Can foreigners divorce in Singapore?
If none of the parties are Singapore Citizens, at least one party has to be habitually resident in Singapore for a period of at least 3 years preceding the filing of the divorce.
Divorce can be difficult for spouses who are residing in Singapore on the basis of their spouse’s employment – eg. Dependant’s Pass based on the spouse’s Employment Pass.
Upon the conclusion of the divorce, the dependant spouse may risk his/her right to reside in Singapore, depending on the said party’s residency status.
This is even more complex for cases where there are children to the marriage. At times, the dependant spouse may have to consider relocating to his/her home country.
Is divorcing a foreign spouse in Singapore allowed?
Yes, parties who are married to a foreign spouse are also allowed to commence a divorce in Singapore. If at least one party is a Singapore Citizen, the Singapore courts will have the jurisdiction to hear the divorce matter.
What if I have been married to my spouse for less than 3 years?
You can either:
- Wait out the 3 years;
- Annul the marriage if possible; or
- Show that you have experienced exceptional hardship, or that your spouse has demonstrated exceptional depravity
- Judicial Separation
What if I have been unable to find or contact my spouse for a period of time and I think he/she has gone back to his/her home country?
You may still proceed with the divorce. However, the court will still require you to serve the divorce documents on your spouse.
This will necessarily lead to higher costs as attempts have to be made to locate him/her, and if this is not successful, an advertisement may have to be placed in an overseas newspaper as substituted service.
Alternatively, an application can be made for the dispensation of service if there is reason to think that the advertisement will not be effective.
A divorce lawyer will be able to make such applications for you.
Filing for divorce
If you want to divorce a foreign spouse in Singapore, then you must prove that indeed the marriage is broken irretrievably. This can be shown if you prove that:
- (a) The spouse has committed adultery and you find it intolerable to live with him/her;
- (b) The spouse has behaved in such a way that you cannot reasonably be expected to live with him/her;
- (c) The spouse has deserted you for a continuous period of at least 2 years immediately preceding the filing of the writ;
- (d) Both parties have lived apart for a continuous period of at least 3 years immediately preceding the filing of the writ and the defendant consents to a judgment being granted;
- (e) Both parties have lived apart for a continuous period of at least 4 years immediately preceding the filing of the writ.
You must also be certain that you want the divorce matter to be heard by the Singapore courts and not by another foreign court – eg. for the divorce to be heard in your home country / your spouse’s home country, etc.
How can I show that the marriage has broken down irretrievably?
You will have to show one or more of the following facts:
- That your spouse has committed adultery and you find it intolerable to live with him/her
- Your spouse has behaved in such a manner that you cannot reasonably be expected to live with him/her
- Your spouse has deserted you for 2 years without any intention of returning
- You and your spouse have lived apart for 3 years and your spouse consents to divorce
- You and your spouse have lived apart for 4 years (spouse’s consent is not required)
Will I still have to pay maintenance to my wife if she has gone back to her home country/some other country?
If your wife has returned to her home country or is in another country and she does not make an application for maintenance, the court will not order you to pay maintenance.
However, if your wife does make an application for maintenance in the court of her home country/another country and maintenance is ordered by that court, it may be registered by the Singapore court.
What about children?
If you had children, then the court will consider many factors to determine the children’s care and living arrangements.
Some of these factors include:
- Children’s primary caregiver
- Age of the children
- Preference of the children (if they are mature enough to make a decision)
- The quality of the relationship between the child and the parent
- The mental and physical health of the parents
- The ability of each parent to provide a loving and stable environment
- Any evidence of abuse, neglect or violence by either party
When determining the custody and care and control issue, the court will place paramount importance on the child’s best interest.
If the foreign spouse wishes to relocate to his/her home country after divorce with the children, he/she will be allowed to do if both parties consent to the same. If not, the intending spouse must seek permission from the court.
Should the ex-spouse take children out of the country wrongful, he/she may be liable for child abduction.
Read more: Determining Child & Spousal Maintenance
How our Divorce Lawyers at GJC Law can help
Lawyers at GJC Law, have the knowledge, experience, and resources needed to handle even the most complex international Our friendly and divorce lawsuits.
Our lawyers will create a strategy that not only suits your needs but one that suits your budget. We will also inform you on what to expect as well as give you an alternative dispute resolution option that will save you precious time and money.
Related Post – INTERNATIONAL DIVORCE IN SINGAPORE
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