Spousal Maintenance 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?
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 apply for maintenance if the spouse has neglected or refused to provide reasonable maintenance.
- Upon divorce: Under s113, the court considers: income and earning capacity of each party, financial needs, standard of living during the marriage, age, health, contributions (including homemaking), and duration of the marriage.
- Lump sum or periodic: The court can order a lump sum (clean break) or monthly payments.
- Guideline: Maintenance aims to place the wife in the position she would have been in had the marriage not broken down — but it is not a permanent entitlement. The court encourages self-sufficiency.
When does it apply?
- You are a wife or former wife seeking maintenance from your husband.
- An incapacitated former husband may also apply for maintenance from his former wife.
- Maintenance applications can be made during divorce proceedings or as a standalone application under s69.
What to Do If Your Spouse or Former Spouse Has Stopped Paying Court-Ordered Maintenance in Singapore
- Gather financial documents — your income, expenses, the other party's income and assets.
- File an application at the Family Justice Courts.
- If your ex-spouse fails to pay court-ordered maintenance, you can file a maintenance enforcement application — the court can order attachment of earnings, seize property, or even imprison the defaulter.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't hide income or exaggerate expenses — the court requires full and frank disclosure.
- Don't assume maintenance is permanent — the court aims for a clean break where possible.
- Don't ignore a maintenance order — non-compliance can result in imprisonment.
Common Questions
Who can claim spousal maintenance in Singapore?
A wife or former wife can claim maintenance from her husband under sections 113–118 of the Women's Charter. An incapacitated former husband may also apply for maintenance from his former wife. Under s69, a spouse can apply during marriage if the other has neglected or refused to provide reasonable maintenance.
How does a Singapore court decide spousal maintenance?
Under s113, the court considers income and earning capacity of each party, financial needs, standard of living during the marriage, age, health, contributions (including homemaking), and duration of the marriage. The court can order a lump sum (clean break) or monthly payments. Maintenance is not a permanent entitlement — the court encourages self-sufficiency.
What happens if my Singapore ex-spouse stops paying maintenance?
File a maintenance enforcement application. The court can order attachment of earnings, seize property, or even imprison the defaulter for non-compliance. Gather financial documents — your income and expenses plus the other party's income and assets — before filing.
When does it apply — spousal maintenance?
You are a wife or former wife seeking maintenance from your husband.An incapacitated former husband may also apply for maintenance from his former wife.Maintenance applications can be made during divorce proceedings or as a standalone application under s69.
What should I do if my ex-spouse has stopped paying the spousal maintenance the Singapore Family Court ordered?
Gather financial documents — your income, expenses, the other party's income and assets.File an application at the Family Justice Courts.If your ex-spouse fails to pay court-ordered maintenance, you can file a maintenance enforcement application — the court can order attachment of earnings, seize property, or even imprison the defaulter.
What should you NOT do — spousal maintenance?
Don't hide income or exaggerate expenses — the court requires full and frank disclosure.Don't assume maintenance is permanent — the court aims for a clean break where possible.Don't ignore a maintenance order — non-compliance can result in imprisonment.