Maintenance Lawyers

Maintenance for Spouse and Children

Maintenance – also commonly referred to as alimony or financial support – is one of the key ancillary matters decided during divorce proceedings in Singapore. It ensures that the financial needs of the wife, husband, and children are adequately met after the marriage ends.

At PKWA Law, our family lawyers regularly advise clients on both spousal maintenance and child maintenance. With over 30 years of experience and consistent recognition as a leading family law firm by The Straits Times, Benchmark Litigation, and Doyles Guide, we provide clear, practical advice tailored to your situation.

What is Maintenance?

Under the Women’s Charter, the Court may order one spouse to provide financial support to the other spouse and/or to the children of the marriage.

There are two main types of maintenance:

• Spousal Maintenance – Financial support for a wife (or in limited cases, a husband).
• Child Maintenance – Financial support for children below 21 years old, or older children who are still dependent (e.g. studying or with special needs).

Spousal Maintenance in Singapore

Who Can Apply?

Traditionally, spousal maintenance is awarded to wives. However, since amendments to the Women’s Charter in 2016, husbands can also apply for maintenance if they are incapacitated due to illness or disability and unable to support themselves.

Factors Considered by the Court

The Court does not apply a fixed formula but will look at:

• Length of the marriage
• Standard of living enjoyed during the marriage
• Each spouse’s financial needs and earning capacity
• Direct and indirect contributions made to the household
• Age and health of both parties
• Any pre-existing agreements (e.g. prenuptial or postnuptial agreements)

Types of Spousal Maintenance Orders

• Monthly payments – fixed sum payable at regular intervals
• Lump sum – one-time payment instead of ongoing support
• Nominal maintenance – a token amount (e.g. $1), preserving the right to claim higher maintenance in the future if circumstances change

Child Maintenance in Singapore

Legal Duty to Maintain Children

Both parents have a joint and equal responsibility to maintain their children, whether biological or adopted, regardless of custody arrangements.

How the Court Decides

• Financial needs of the child (education, housing, medical care, daily expenses)
• Parents’ financial resources and earning capacity
• Child’s standard of living before divorce
• Any special needs of the child (e.g. disabilities or medical conditions)

Duration of Maintenance

Maintenance usually continues until the child turns 21. However, the Court may extend it if the child is still schooling, in national service, or has special needs.

Variation of Maintenance Orders

Either party may apply to the Court to vary, suspend, or rescind a maintenance order if there has been a material change in circumstances. Examples include:

• Loss of employment
• Significant increase/decrease in income
• Changes in the child’s needs (e.g. higher education costs)
• Serious illness or disability

Enforcement of Maintenance Orders

If a spouse fails to comply with a maintenance order, the following enforcement actions may be taken:

• Attachment of earnings order – deducting payments directly from salary
• Writ of seizure and sale – seizing property to recover maintenance owed
• Fines or imprisonment – for wilful non-payment

The Women’s Charter provides strong enforcement mechanisms to ensure that children and spouses receive the financial support they are legally entitled to.

Maintenance matters are often sensitive and financially significant. Having clear legal advice ensures you receive (or provide) fair support in line with Singapore law.

Contact PKWA Law’s family lawyers today for a consultation. Our experienced team will guide you through your options with clarity and care.