Singapore's Most Trusted Divorce Lawyers

Experienced Divorce Lawyers in Singapore Guiding You Through Trying Times

At IRB Law, our divorce lawyers pride themselves on offering transparent and affordable fees and are committed to delivering trusted divorce services in Singapore. Our goal is to provide clarity and comprehensive legal support throughout the divorce process, while ensuring that you are fully aware of the financial implications and can focus on navigating your personal journey.

How We Help With Divorce in Singapore

When a marriage breaks down, dealing with divorce and separation can be profoundly distressing. Beyond the immediate emotional toll, there are critical legal considerations to manage, where you will benefit from the assistance of divorce lawyers.

These include filing divorce papers, mediation sessions, childcare arrangements, spousal support, and the division of complex assets such as property, CPF funds, and other joint investments. These multifaceted challenges underline the necessity to engage experienced and competent divorce lawyers, capable of offering actionable advice and empathetic support.

Helping Navigate Singapore’s Divorce Law

When we first speak with our clients, we assist them in navigating Singapore’s divorce laws, including the Women’s Charter and the Family Justice Courts practice. We help our clients understand the divorce law, identify valid grounds for divorce, and assess their eligibility for filing for divorce in Singapore.

The “No-Fault” Divorce Principle in Singapore Law

A cornerstone of Singapore’s divorce law is the “no-fault” principle, introduced by the Divorce by Mutual Agreement (DBA) scheme. Generally, this means that the Family Courts do not consider the reasons leading to the breakdown of the marriage when determining the division of matrimonial assets or the assessment of maintenance. This is where our seasoned divorce lawyers can provide valuable guidance, aiming for the most favourable possible outcomes for our clients.

Accessing Your Eligibility

Generally, a married couple can only apply for divorce in Singapore after being married for at least three years. However, there are exceptions to this rule in certain circumstances. For example, in cases involving unreasonable behaviour or violence against a spouse, divorce may be granted even before the three-year period has elapsed. Alternatively, there could be grounds for the annulment of a marriage, such as in situations of wilful non-consummation.

Example from our practice: Our client, “Mrs A”, approached us after enduring two years of an abusive marriage. Despite being married for less than the stipulated three years, we managed to successfully argue for an early divorce on her behalf based on the exceptional hardship she faced.
 

Understanding Grounds for Divorce

In Singapore, the law allows either spouse to file for divorce if their marriage is irretrievably broken and attempts at reconciliation have failed. If both spouses consent, they can file for divorce by mutual agreement. However, either spouse may apply to the court for divorce on the grounds of irretrievable breakdown of the marriage, even if the other spouse does not consent or avoids the process.

According to the Women’s Charter, the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage may result from:

  • adultery
  • unreasonable behaviour
  • desertion for a minimum of two years
  • separation for at least three years with the consent of the other spouse
  • separation for at least four years without consent
  • mutual agreement between the spouses
Example from our practice: Our client, “Mr B,” sought our assistance after his wife had moved out of their shared residence and cut all contact for more than four years. Leveraging our understanding of Singapore’s divorce law, we helped Mr B successfully file for divorce on grounds of long-term separation without consent.
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Fee

Contact us for a free initial consultation.

IRB Law Divorce Services Include

Divorce Counselling

Our experienced divorce lawyers support our clients with compassion and professionalism, helping them navigate Singapore’s divorce law during the challenging period of divorce. We can help you understand your options and choose the most expedient and cost-effective strategy to achieve the best possible outcome in your divorce.

Divorce Filings and Documents

At IRB Law, our lawyers assist clients every step of their divorce, helping with paperwork, filings, and court documents. We ensure that all documents are accurately made, helping you avoid omissions and enabling the most expedient process.

Mediation Support

The divorce laws in Singapore and the Family Justice Courts promote amicable resolution of disputes between divorcing spouses through mediation, which helps reduce the emotional toll of the divorce process and settle the differences. We approach each case with the intention to handle the divorce process in a non-confrontational manner to foster a supportive environment, relieve emotional strain and reduce financial stress.

Contested and Uncontested Divorces

Our team of compassionate divorce lawyers is committed to exploring all possible scenarios to help you handle your divorce matter most expediently. In case one of the spouses decides to behave unreasonably or disagrees with the divorce or its terms, our divorce lawyers will pursue your rights in court for a contested divorce.

