Experienced Divorce Lawyers in Singapore Guiding You Through Trying Times
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
If your divorce is contested, the entire process often takes 12 months or longer, depending on the nature of the dispute.
If you are unsure of your eligibility, please contact our law firm’s office for a free, no-obligation discussion.
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.
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.
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.
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.
isdiction and eligibility For the Singapore Courts to have jurisdiction to hear proceedings for divorce, either of the parties: Must…
26.04.2024
You just got married and it isn’t working out - must you wait three years before ending it? No, you…
25.06.2025
A divorce is never easy but can become even more complicated if it becomes a contested divorce proceeding. In many…
14.06.2022