Starting January 2, 2025, Singapore will introduce significant reforms to child access enforcement for divorced parents.
These measures, announced by the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF), aim to ensure the welfare of children while promoting co-parenting harmony.
These long-awaited changes are welcome news for divorced parents who have struggled with parental alienation, offering hope for fairer outcomes and stronger protections for parent-child relationships.
“The measures strengthen the enforcement of child access orders and bring a new level of accountability to family law.”
Key Changes to Child Access Orders
The enhancements to the Women’s Charter focus on empowering the courts to enforce child access orders when one parent denies access unfairly.
Here’s a breakdown of the new measures:
1. Counselling and Mediation
- Parents who breach access orders may be required to attend mandatory counselling or mediation sessions. These therapeutic programmes help parents address underlying conflicts and foster healthier co-parenting relationships.
2. Make-Up Access and Compensation
- Courts can order additional access time for parents who were denied their rightful time with their children.
- Compensation for expenses, such as prepaid travel or accommodation costs, can be claimed if a breach occurs.
3. Security Pledges and Performance Bonds
- To ensure future compliance, parents may need to provide a financial guarantee, such as a performance bond.
4. Penalties for Non-Compliance
- For persistent breaches without legitimate reasons, penalties include fines and, as a last resort, jail terms for the parent with care and control of the child.
Read more: Understanding Parenting Arrangements and Children’s Best Interests in Singapore Divorce Cases
Simplified Enforcement Process
Changes to the Family Justice Rules will streamline the enforcement process, reducing the time and costs associated with court proceedings. This will make the system more efficient.
- Shifting the Burden of Proof: The parent living with the child must explain any alleged breaches of access orders, making enforcement less burdensome for the other parent.
What This Means for Divorced Parents
The enhanced child access orders represent a significant step forward in supporting co-parenting and ensuring children’s welfare in post-divorce arrangements.
Key benefits include:
- Greater Accountability: Stricter enforcement deters breaches and ensures parents respect court-ordered arrangements.
- Child-Centered Focus: The reforms prioritise the child’s well-being, promoting stable and positive relationships with both parents.
- Support for Cooperation: Mandatory counselling and co-parenting programmes encourage constructive communication and collaboration.
These changes signal a progressive shift in Singapore’s family law, fostering a more empathetic and child-centered approach to divorce. If you’re navigating a divorce or dealing with child access issues, GJC Law can provide expert guidance tailored to your unique circumstances.
Contact us today to learn more about how these reforms might impact your case and how we can help you achieve the best outcomes for your family.
We’re here for you
We have a dedicated family law team ready to listen, understand your situation, and advise you on:
- Child Custody & Maintenance issues;
- Access Arrangements;
- Parenting Plans;
- Relocation issues.
