Divorce in Singapore
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Singapore Acts of Parliament, subsidiary legislation, and official government guidance. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
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 (exceptions exist for exceptional hardship or depravity).
- Sole ground: The marriage has irretrievably broken down, proved by one of five facts: adultery, unreasonable behaviour, desertion (2 years), separation with consent (3 years), or separation without consent (4 years).
- Simplified Track: If the divorce is uncontested and you agree on all ancillary matters (children, assets, maintenance), you can use the Simplified Track with lower fees and no court attendance.
- Muslim divorces: Handled by the Syariah Court under AMLA. The process and grounds differ from civil divorce.
When does it apply?
- Your marriage is registered in Singapore, or either party is domiciled in Singapore at the time of filing.
- You have been married for at least 3 years (or have leave of court for earlier filing).
- For Muslim marriages, file at the Syariah Court — the Women's Charter does not apply to Muslim divorces.
What to Do If You Want to File for Divorce in Singapore
- Attempt counselling first — the court requires parties to attend a mandatory counselling/mediation programme where there are minor children.
- File the Writ of Divorce at the Family Justice Courts. You can file online via iFAMS (Integrated Family Application Management System).
- If uncontested, use the Simplified Track to save time and costs.
- For ancillary matters (custody, assets, maintenance), try to reach an agreement — the court encourages mediation.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't file before 3 years of marriage unless you have obtained leave of court.
- Don't hide assets — you must make full and frank disclosure of all assets. Failure to disclose can result in the court drawing adverse inferences.
- Don't involve children in the dispute — the court takes a dim view of parents who use children as pawns.
Common Questions
How long must I be married before divorcing in Singapore?
You must have been married for at least 3 years before filing for divorce, unless you obtain leave of court on grounds of exceptional hardship or depravity. The sole ground is that the marriage has irretrievably broken down, proved by one of five facts: adultery, unreasonable behaviour, desertion for 2 years, 3 years' separation with consent, or 4 years' separation without consent.
What is the Simplified Track for divorce in Singapore?
If the divorce is uncontested and you agree on all ancillary matters — children, assets, and maintenance — you can use the Simplified Track. It has lower fees and does not require court attendance. File the Writ of Divorce at the Family Justice Courts through iFAMS, the Integrated Family Application Management System.
Does Singapore's Women's Charter apply to Muslim marriages?
No. Muslim divorces are handled by the Syariah Court under the Administration of Muslim Law Act (AMLA) — the process and grounds differ from civil divorce. The Women's Charter applies to civil marriages regardless of the parties' religion (unless both are Muslim). Where there are minor children, the court requires a mandatory counselling or mediation programme.
When does it apply — divorce?
Your marriage is registered in Singapore, or either party is domiciled in Singapore at the time of filing.You have been married for at least 3 years (or have leave of court for earlier filing).For Muslim marriages, file at the Syariah Court — the Women's Charter does not apply to Muslim divorces.
What should I do if I want to start divorce proceedings at the Family Justice Courts in Singapore?
Attempt counselling first — the court requires parties to attend a mandatory counselling/mediation programme where there are minor children.File the Writ of Divorce at the Family Justice Courts. You can file online via iFAMS (Integrated Family Application Management System).If uncontested, use the Simplified Track to save time and costs.For ancillary matters (custody, assets, maintenance), try to reach an agreement — the court encourages mediation.
What should you NOT do — divorce?
Don't file before 3 years of marriage unless you have obtained leave of court.Don't hide assets — you must make full and frank disclosure of all assets. Failure to disclose can result in the court drawing adverse inferences.Don't involve children in the dispute — the court takes a dim view of parents who use children as pawns.