Division of Matrimonial Property

In divorce, the spouses split their matrimonial property, which usually includes assets acquired or substantially improved during marriage. If the spouses cannot agree on the division of matrimonial property, the judge will account for the individual contribution of each of the spouses as well as the children’s interests. At IRB Law, we are committed to helping you with the most complex aspects of the divorce process, including property division, negotiating with your spouse, and aiming for the most favourable outcome.

Child Custody and Support

In Singapore divorces, the Family Justice Courts act in the best interests of the children. Our divorce lawyers help our clients negotiate child custody and support arrangements with their spouse, and protect their rights to custody of their children and access after divorce.

Spousal Maintenance

According to the Women’s Charter, a husband is obliged to maintain his wife and children before they reach the age of 21 during marriage and after divorce. At IRB Law, we assist divorcing spouses in resolving disagreements on spousal maintenance to achieve an uncontested divorce and reduce emotional and financial stress.

Divorce Modifications

If, after divorce, there is a material change in your circumstances, you may need to substantiate it to the court to request divorce modification. If either you or your spouse has remarried, had another child, lost a job, or had a medical issue, you may claim modification of maintenance and other divorce conditions. If this happens to you, our lawyers can help you build a compelling case, present your documentation and support your claim for divorce modification.

Comprehensive Family Law Services

Our expertise extends beyond divorce proceedings, encompassing all facets of family law, including prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, deeds of separation, annulment proceedings, and post-divorce estate planning. Our holistic approach ensures that you have the necessary resources to navigate the complexities of your situation.

Why Work With IRB Law Divorce Lawyers

Trusted and Experienced

Clients trust our lawyers for their extensive experience in all types of divorce cases, including the most contentious and complicated. We help clients achieve the best possible outcomes in their divorce with competence and strong legal representation in court.

Affordable, Transparent Legal Fees

At IRB Law, we understand that the costs of divorce are crucial for anyone going through these trying times. We are committed to offering transparent, affordable fees for divorce services to relieve your financial stress and help you proceed with your divorce with confidence.

Excellent Communication

Our divorce lawyers will ensure seamless communication throughout your divorce process. We lead with compassion to support you during this challenging period of your life and are always available for questions and assistance to guide your divorce matter as efficiently as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I get a divorce in Singapore?
You can file for divorce by mutual agreement with your spouse or individually if your marriage has been irretrievably broken beyond reconciliation. At the time of filing, you or your spouse needs to be a Singapore citizen or living in Singapore for 3 continuous years and be married for 3 years, unless there are exceptions to apply early.
What are the legal requirements for divorce in Singapore?
In addition to being married for at least three years (unless court permission is obtained to apply early), at least one of the spouses must be a Singaporean citizen or have been living in Singapore for 3 continuous years immediately before the commencement of the divorce proceedings.
What is the process of getting a divorce in Singapore?
The divorce process starts by filing a Writ for Divorce and other relevant documents at the Family Justice Courts. After filing the application with the court, you must serve the documents on your spouse. If your spouse agrees to divorce, the Court will schedule a hearing date.

If your spouse contests the divorce, the respondent spouse will have to file an objection with the court and serve it on the applicant. The court will then schedule case conferences, and if the matter is not resolved by agreement or mediation, a trial will be held for the judge to decide.

After the court grants an Interim Judgment to dissolve the marriage, the divorce process moves to the next stage for the settlement of ancillary matters. These include division of property, maintenance, and child custody. After settling the ancillary matters and at least three months after the Interim Judgment (whichever is later), the spouses can obtain a Final Judgment through the court system, after which they will be officially divorced.

How to cope with the emotional impact of divorce in Singapore?
The emotional impact of divorce can be significant, involving feelings of loss, anger, guilt, anxiety, and relief. It’s normal to go through a grieving process, and it’s important to seek support from friends, family, and professionals when needed.
Do you have any tips for going through a divorce in Singapore?
Some tips include educating yourself about the divorce process, focusing on what’s best for any children involved, maintaining open communication with your spouse as much as possible, and prioritising self-care. It can also be helpful to assemble a strong support team, including a good lawyer, therapist, and trusted friends or family.
How long does the divorce process take?
For uncontested divorces, you may obtain an Interim Judgment dissolving the marriage from around 6 to 8 weeks from the date of filing. The mandatory waiting period before extracting the Final Judgment is three months from the date of the Interim Judgment.

