it is often easier and less expensive to prove..

• Uncontested divorce: Both parties agree on the divorce and all terms (custody, maintenance, property division). The process is faster, simpler, and cheaper.
• Contested divorce: Parties cannot agree on one or more issues. The case involves mediation, written submissions, and hearings, and the Court makes the final decision.

Yes. Foreigners may file for divorce if either spouse is domiciled in Singapore or has been habitually resident here for at least 3 years before filing.

Yes. If your spouse does not consent, you may still file for a contested divorce. You will need to show that the marriage has irretrievably broken down through grounds such as adultery, unreasonable behaviour, desertion, or separation.

If you and your spouse have children under 21, you must complete the CPP before filing for divorce. This programme ensures children’s welfare is central to the process by helping parents:

• Understand the impact of divorce on children.
• Learn strategies for cooperative parenting.
• Reduce disputes and focus on the child’s best interests.

A Certificate of Completion must be submitted to the Family Justice Courts when filing for divorce.

For an uncontested divorce, it is highly unlikely that you will need to appear in court. Your lawyer will handle the filing of all necessary documents and represent you throughout the process. For a contested divorce, you and your spouse will likely need to attend court hearings and mediations. Your lawyer will prepare you for these appearances and guide you through the process.

Mediation is a confidential process where a neutral third party (a trained mediator) helps you and your spouse to voluntarily reach an agreement on all the issues in your divorce. This includes the division of assets, child custody, and maintenance. Mediation is highly encouraged and can be a faster, more cost-effective, and less stressful alternative to going to court. For contested divorces involving children under 21, the court will likely refer you and your spouse to mandatory mediation and counselling before any trial.