Custody, Care & Control, and Access in Singapore – A Parent’s Guide
Going through a divorce is tough. But for parents, the hardest part is often not about property or money — it’s about your children. Many mums and dads worry:
- Who will my child live with?
- Will I still be part of the big decisions in their life?
- How often will I see them?
- What if my spouse tries to keep me away?
If these questions are on your mind, you’re not alone. This guide explains custody, care and control, and access in Singapore in clear terms — so you know what to expect, what the law says, and how to keep your child’s wellbeing at the heart of the process.
Custody vs Care & Control – What’s the Difference?
Think of custody and care & control as two separate layers of parenting after divorce:
- Custody: This is about making the big decisions for your child — like education, medical care, and religion. Courts in Singapore usually grant joint custody, which means both parents continue to share this responsibility.
- Care & Control: This is about day-to-day living. The parent with care & control decides things like meals, bedtime, school routines, and daily care. Usually, one parent is given care & control, while the other parent is given access rights.
In short: custody = major decisions, care & control = daily living.
Access – Staying Connected With Your Child
If one parent has care & control, the other parent will have access rights (sometimes called visitation). The goal is simple: your child should continue to have a strong relationship with both parents.
Access can be:
- Reasonable access – flexible arrangements that parents agree on.
- Fixed access – structured schedules (e.g., alternate weekends, certain weekdays, school holidays).
- Supervised access – where safety concerns exist, visits may be monitored.
In most cases, the court encourages liberal and meaningful access so children continue to feel loved by both parents.
Mandatory Co-Parenting Programme (CPP)
Since 2024, parents with children under 21 must attend the Co-Parenting Programme (CPP) before filing for divorce.
The CPP helps parents:
- Understand how divorce affects children emotionally and psychologically.
- Learn how to reduce conflict and co-parent effectively.
- Focus on making child-centred decisions.
Both parents must complete the programme and file the Certificate of Completion with the divorce papers.
How the Court Decides
The law in Singapore is clear: your child’s welfare always comes first.
The Family Justice Courts look at factors such as:
- Who has been the main caregiver.
- Each parent’s ability to provide a safe, stable home.
- The child’s age, needs, and (sometimes) preferences.
- Any history of family violence, neglect, or abuse.
This means the outcome isn’t about who “wins custody” – it’s about what arrangement works best for your child.
Parenting Plans
As part of the divorce process, both parents must submit a Parenting Plan to the court. This covers:
- Custody (joint or sole).
- Care & control (where the child lives).
- Access schedules for the other parent.
- Education, healthcare, and financial arrangements.
If you and your spouse can’t agree, the court will step in and make the decision for you.
What Happens in Difficult Cases?
Not all divorces are smooth. If parents can’t agree on custody or access, the court may:
- Appoint a Child Representative Lawyer to speak for the child.
- Order mediation to help parents resolve disputes.
- Direct parties to attend counselling or parenting coordination sessions.
The aim is always to shield children from conflict and ensure their wellbeing.
What the Court Considers in Custody and Care Decisions
When deciding custody, care and control, or access, the Court takes a holistic approach and looks at a range of factors:
- Caregiving background – Who has been responsible for the child’s daily life, such as meals, school runs, medical appointments, and bedtime routines.
- Child’s unique needs – Health conditions, emotional temperament, education requirements, and relationships with siblings are all carefully weighed.
- Parental behaviour – The ability of each parent to prioritise the child’s welfare, encourage a healthy bond with the other parent, and any past incidents of neglect or family violence.
- Practical arrangements – The parent’s working hours, stability of housing, distance from school, and availability of extended family or caregivers.
- Child’s perspective – For older children, the Court may take into account their preferences, often through a Child Representative or structured child-inclusive process.
How Parents Can Present a Stronger Case
Parents who show that they are cooperative, child-focused, and practical are more likely to gain the Court’s confidence. Some useful steps include:
- Keep communication respectful and centred on the child’s needs instead of making personal attacks.
- Suggest workable schedules for school terms, holidays, and exam periods rather than vague proposals.
- Encourage consistent contact, whether in person or through video calls, and allow flexibility around school and family events.
- Maintain records of your involvement – school updates, doctor visits, and parent-teacher meetings all show commitment.
- Shield your child from disputes. Avoid negative talk about the other parent and do not involve your child in adult conflicts.
Why Parents Trust PKWA Law
Custody, care & control, and access are not just legal terms – they are about how your child will grow up after divorce. The law in Singapore aims to keep both parents involved, while ensuring children feel safe, loved, and supported.
If you’re going through a divorce or facing a custody issue, speak with our family lawyers at PKWA Law today. We’ll guide you with care, clarity, and expertise, so you and your child can move forward with confidence.