If your divorce is contested, the entire process often takes 12 months or longer, depending on the nature of the dispute.

What happens to my CPF money after divorce?
The court may consider your CPF savings as matrimonial assets depending on the number of factors, which may include the extent of contributions made by each spouse to the welfare of the family, debts, the needs of children, and other factors outlined in Section 112 of the Women’s Charter.
Am I eligible to seek a divorce?
To commence civil proceedings for divorce in Singapore, you need to meet the following requirements (sections 93 and 94 of the Women’s Charter):

  • You or your spouse is domiciled in Singapore or habitually resident in Singapore for 3 of the past 4 years, or the respondent spouse is the resident at filing,
  • Have been married for a minimum of 3 years, except where the spouse filing for divorce has suffered exceptional hardship, or there has been exceptional depravity on the part of the other spouse.
  • Prove irretrievable breakdown of the marriage.

If you are unsure of your eligibility, please contact our law firm’s office for a free, no-obligation discussion.

What are the legal reasons for divorce in Singapore?
The sole ground for divorce in Singapore is irretrievable breakdown of the marriage beyond reconciliation in case of:

  • Adultery: The applicant finds it intolerable to live with the respondent due to adultery. Adequate evidence is required to prove the respondent’s act of adultery. The applicant may hire a private investigator to gather evidence. If the applicant could not provide adequate evidence, it is advisable for them to opt for another ground for the divorce, unless the respondent spouse admits adultery.
  • Unreasonable behaviour: The respondent has behaved in an unreasonable manner that the applicant finds it impossible to continue living with the respondent.
  • Desertion: The respondent spouse deserted the applicant for a minimum of 2 years, where the respondent shows no intention or sign of returning.
  • Separation: The parties have lived apart for at least 3 years with consent or 4 years without consent.
  • Mutual agreement: The spouses can file for divorce if they mutually agree that their marriage is broken beyond reconciliation.
What are the costs of getting a divorce in Singapore?
The cost of divorce can vary widely depending on the complexity of the case and whether it’s uncontested or contested. Uncontested divorces generally cost around SGD$1,600 to SGD$3,500 in legal fees, while contested divorces can range from SGD$10,000 to SGD$35,000 or more, depending on the complexity and issues involved.
How can I find a good divorce lawyer in Singapore?
You can start looking for divorce lawyers by visiting law firms’ websites, reading about their divorce services, and checking their reviews. It’s always best to schedule an initial consultation with the lawyer of your choice to learn about their approach, communication, and service standards. You can benefit from engaging experienced divorce lawyers with a strong reputation in family law and divorce practice.
What resources are available for people going through a divorce in Singapore?
There are several resources available, including counselling services, support groups, and legal advice centres. The Family Justice Courts also provide counselling and mediation to help couples resolve their disputes amicably and efficiently.
My spouse doesn't want a divorce. Can I file anyway?
Yes, you can file for divorce even if your spouse doesn’t consent by filing a Writ of Divorce with the Family Justice Courts and serving the documents on your spouse.
What happens to the HDB flat after divorce?
If you lived in the HDB flat for less than the Minimum Occupancy Period (MOP), which is usually 5 years, you typically must surrender the flat to the HDB. If you lived longer than the MOP, the court will decide on the division of your HDB flat as a matrimonial asset.

Meet Our Key Lawyers

Mohamed Baiross

Founding & Managing Partner, IRB Law LLP

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.

Kulvinder Kaur

Partner

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.

Mohamed Fazal

Partner

Fazal is a partner at IRB Law, and his practice encompasses a broad spectrum of contentious matters such as arbitration, civil, criminal, and family. He handles both Civil and Muslim matters.

Mohd Dzuleqhmal Bin Mohd Dzuleqhram

Partner

With an unquenchable thirst for justice and unyielding commitment to uphold the law and get the best outcome for his clients, Mr. Dzuleqhmal has carved a remarkable path through the legal landscape, leaving an indelible mark on the profession. With years of dedicated practice in litigation, Mr. Dzuleqhmal has evolved into a revered authority in this field. His strategic insights, coupled with an unwavering dedication to clients, have been instrumental in securing victories and favorable outcomes.

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