If you are an expat considering filing for divorce in Singapore – that is, a divorce involving international elements – it is most important to establish that the family court of Singapore is able to deal with your divorce case.
In Singapore, the Family Court has jurisdiction over all marriage-related cases, including expat divorces in Singapore. The Court’s jurisdiction covers Applications for Divorce, Personal Protection Orders, Property Settlement, Child/Spousal Maintenance, Parenting and Residence Living Arrangements with respect to children. As long as there is a connection to Singapore, the Family Court is able to exercise its jurisdiction if required to do so.
International Divorce
It is possible to apply for a Divorce in Singapore, even if your spouse is not currently living in Singapore.
You can commence divorce proceedings in Singapore if either you or your spouse:
What if you do not meet the above requirements?
You and your spouse can consider waiting out the 3 year period and have your ancillary issues on property, maintenance/support, and custody agreed upon or mediated to draw up a Marital Agreement.
Before the 3 year mark, either party may apply for interim orders in relation to maintenance for wife and/or child, and other relevant orders in relation to children’s issues including, custody, care and control and access.
Articles
With more foreigners working and living in Singapore, and more Singaporeans living abroad as shown by statistics, it does not come to surprise that there are also more mixed marriages registered In this regard, there are a growing number of family law proceedings involving cross-jurisdictional legal issues. Continue reading “Stay Proceedings in Singapore: Forum Non Conveniens”
Foreigners who seek to apply for divorce in Singapore have to first overcome the issue of conflict of laws, before Singapore courts are willing to hear the case. Continue reading “Forum Shopping: Can Non-Singaporeans file for a Divorce in Singapore?”
In today’s highly globalised world, it is not uncommon for individuals of different nationalities to get married in one country, make pre-nuptial agreements, then move to another country to settle down. Continue reading “Does the Singapore Court Recognise Pre-nuptial Agreements made in Foreign Countries?”
Divorce can often escalate into an incredibly complex and emotionally charged situation. In the case of expat divorces it can become particularly fraught with feelings of betrayal Continue reading “The Trailing Spouse”
For expats considering getting a divorce there may be various considerations in deciding whether doing so in Singapore will be advantageous in terms of cost or placing you in a favourable position in the division of matrimonial assets. Continue reading “Singapore Expat Divorce – Is it Advantageous for You to file for Divorce in Singapore?”
Separation under one roof is when you and your spouse separate but continue living in the same home. Continue reading “Separation Under One Roof”
It is often very difficult to give a straightforward answer as to what happens in an international divorce case. Many questions come to mind and they need to be addressed immediately. Continue reading “Considering Your Divorce in Singapore?”
Foreign marriage jurisdiction
If you started divorce proceedings in Singapore, and your spouse started proceedings in a different country (or vice versa) Continue reading “Foreign Marriage Jurisdiction”
You can’t unless you can show the intention to be domiciled in Singapore, ie to make Singapore your home and to live here, period. Continue reading “What if I do not Satisfy the 3 Years’ Residency, can I Divorce?”
The exceptions to this rule are where you are able to show the court that you have suffered exceptional hardship or that there is exceptional depravity on the part of your spouse. Continue reading “Exeption to the “3 Year Marriage Bar Rule””