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Whether you are going through the divorce proceedings for spousal or child maintenance, wish to vary a maintenance order, or seek to enforce spousal support obligations, you will benefit from expert legal guidance. IRB Law divorce maintenance lawyers in Singapore can help you qualify for spousal maintenance and child support you deserve.

Understanding Divorce Maintenance in Singapore

In Singapore, the court may order a husband to provide reasonable maintenance to his wife, paying either a monthly sum or a lump sum. If the husband becomes incapacitated, the court may oblige the wife to provide reasonable maintenance for her husband. Both parents have the duty to maintain or contribute to the maintenance of their children, unless there is another arrangement under an agreement or a court order.

What Is Spousal Maintenance

Spousal maintenance, which is sometimes referred to as alimony or spousal support, is the financial support paid by one spouse during the divorce process or after the marriage is dissolved. Most disputes over alimony relate to the amount of what is considered “reasonable maintenance.”

What Is Child Maintenance

Child maintenance is the financial support provided by either parent, which can include providing the child with accommodation, clothing, food, and education or paying for those costs. The parents provide for child support regardless of the reason for divorce and irrespective of whether the children were born in marriage, or whether they are in his or her custody, or the custody of another person.

How Reasonable Spousal or Child Maintenance Is Determined

In deciding upon the amount of divorce maintenance for a wife, an incapacitated husband, or child support, the court typically takes into account the following considerations:

  • the financial needs of the wife, the incapacitated husband, or the child,
  • the income and earning capacity of each spouse, their property, and other financial resources, as well as those of the child
  • any physical disabilities of the wife, incapacitated husband, as the case may be, or the child
  • the age of the wife, husband, and the child, as well as the duration of the marriage
  • the contributions made by each spouse to the marriage, including contributions made by looking after the home or caring for the family
  • the standard of living enjoyed during the marriage
  • the conduct of each spouse

How to Apply for Child or Spousal Support Maintenance in Singapore?

You can apply for spousal maintenance or child support on your own or through a lawyer. When you involve a law firm, a divorce maintenance lawyer will help you evaluate your eligibility, prepare the required documents, avoid omissions, and apply for reasonable maintenance within the meaning of the Women’s Charter.

An application for divorce maintenance can be filed with:

Divorce Maintenance Lawyers Singapore
4.8
Based on 958 Reviews
google
Hasnah Abdullah
16th January 2026

At that time when we were feeling extremely helpless, Mr Mohamed Baiross was willing to help and has given his views on our issue. I am incredibly grateful to Mr. Mohamed Baiross and his team at IRB Law Firm, particularly Ms. Sharifah Nabilah, for their outstanding representation in our case. Her efficiency, dedication, and professionalism were evident throughout the process. Ms. Sharifah's confidence and assurance in court during cross-examination were impressive, and her ownership of the case led to a successful outcome. I highly recommend IRB Law Firm and Ms. Sharifah Nabilah for their exceptional legal services.

google
Kevin Chan
5th December 2025

Mr Baiross, Crystal, and the team are very professional and friendly. Mr Baiross gives excellent advise and is prompt in his replies. Crystal is helpful and attentive when it came to executing the agreement. Overall the team is patient and will help clarify any questions and concerns you have.

google
Prasanna George
14th November 2025

Our family in India went through the most terrifying phase of our lives when my husband was suddenly accused in Singapore and kept in custody for over three long months. We are in India and those days were filled with fear, sleepless nights, and constant worry about what awaited him. In that unbearable period, Sir, Mr. Baiross, came into our lives as a true blessing. He brought confidence, clarity, and hope at a time when we had none. Mr. Baiross sir handled the case with exceptional legal expertise, deep compassion, and unwavering commitment. He listened to every detail, understood our pain, and guided us at every step with patience and care. His dedication and the support of his entire team gave us the strength to move forward. Because of Mr. Baiross sir and his team, my husband returned home safely and our family finally regained peace after months of turmoil. We will remain forever grateful to him and his dedicated team for standing by us and fighting for justice during the darkest chapter of our lives.

google
Edwin Yeoh
12th November 2025

Deed poll was done smoothly and fast. The staff helped me to settle all of the necessary documents needed for it to be executed. Mr Baiross was the witnessing lawyer during the signature of the deed poll. Everything was done quickly and I'm happy to get my name updated.

