Be domiciled in Singapore at the time of the divorce.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nYou must also have been married for at least 3 years. However, there are exceptions. If you can prove exceptional hardship or cruelty (especially relevant in abusive relationships), the court may allow you to proceed even if the marriage is less than three years old. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is particularly important for parents who feel staying in the marriage would harm the child\u2019s well-being.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Legal Grounds for Divorce<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nUnder the Women\u2019s Charter, the only ground for divorce is that the marriage has irretrievably broken down. This can be shown through one of the following five facts:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Adultery<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Unreasonable behaviour<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Desertion for at least two years<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Separation for three years (with both parties\u2019 consent)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Separation for four years (without consent)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
As a parent, you\u2019ll need to consider how each of these grounds may affect not just your case, but also your children’s living arrangements and emotional security.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Attend The Mandatory Parenting Programme (MPP\/CPP)<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIf you and your spouse have at least one child under the age of 21, the law requires you to attend the Mandatory Parenting Programme (MPP), now known as the Co-Parenting Programme (CPP) for certain cases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Who Needs to Attend?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- If the divorce is uncontested, only the parent filing for divorce (the Plaintiff) needs to attend.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- In a contested divorce, both parents are required to attend the programme.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
The MPP\/CPP is conducted by MSF-appointed agencies and is free of charge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why It\u2019s Important<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nThe programme is not just a formality, it\u2019s designed to help you understand the emotional and developmental needs of your child during and after the divorce. It also encourages parents to work together in co-parenting, even if the marriage has broken down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You\u2019ll learn:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- How divorce impacts children at different ages<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Co-parenting strategies<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- How to create a Parenting Plan (a key document required later in the process)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Legal responsibilities post-divorce<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
By attending the MPP or CPP, you\u2019re showing the court that you’re willing to put your child\u2019s well-being above personal grievances, a mindset that can influence custody outcomes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Decide On The Divorce Track<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nOnce you\u2019ve attended the necessary programmes, it\u2019s time to choose between two main divorce tracks in Singapore: Simplified and Normal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Simplified (Uncontested) Divorce<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nThis is the fastest and most cost-effective route. To proceed under the simplified track:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Both parties must agree on all divorce matters, including child custody, care and control, access, and division of property.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- You\u2019ll need to jointly submit a Parenting Plan (if there\u2019s a child under 21) that outlines living arrangements, schooling, medical care, and access schedules.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
This track is highly encouraged when children are involved, as it reduces emotional conflict and provides a more stable transition for the child.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Normal (Contested) Divorce<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nThis track applies when there is disagreement on any key matter, be it the reason for divorce, who gets custody, or how assets are split.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It involves:<\/p>\n\n\n\n