Muslim Divorce Lawyers

Muslim Divorce Lawyers in Singapore

PKWA Law has extensive experience assisting clients in matters relating to Muslim divorce and Syariah law in Singapore. We provide clear, practical guidance to help you understand your rights and navigate the Syariah Court process with confidence.

PKWA Law is ranked by The Straits Times as one of Singapore’s Best Family Law Firms. Our lawyers are also consistently recognised as leading Singapore family lawyers by Benchmark Litigation, Asian Legal Business, Singapore Business Review, and Doyle’s Guide.

Jurisdiction of the Syariah Court

The Syariah Court has jurisdiction to hear divorce applications in Muslim marriages under Section 35 of the Administration of Muslim Law Act (Cap. 3).

However, the Syariah Court does not have jurisdiction over certain related matters, including:

• Personal Protection Orders
• Interim maintenance for the wife (pending finalisation of divorce proceedings)
• Interim maintenance for children
• Enforcement of Syariah Court orders

These matters may fall within the jurisdiction of the civil courts.

For advice on your specific situation, you may contact our lawyers for a consultation.

Grounds for Divorce under Syariah Law

The grounds for divorce differ depending on whether the application is made by the husband or the wife.

For the husband:

Divorce may be effected by the pronouncement of talak.

For the wife:

• Khuluk – divorce by redemption, where the wife pays a sum of money to the husband
• Taklik – where the husband breaches the terms of the marriage agreement
• Fasakh – dissolution of marriage under Section 49(1) of the Administration of Muslim Law Act, including situations such as:
• physical ill-treatment by the husband\failure to provide maintenance
• prolonged estrangement
• the husband associating with women of ill repute
• the husband living with another woman
• unequal treatment among multiple wives

Divorce Procedure in the Syariah Court

The divorce process generally involves several stages.

Following the filing of the divorce application, parties are typically required to attend counselling sessions.

After filing the Originating Summons and Case Statement, the Syariah Court will fix a mediation session. During mediation, parties will attempt to resolve issues including:

• the divorce
• nafkah iddah (maintenance)
• mutaah (consolatory gift)
• other ancillary matters

If no agreement is reached, the matter will proceed to a Pre-Trial Conference, where directions are given for the filing of evidence, including Affidavits of Evidence-in-Chief.

The case will then proceed to trial, where the Syariah Court will make final orders on the divorce and all ancillary matters.

Speak with Our Lawyers

If you require advice on a Muslim divorce or Syariah law matter, our lawyers are available to discuss your situation and guide you through the process