google
James Yeoh
30th October 2025

My sincere thanks to Mr Baiross for genuinely listening to my issue and willing to provide honest feedback and clarification

google
Anita Ibrahim
24th October 2025

I had a great experience having IRB Law to assist my sons in the inheritance matters . Mr Baiross and the teams assist me throughout the journey til everything goes smoothly . Mr Fadil too was very patient in addressing my concerns . He help me with all the doubts and explain well . Thank you 🙏

Service areas

  • Spousal Maintenance
  • Child Maintenance
  • Child Custody / Care & Control
  • Uncontested / Contested Divorce
  • Asset division (incl. HDB /
    Property/ CPF and more)
 

How IRB Law Can Help You Get the Divorce Maintenance You Deserve

Guidance on Child and Spousal Maintenance

Our lawyers can help you navigate family law in Singapore, evaluate your eligibility, and determine the amount of maintenance that you or your child deserves.

Legal Representation During Divorce

At IRB Law, our family lawyers can represent you at any stage of your divorce process, helping to protect your and your child’s rights to divorce maintenance.

Negotiations & Mediation

Our lawyers can help you facilitate discussions with your spouse and assist you in reaching an agreement on maintenance-related matters through negotiations and mediation.

Applying for Maintenance

When you work with IRB Law for divorce maintenance, our lawyers will help you prepare the necessary documents, avoid omissions, and streamline the application process.

Varying a Maintenance Order

If you need to vary, suspend, or rescind a maintenance order, we can help you determine your eligibility and file a variation application.

Enforcing a Maintenance Order

If your spouse fails to fulfil their obligations regarding spousal and child support, our family lawyers can help you enforce the maintenance order through the court.

Our Representative Legal Cases

Case 1: Resolving Maintenance Disputes Through Mediation

“Ms M” sought our assistance in determining the appropriate amount of monthly maintenance. Through mediation, we facilitated open and respectful communication between “Ms M” and her former spouse.

As a result, the spouses jointly determined a maintenance arrangement that met their needs and the best interests of their children. By opting for mediation, “Ms M” avoided a lengthy and costly court battle and achieved a satisfactory resolution.

Case 2: Ensuring Fair Maintenance for Dependent Spouse

“Mr L” approached our firm seeking assistance in determining a fair amount of monthly maintenance for his wife, who had been financially dependent throughout the marriage. Our expert maintenance lawyers meticulously assessed the financial needs of the dependent spouse, taking into account her living expenses and ongoing commitments.

With a focus on fairness and ensuring a stable post-divorce life for the dependent spouse, we successfully negotiated a maintenance agreement that addressed her financial needs and provided her with a sense of security.

Case 3: Securing Adequate Support for the Children

In a case involving “Ms S,” the primary concern was securing adequate maintenance for the children. Our team worked closely with “Ms S” to assess the children’s financial needs, including educational expenses, healthcare costs, and extracurricular activities.

Recognising the importance of maintaining the children’s standard of living, we pursued a fair and reasonable maintenance arrangement that provided for their well-being. Through negotiation and the court’s intervention, we secured a maintenance order that ensured the children’s continued financial stability.

Why Us

Why Choose IRB Law for Child and Spousal Maintenance Service

Recognised Singapore Family Lawyers

IRB Law is a well-known law firm in Singapore, recognised by The Straits Times and Statista over multiple years for our excellent family law service.

Personalised Legal Support

We understand the emotional toll and financial strain of divorce on spouses and their children and use a compassionate and constructive approach to resolve maintenance-related disputes.

Transparent & Affordable Legal Fees

At IRB Law, we provide affordable legal services and are always clear about our legal fees.

Our Lawyers

Meet Our Key Family Lawyers in Singapore

Founding & Managing Partner, IRB Law LLP
Mohamed Baiross

Mohamed Baiross is the managing partner of IRB Law and one of the nation's leading lawyers in multiple practice areas, including civil, corporate, and commercial law. With over three decades of experience as a business lawyer, Mohamed Baiross has built a renowned corporate law firm in Singapore, providing expert legal services to global corporations and local businesses.

Partner
Kulvinder Kaur

Kulvinder Kaur is a prominent commercial and corporate lawyer and an expert in litigation matters. Kaur is well-known in all courts of Singapore for strong legal representation in the most complex cases across multiple practice areas.

