Divorce is often challenging and emotionally charged. It can be overwhelming for the parties involved when it becomes highly contentious. In such cases, parties may find it difficult and need legal help to agree on anything, from the division of assets to child custody arrangements.
In this article, we will examine several legal approaches for acrimonious divorces.
Approaches to Terminating Marriage
Working constructively with your spouse and reaching an arrangement will help you avoid a long and bitter divorce. There are three main approaches to terminating a marriage.
These approaches are:
- direct negotiation,
- alternative dispute resolution such as mediation or Divorce Coaching Services, or
- a trial or hearing.
If direct negotiation with your spouse fails, alternative disagreement resolution may be beneficial, such as Mediation or Divorce Coaching Services. However, parties may need to proceed with the trial or hearing if neither negotiation nor mediation succeeds.
Note: Family Justice Courts Mediation does not apply to all cases; consult a divorce lawyer for your case.
Strategies for Resolving a Divorce
Be Honest
It’s crucial to be truthful throughout the divorce process. If caught lying, it can harm your credibility and damage your case.
Avoid Engaging in Arguments
Divorce is emotionally challenging, but keeping your emotions in check during legal proceedings is essential. Avoid engaging in heated discussions or inflammatory statements that could hurt your case.
Follow Court Orders
If there is a pre-existing Court Order, it is crucial to comply. Such Court Orders may include Personal Protection Orders or child maintenance payments. Failure to comply with court orders would be contempt of Court. Thus, it may harm your defence.
Gather Evidence
Collect evidence supporting your case, such as financial records, emails, text messages, and social media posts. This evidence can help you demonstrate your claims and discredit your spouse’s allegations. In addition, the judge may be less likely to believe anything your spouse’s legal team says. Again, this can be very helpful to your case.
Hire an Experienced Divorce Lawyer
Engaging an experienced divorce lawyer can be essential for you to defend your position on the issues at hand.
A skilled divorce lawyer can help protect your rights and interests throughout the proceedings. In all divorce-related matters, such as child custody, property division, and spousal support, a lawyer can advocate for you, negotiate on your behalf, and represent you in Court.
The “Client Narrative”
Trials in family law require a great deal of preparation and effort. One of the critical pieces of information needed to represent you in your divorce best is known as a “Client Narrative”, as the judge is more likely to favour the side whose narrative is well-formulated and believable.
Your assistance in describing your family history and the paramount issues related to your divorce will be required for your case. Such information includes:
You should include background information like;
- employment during marriage,
- residence(s) during marriage and how it was acquired,
- where you and your spouse currently live.
Next, provide financial information like;
- retirement plans of you and your spouse,
- acquisition of significant assets, including pension or other retirement benefits of both spouses,
- property and accounts of children acquired during the marriage, and
- history of debts incurred.
Describe how significant assets/debts present during the marriage have or have not survived. If child custody is an issue, explaining the role and responsibilities of the children’s primary caretaker is critical.
Forming the Right Strategy for Child-Related Issues
Child custody cases involve children’s welfare and best interests, and it is essential to prioritise their well-being above any strategy or tactic.
In child custody cases, it’s essential to present evidence demonstrating your ability to provide your children with a stable, nurturing, and safe environment. You may have to provide evidence of your involvement in your children’s lives, your ability to meet their physical and emotional needs, and your willingness to foster a positive relationship with your spouse.
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Child Custody & Support in Singapore: What to Expect
How can GJC Help You?
We are committed to providing you with the legal help you need when you need it most, regardless of your situation. Our experienced divorce lawyers can identify areas of potential conflict and work to resolve them through negotiation or mediation – saving you time, money, and emotional distress.
You can trust that our divorce lawyers offer a high standard of representation and compassionate guidance from the start to the end of your matter.
If you would like advice on a divorce application or any aspect of family law, do not hesitate to contact a member of our team.
Ms Gloria James is a trained Family Law Mediator, experienced in making sure that you cover all terms and settlement issues when employing the mediation process.
As a certified Associate Mediator at the State Courts of Singapore and the Singapore Mediation Centre, Ms James has successfully resolved numerous cases throughout the SMC scheme.
We’re here for you
Our lawyers at GJC Law offer a free 30-minute consultation to explain the divorce process and determine whether you qualify for divorce in Singapore.
Our goal is to help you find a resolution that works for you.
