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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.

While it is legally possible to file for divorce on your own, most people engage a divorce lawyer to ensure that documents are properly filed, deadlines are met, and their rights are protected. A lawyer can also negotiate fair settlements and represent you in court if disputes arise.

The time it takes to get divorced in Singapore will depend on the complexity of the situation and the amount of negotiation required. Generally speaking, a simplified uncontested divorce tends to be settled quicker, and an interim judgment can take as little as one month. A contested divorce may take 6 months or more to conclude.

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.

An uncontested divorce is one where both parties agree to a divorce and all ancillary issues. The main areas for agreement to be reached include:

• the reason for divorce;
• the party who will obtain care and control of the children;
• how the assets are divided, and;
• a reasonable amount of maintenance.

Under an uncontested divorce, the interim judgment will be issued after 4 weeks, before final judgment is given 3 months from the date of obtaining the interim judgment.

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.

To get a divorce in Singapore, the applicant must satisfy 3 requirements.

1. You must have been married for a minimum of 3 years unless it can be proven that the party filing for divorce has suffered exceptional hardship or the spouse has been exceptionally unreasonable and cruel.
2. The second requirement is that either party must (1) be a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident (PR), (2) have been domiciled in Singapore at the beginning of the divorce process, or (3) have lived in Singapore for the 3 years immediately preceding the divorce application.
3. The third requirement is that the party filing for divorce must show that there has been an “irretrievable breakdown” of the marriage.

Please do reach out to discuss your situation and we can better guide you on your eligibility and options. The first consultation is free.

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..

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.

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.