Maintenance

FAQs

What is maintenance in a divorce context in Singapore?
Maintenance refers to the ongoing financial support a spouse and/or children may receive from the other spouse during or after a divorce, as provided under the Women’s Charter.
Who can claim spousal maintenance in Singapore?
A spouse can claim maintenance if they are unable to work due to disability, have been a homemaker for a long time, or have care of young children, reducing their earning capacity.
Who can claim child maintenance?
Either parent may claim child maintenance. The court will consider the child’s needs, each parent’s income and earning capacity, and the standard of living during the marriage.
What factors does the court consider when awarding maintenance?
The court considers the financial needs of the parties, earning capacity, age, health, standard of living during marriage, and contributions made to the family.
Can a maintenance order be varied later on?
Yes, a maintenance order can be varied if there is a significant change in circumstances, such as loss of employment or change in financial needs.
What happens if the paying spouse doesn’t pay the maintenance?
Failure to pay court-ordered maintenance may result in enforcement action, such as fines, imprisonment, or attachment of earnings.
What is the difference between interim maintenance and final maintenance?
Interim maintenance is temporary support provided during divorce proceedings, while final maintenance is determined after the divorce is finalized.
How can a law firm help with maintenance cases?
A family lawyer can help assess eligibility, draft legal documents, represent clients in court, and assist with enforcement or variation of maintenance orders.
Can a husband apply for maintenance?
Yes. Under the Women’s Charter, a husband can apply for maintenance if he is incapacitated, unable to earn a living, and dependent on his wife.
How long does maintenance last?
Maintenance generally lasts until the recipient remarries, becomes self-sufficient, or as specified in the court order. For children, it typically continues until they reach 21 years old.
Google Reviews

Testimonials

google
Bethan Loh
26th April 2026

Andrew Wong and the IRB team were great in supporting my case, answering my questions and advocating for the best options for me. Quick responses with initiative, and helpful! Led to a win for me and would consult them again.

google
Steven Tan
30th March 2026

4 of us, my sister and husband, my wife and I had our wills and LPAs done at IRB Law LLP. Mr Andrew Wong of IRB helped us in drafting our Wills and LPAs. He explained to us clearly about the wills and LPAs and patiently guided us through the process of drafting our wills. He answered her queries clearly and we had a much better understanding of wills and LPAs. We would like to say a thank you. I would also like to give a thumbs up to Andrew and Amelia during the initial queries and arrangements to fix the appointment today. They answered my queries quickly and promptly which helped me decide to use IRB Law.

google
Jason Tan
25th March 2026

We would like to thanks Mr Andrew Wong and Ms Precelia for their strong support and professionalism in giving us sound advice in this entire journey.

google
Siang Chee Keong
12th March 2026

We hired lawyer, Mr Andrew to settle my dad documents of asset. Process was fast and helpful with him. Thank you very much.

google
Hasnah Abdullah
16th January 2026

At that time when we were feeling extremely helpless, Mr Mohamed Baiross was willing to help and has given his views on our issue. I am incredibly grateful to Mr. Mohamed Baiross and his team at IRB Law Firm, particularly Ms. Sharifah Nabilah, for their outstanding representation in our case. Her efficiency, dedication, and professionalism were evident throughout the process. Ms. Sharifah's confidence and assurance in court during cross-examination were impressive, and her ownership of the case led to a successful outcome. I highly recommend IRB Law Firm and Ms. Sharifah Nabilah for their exceptional legal services.

google
jenny chew
6th January 2026

I am truly grateful to this legal team for their professionalism, dedication, and genuine care throughout my case. Going through legal matters after a divorce is never easy—emotionally or mentally—but this team made the entire process much more manageable and reassuring. Mr. Hashim was the first person who came into contact with me. He patiently guided me through the initial process, explained the steps clearly, and provided reassurance when I felt lost and overwhelmed. His guidance gave me clarity and confidence during a very difficult period. Mr. Andrew assisted me extensively throughout the case. He was extremely patient and took the time to explain every detail clearly and thoroughly. Most importantly, he fought all the way for my best interests and benefits, and the outcome was great for me. I am truly grateful to have had him and the team standing by me throughout this journey. I would also like to sincerely thank Ms. Nabilah and Ms. Waheedah, who were always friendly, helpful, and responsive. Their support and warm attitude made the entire process much less stressful and helped me feel supported every step of the way. The outcome was great for me, and I am deeply grateful to have had this team with me during such a challenging time. I would highly recommend them to anyone seeking reliable, compassionate, and professional legal support.

