Family Law
Divorce, child custody, spousal maintenance, division of matrimonial assets, domestic violence protection orders, maintenance of parents, and adoption under Singapore law.
Covered in this guide:
If you're divorcing in Singapore, the Women's Charter 1961 covers everyone — except Muslim couples, who go to the Syariah Court under the Administration of Muslim Law Act (Cap. 3). You need to show irretrievable breakdown via adultery, unreasonable behaviour, desertion (2 years), or separation (3 or 4 years). Cases go to the Family Justice Courts. Joint custody is the default, with the child's welfare paramount. The Maintenance of Parents Act (Cap. 167B) lets parents aged 60+ claim support from adult children, and domestic violence is covered by Personal Protection Orders under Part VII of the Women's Charter.
Key Laws
Women's Charter 1961
Act 18 of 1961 (2020 Rev. Ed.)
Marriage, divorce, custody, maintenance, division of assets, domestic violence (PPOs)
Administration of Muslim Law Act 1966
Act 27 of 1966 (2020 Rev. Ed.)
Muslim marriage, divorce, and inheritance governed by Syariah Court
Guardianship of Infants Act 1934
Act 5 of 1934 (2020 Rev. Ed.)
Parental rights, guardianship, and welfare of children
Maintenance of Parents Act 1995
Act 35 of 1995 (2020 Rev. Ed.)
Allows elderly parents to claim maintenance from adult children
Adoption of Children Act 1939
Act 25 of 1939 (2020 Rev. Ed.)
Legal adoption process, eligibility, and effect of adoption orders
Divorce
Divorce in Singapore is governed by the Women's Charter (for civil marriages) or AMLA (for Muslim marriages):Minimum period: You must have been married for at least 3 years before filing for divorce (...
Child Custody and Care & Control
In Singapore, child custody and care arrangements follow the welfare principle — the child's best interests are paramount:Custody: The right to make major decisions about the child's life — education,...
Spousal Maintenance
The court may order a husband to pay maintenance to his wife or former wife (and in some cases, vice versa for incapacitated husbands):During marriage: Under s69, a wife (or incapacitated husband) can...
Child Maintenance
Both parents have a legal duty to maintain their children until they turn 21 (or longer if the child is in full-time education, has a disability, or is serving National Service):Father and mother equa...
Division of Matrimonial Assets
Upon divorce, the court has the power to divide matrimonial assets in a just and equitable manner:Matrimonial assets: All assets acquired during the marriage by either or both spouses, and pre-marriag...
Personal Protection Order (Domestic Violence)
If you are a victim of family violence, you can apply for a Personal Protection Order (PPO). Following the Women's Charter (Family Violence and Other Matters) (Amendment) Act 2023, most provisions of...
Maintenance of Parents
Singapore is one of the few countries with a law requiring adult children to maintain their elderly parents:Who can claim: A parent aged 60 or above who is unable to maintain themselves adequately.Who...
Adoption
Adoption in Singapore is governed by the Adoption of Children Act:Eligibility: The applicant must be at least 25 years old and at least 21 years older than the child. Married couples may apply jointly...