Divorce Dirty Tricks in Singapore: What to Watch Out For (Updated 2025)

Divorce Dirty Tricks in Singapore: What to Watch Out For (Updated 2025)

Divorce is stressful enough without unfair tactics. Unfortunately, some spouses — driven by anger, fear, or resentment — may resort to underhanded strategies during the process. These so-called “divorce dirty tricks” are not unique to Singapore, but they can have serious legal and emotional consequences here.

This guide explains the most common divorce dirty tricks in Singapore, why they are harmful, and how you can protect yourself legally.

Hiding or Dissipating Assets

Some spouses try to downplay their wealth by secretly moving assets before divorce. This may involve:

• Transferring property to relatives.
• Moving money into undisclosed accounts.
• Claiming “losses” from bad investments.

Your protection:

• In Singapore, spouses are legally required to make full and frank disclosure of their assets.
• If the court believes assets were hidden, it can draw an adverse inference and award you a larger share.
• In urgent cases, you may apply for a court injunction to freeze accounts.

Stopping Maintenance Payments

• Financial control is a common pressure tactic. A spouse may suddenly stop paying maintenance to make it difficult for the other party to fund legal representation or daily expenses.

Your protection:

• You can apply to the Family Justice Courts for maintenance orders.
• If maintenance was previously provided, the court can order back-payments with interest.
• Courts frown upon such behaviour, and it often backfires on the defaulting spouse.

Cancelling a Dependant’s Pass (for Expat Spouses)

• For expatriates, a trailing spouse may rely on a Dependant’s Pass (DP). One tactic is for the main pass holder to cancel the DP early, forcing the spouse to leave Singapore within 30–90 days.

Your protection:

• Early cancellation may severely disrupt parenting. However, under Singapore law, a parent cannot take children out of Singapore without the other parent’s consent or a court order.
• If you are affected, seek urgent legal advice to protect your right to remain with your children.

Secretly Recording or Accessing Private Information

Some spouses try to “catch” the other by:

• Bugging cars or homes.
• Installing spyware on computers.
• Hiring private investigators.

Your protection:

• Secret recordings and unauthorised access to devices may be illegal.
• Courts generally do not require such evidence, as parties must disclose documents through the proper discovery process.
• Using illegal methods can expose the spying spouse to civil or criminal liability.

Social Media Harassment

• Social media can become a weapon during divorce, with spouses posting insults or accusations online.

Your protection:

• Such behaviour reflects poorly on the spouse in court.
• If harassment becomes excessive, you may apply for protection orders.
• Courts especially disapprove when children are exposed to online mud-slinging.

Using Children as Weapons

Perhaps the most damaging tactic is when one parent manipulates or restricts the children to punish the other. This can include:

• Refusing access to the children.
• Bad-mouthing the other parent in front of the children.
• Poisoning the children’s minds by saying the other parent “doesn’t love them.”

Your protection:

• The Family Justice Courts put the welfare of children above all else.
• Urgent applications can be made to restore access.
• Courts may take a dim view of parents who manipulate children, affecting custody and care decisions.

Why These Dirty Divorce Tactics Backfire

While these “dirty tricks” may provide short-term leverage, they almost always:

• Increase legal costs and delays.
• Damage the spouse’s credibility in court.
• Cause lasting harm to children.

PKWA Law’s Approach

At PKWA Law, our philosophy is simple: divorces should be conducted fairly and amicably whenever possible. The goal of a good divorce lawyer is to encourage settlements, not prolong disputes.

Final Thoughts

Divorce is already one of life’s most difficult challenges. Resorting to underhanded tactics only makes it more painful – especially for children. The best approach is to deal with divorce issues openly, honestly, and with professional guidance.

Contact Us

If you believe your spouse may be using unfair tactics during your divorce, it is important to protect your rights early.

Contact PKWA Law today for a confidential consultation — our experienced family lawyers will guide you through the process with clarity, care, and strong legal protection.