Filing For Divorce In Singapore: A Quick Overview!

Divorces are never easy. It could mean emotional, financial and mental stress for both people involved, and with the legal complications, things can get messy in no time. Divorce laws vary by country and state, and even the smallest aspects can make a huge impact. If you are filing for divorce in Singapore, we recommend that you consider checking the overview of the process and relevant things that may matter.

Types of divorce

If both parties agree to legal separation, it would be case of uncontested divorce. The plaintiff, or the person who files the case, can agree on the terms of consent with the defendant, the spouse, and the case can be over sooner than a contested divorce. From the time of filing of divorce papers, it takes anywhere between one to two months to get what’s called the “Interim Judgment”, and from the date of Interim Judgment, there is a wait period of three months. After 3 months, the divorce order from the court will become binding on both spouses.

In case both parties cannot reach an agreement on certain aspects of the divorce, the case may be a contested one, where disagreements will be resolved. The court may decide on the terms, or else, there could be mediation sessions, where both parties will try and settle things before court hearings begin. Contested divorces, owing to the complicated nature, can drag on for the longest time, often beyond a year.

Understanding the procedure

The Court reserves the right to decide if divorce can be granted based on the facts mentioned in the papers. After the hearing, both parties may get an Interim Judgment, and if the court doesn’t find enough evidence/substance in the application, it may choose to dismiss the application. If you get the Interim Judgment, you can move ahead to the next step, where the court will decide on various aspects that may influence both spouses, such as custody of kids and distribution of assets owned by the couple. The final judgment will be given after the date of Interim Judgment, following a wait period of 3 months. Once the court has given the Final Judgement, the divorce is considered final and cannot be cancelled under any circumstances. The court may order the plaintiff and the defendant to attend mediation, in case there is a child under the age of 21 years.

Seeking legal help

Dealing with a divorce can be hard, and all you need is a Singapore divorce lawyer free consultation. Yes, there are law firms that will actually offer the first consultation for free, and it could be a great way of understanding what you need for the case.  The first meeting with your lawyer is an important one, because you would be discussing every aspect of the case, including the court procedures. Your lawyer will also explain if the grounds are enough to seek divorce in Singapore, and how you can handle things like custody, division of property, alimony and so on. A good lawyer will also answer all your questions, and will offer a fair view of the situation, based on circumstances.

In conclusion

If you are seeking legal help for divorce in Singapore, we recommend that you select a lawyer that you can rely on. Don’t shy away from sharing facts or asking for details, because your lawyer is responsible for ensuring your interests are protected, and in most cases, they will offer sound advice, so that the process is completed as soon as possible. Check online now to find the best law firms and ask for that first appointment, where you can discuss and take things further.