Divorce in Singapore: Step-by-Step Guide to Grounds, Process, and Practical Insights
Divorce is never easy – emotionally, financially, or legally. If you are considering ending your marriage, it is natural to feel overwhelmed by questions: Do I qualify to file for divorce? What are the legal grounds? How long will it take, and what happens to children, the HDB flat, CPF, and other assets?
This guide provides a clear overview of divorce in Singapore, covering eligibility, legal grounds, process, costs, and the latest updates in family law, including the introduction of Divorce by Mutual Agreement (DMA) in 2024 and new Family Justice rules implemented in 2025.
Understanding Divorce in Singapore
The divorce process in Singapore unfolds in three stages. First, the court issues an Interim Judgment of Divorce, which formally recognises the end of the marriage. Second, the court hears ancillary matters such as child custody, maintenance, and division of matrimonial assets. Finally, after a mandatory three-month waiting period, the Final Judgment can be extracted, which legally dissolves the marriage.
Divorce Statistics in Singapore
Divorce is increasingly common. In 2024, there were 7,078 divorces, an increase of about 3% compared to 2023. Of these, 5,638 were civil divorces, while the rest were Muslim divorces. In addition, there were 304 annulments, though annulment is treated separately from divorce under Singapore law. The introduction of Divorce by Mutual Agreement is expected to reduce conflict and make divorce less adversarial in the years ahead.
Requirements for Divorce
To file for divorce, three key requirements must be satisfied:
- Marriage duration: You must have been married for at least three years, unless you can prove exceptional hardship or exceptional depravity.
- Residency: Either spouse must be a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident, be domiciled in Singapore, or have lived here for at least three continuous years before filing.
- Ground for divorce: The sole ground is that the marriage has broken down irretrievably.
The Co-Parenting Programme (CPP)
Parents with at least one child under 21 must complete the Co-Parenting Programme (CPP) before filing for divorce, regardless of whether the divorce is contested, uncontested, or filed under Divorce by Mutual Agreement. Each parent must submit a Certificate of Completion with the divorce papers.
The CPP educates parents about the impact of divorce on children, promotes cooperative parenting, and ensures custody and access arrangements serve the child’s best interests. It also helps to minimise disputes by keeping children’s welfare at the centre of decision-making.
Grounds for Divorce in Singapore
Although there is only one legal ground – irretrievable breakdown of marriage – the court recognises six factual situations that can prove it:
- Divorce by Mutual Agreement (DMA): Introduced on 1 July 2024, DMA allows couples to agree that their marriage has broken down, without assigning blame. The agreement must explain why the marriage failed, what reconciliation efforts were made, and set out arrangements for children and financial matters.
- Adultery: Defined as sexual intercourse with a third party. Evidence is required, and proceedings must be filed within six months of discovery. Continued cohabitation beyond six months may bar reliance on this ground.
- Unreasonable behaviour: The most common ground. It refers to conduct that makes it unreasonable to continue living together, such as abuse, gambling, alcoholism, neglect, or improper associations.
- Desertion: When one spouse leaves the marriage continuously for at least two years without intention to return.
- Separation for three years (with consent): Couples live apart for at least three years and the other spouse consents to the divorce. Separation may occur even while living under the same roof if the couple leads entirely separate lives.
- Separation for four years (without consent): After four years of continuous separation, consent is no longer required.
Simplified vs Contested Divorce
A simplified (uncontested) divorce occurs when both spouses agree on the ground for divorce and all ancillary matters. This process is faster and less expensive, usually taking four to six months and costing between $1,500 and $3,500.
A contested divorce arises when parties cannot agree on one or more issues, such as custody, maintenance, or division of assets. These cases are more complex, may take 12 to 18 months or longer, and can cost $10,000 to $35,000 or more, depending on the disputes involved.
Divorce Process in Singapore
The process generally follows these steps:
- Engage a divorce lawyer to ensure documents are properly prepared.
- File the divorce papers, including the Writ of Divorce, Statement of Claim, and Statement of Particulars.
- Interim Judgment is issued if the case is uncontested, usually within four weeks.
- Ancillary Matters Hearing determines custody, maintenance, and asset division, often after mediation at Family Dispute Resolution.
- Final Judgment may be extracted three months after the Interim Judgment, concluding the divorce.
Key Ancillary Matters
Divorce does not end with the dissolution of marriage; the court must also resolve important issues.
- Children: Custody is typically joint, with both parents sharing major decisions. Care and control (day-to-day living arrangements) are usually granted to one parent, while the other receives access. The child’s welfare is always paramount.
- Division of matrimonial assets: Assets include HDB flats, CPF monies, cars, investments, and bank accounts. Division is based on what is “just and equitable,” considering financial and non-financial contributions, length of the marriage, and the needs of children.
- Maintenance: Child maintenance is almost always ordered, with the amount depending on the child’s needs. Spousal maintenance may also be ordered, depending on financial disparity and contributions during the marriage.
Divorce and Housing (HDB Flats)
The HDB flat is often the most significant asset in a divorce. Options include transfer under the Single Scheme (if at least 35 and a Singapore Citizen), transfer under the Single Parent Scheme (if caring for children), sale in the open market with proceeds divided, or surrender to HDB if the Minimum Occupation Period has not been met. Foreign spouses may face additional eligibility restrictions.
CPF Monies
CPF savings accumulated during the marriage are part of the matrimonial pool. The court may order CPF transfers between spouses or take CPF use into account when dividing matrimonial property, such as an HDB flat. However, CPF monies remain within the CPF system — they cannot be withdrawn as cash until statutory conditions are met (e.g. age, retirement, or housing rules).
Insurance Policies
Life insurance policies with named beneficiaries are treated differently. Proceeds are paid directly to beneficiaries outside of the divorce process, unless the policy is surrendered or its cash value forms part of the matrimonial pool.
Duration and Costs
An uncontested divorce generally takes between four and six months. A contested divorce may last from six to 18 months, or longer in complex cases. Industry surveys place the cost of an uncontested divorce between $1,500 and $3,500, while contested divorces start from $10,000 upwards, depending on complexity.
Conclusion
Divorce is one of life’s most difficult transitions, but with clear guidance, the process can be managed with less uncertainty and conflict. Whether you are considering Divorce by Mutual Agreement, facing allegations of unreasonable behaviour, or negotiating custody and assets, having the right legal support is essential.
Contact Us Today
Contact PKWA Law today to speak with our experienced divorce lawyers. Ranked among Singapore’s leading family law firms, we provide clear, practical advice to help you navigate divorce with confidence and care.
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