google
Yen Goh
19th December 2025

IRB law team lawyers professional and helpful, good job, thanks Andrew for help so professional.👍👍👍

google
Kevin Chan
5th December 2025

Mr Baiross, Crystal, and the team are very professional and friendly. Mr Baiross gives excellent advise and is prompt in his replies. Crystal is helpful and attentive when it came to executing the agreement. Overall the team is patient and will help clarify any questions and concerns you have.

google
Prasanna George
14th November 2025

Our family in India went through the most terrifying phase of our lives when my husband was suddenly accused in Singapore and kept in custody for over three long months. We are in India and those days were filled with fear, sleepless nights, and constant worry about what awaited him. In that unbearable period, Sir, Mr. Baiross, came into our lives as a true blessing. He brought confidence, clarity, and hope at a time when we had none. Mr. Baiross sir handled the case with exceptional legal expertise, deep compassion, and unwavering commitment. He listened to every detail, understood our pain, and guided us at every step with patience and care. His dedication and the support of his entire team gave us the strength to move forward. Because of Mr. Baiross sir and his team, my husband returned home safely and our family finally regained peace after months of turmoil. We will remain forever grateful to him and his dedicated team for standing by us and fighting for justice during the darkest chapter of our lives.

google
JB Tan
14th November 2025

Grateful to have worked with Mr Andrew Wong and achieved a positive outcome. He was professional, knowledgeable, patient, prompt, supportive, and helpful in establishing clarity with every step of the way. Will recommend!

google
Edwin Yeoh
12th November 2025

Deed poll was done smoothly and fast. The staff helped me to settle all of the necessary documents needed for it to be executed. Mr Baiross was the witnessing lawyer during the signature of the deed poll. Everything was done quickly and I'm happy to get my name updated.

google
Monika Sehgal
10th November 2025

To the team at IRB Law, and especially to Kulvinder Kaur, Partner IRB Law LLP I am writing this note to express my deepest and most sincere gratitude for the outstanding legal support and personal guidance I received during one of the most challenging periods of my life. When I was feeling lost and vulnerable navigating my divorce and PPO case, I am so glad I found your firm. From the very beginning, Kulvin, your professionalism and compassion stood out. The free initial consultation you provided was a testament to your commitment to helping people, and after meeting several other senior lawyers, I knew that choosing you was the right decision. I am so happy I trusted my instincts. Kulvin, you are a truly exceptional lawyer. As a senior lawyer, your experience was evident in every step you took. You didn't just represent me; you guided me. You were there for me throughout the entire process, patiently explaining what to expect and meticulously preparing me for every hearing. Your guidance gave me the strength and confidence I needed to keep going. I honestly believe that if you had not been by my side, I would not have been able to achieve such a successful outcome in both my divorce and PPO case. Your expertise was the key to winning, but it was your support that kept me standing. I cannot thank you enough. I highly recommend Kulvin and IRB Law to anyone who finds themselves in a similar difficult situation and needs someone to not only represent them with excellence but also to guide and support them with genuine care. Thank you for everything. With deepest appreciation, Kind Regards Monika Bakshi

google
Ramez
3rd November 2025

I had contacted IRB Law Mountbatten for Grant of Probate application. Mr Andrew Wong was assigned to me. All matters were clearly explained to me. I was able to make appointments convenient to me. The whole process was quick and smooth. Mr Andrew Wong and his team conducted themselves professionally. I would certainly engage their services again should the need arise.

google
James Yeoh
30th October 2025

My sincere thanks to Mr Baiross for genuinely listening to my issue and willing to provide honest feedback and clarification

google
Anita Ibrahim
24th October 2025

I had a great experience having IRB Law to assist my sons in the inheritance matters . Mr Baiross and the teams assist me throughout the journey til everything goes smoothly . Mr Fadil too was very patient in addressing my concerns . He help me with all the doubts and explain well . Thank you 🙏

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If you are looking to apply for, enforce, vary, or suspend a maintenance order in Singapore, you may benefit from the support of experienced family lawyers. Contact IRB Law divorce maintenance lawyers for a free initial consultation.