Legal Expertise // Divorce in Singapore

Expert Divorce Assistance
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Trusted legal professionals empowering you
with the tools and advice you need for tomorrow

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Navigating Your Divorce
Advisors You Can Trust

Six key ways we make your divorce process smoother while protecting what matters most to you

Skilled and Strategic

Litigation is a bespoke service, and each family or marriage is different. We don’t just understand the law — we understand how to use it to your advantage. Regardless of your personal circumstances, we will develop a tailored solution for each individual client and guide you in your decision making to advance your aims.

Experience with High-Stakes Legal Matters

Our lawyers have experience working with Senior Counsel and have handled high stakes litigation cases. We have a proven track record in resolving complex cases, whether through litigation or amicable resolution. We strive to avoid unnecessary litigation but at the same time, we will ensure that you are well-represented in Court.

Clear and Transparent Communication

Clients going through divorce proceedings are often under immense emotional and financial stress. We are committed to providing timely responses to your queries. We will speak plainly and honestly, and provide our recommendations and plans in a clear and concise manner. Whether you prefer detailed explanations or just the bottom line, we tailor our communication to fit your needs—because the best legal strategy is one you fully understand and align with.

Pro-active and Forward-thinking

We understand the underlying issues and your concerns. We anticipate problems and risks before they arise and develop a clear plan from day one. This minimises surprises and keeps you informed and prepared at every stage of the proceedings.

Your Emotions Matter

We listen without judgment. We provide a calm and steady presence both in the legal process, as well as your emotional journey. Your voice matters, and we will ensure you are heard, respected and understood.

Child-Centered Legal Strategies

We put your child’s best interests at the heart of every decision, to help you and your ex-spouse co-parent effectively, and arrive at sensible and practical care and control / access arrangements.

Our Distinguished Recognition

Our commitment to excellence, acknowledged
by industry leaders

Awards

Your Journey With Us

Four simple steps to guide you through the process

How It Works

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Contact Us
Reach out via phone or our online form—our friendly intake team is ready to listen and understand your needs.
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Get a Callback
We’ll schedule a convenient time to speak, so you can ask initial questions and learn how we can help—no obligations.
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Information Gathering
We’ll collect the details of your situation—financials, custody concerns, and goals—to tailor our approach to your unique circumstances.
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Consultation
Meet with our experienced divorce specialist who will explain your options, outline next steps, and provide a clear action plan.
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Our Divorce Attorneys and Lawyers

Our Lawyers

Jacqueline Chua

Managing Director

Jacqueline Law founded Jacque Law after a decade as a Partner at one of Singapore’s largest firms, where she worked on numerous high-profile, high-value cases.

She secured a S$30 million+ divorce settlement, partnered with U.S. counsel on a cross-border prenuptial agreement covering over US $1 billion in assets, and successfully revoked a sibling’s enduring power of attorney over property and personal affairs.

Tan Mao Lin

Senior Associate

Mao Lin was admitted as an Advocate and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Singapore in 2017, and is a Senior Associate with the Firm. He graduated from Monash University with a Bachelor of Laws First Class Honours in 2015.

Prior to joining Jacque Law LLC, Mao Lin trained and worked with senior counsel in one of Singapore’s top dispute resolution firm in appeals, trials and applications before the Singapore Court of Appeal, the Singapore International Commercial Court and the High Court.

Mao Lin has appeared as lead counsel in trials before the High Court. Mao Lin’s areas of practice include contentious and non-contentious work. His areas of practice include matrimonial and family law, probate (contentious and non-contentious), medical negligence and general commercial disputes.

Mao Lin also has experience in Family Justice Court proceedings. This includes successfully representing clients in contested divorce applications, family court mediations as well as disputes arising under the Mental Capacity Act. He has also successfully acted for parties in applying for or resisting Personal Protection Orders (PPO) in the Family Courts after contested trials.

Jerold Wong

Associate

Jerold graduated from University of Birmingham in 2021 with a First Class Honours in Bachelor of Laws, and was admitted as an Advocate and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Singapore in 2023.

Believing that justice is available for all, Jerold has a personal interest in private client matters as he feels he is able to make a difference with his contributions to these individuals. In particular, he has a keen enthusiasm for medical negligence matters and has been actively involved in various medical malpractice law suits.

He has also assisted in various family law matters, including contentious trust and probate matters.

Chea Wei Chiat

Associate

Wei Chiat graduated from the University of Bristol with a Bachelors of Laws (Honours) degree in 2019 and was called to the Singapore Bar as an Advocate and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Singapore in 2021.

Wei Chiat has a diverse practice that spans across civil and commercial litigation, including shareholder disputes and medical negligence lawsuits.

Wei Chiat has also represented clients on a wide range of family matters, both contentious and non-contentious, including matters relating to children maintenance, spousal maintenance and post-nuptial agreement. In particular, Wei Chiat has successfully represented a husband in a two day maintenance trial which led to the dismissal of the spousal claim for maintenance.

Understanding Divorce
in Singapore

Divorce can be a challenging journey, but you don't have to navigate it alone. In Singapore, divorces are granted when a marriage has irretrievably broken down, which can be proven through various factors including separation, unreasonable behavior, or mutual agreement.

Our experienced team guides you through each step, ensuring your rights and interests are protected throughout the process. We provide comprehensive support and expertise to help you achieve the best possible outcome for your situation.

Eligibility for Divorce in Singapore

Adultery

When one spouse has committed adultery making it intolerable to continue living together, divorce may be filed with sufficient evidence. The proceedings must be initiated within 6 months of discovering the unfaithful act. Evidence must be gathered legally and ethically to support the claim of adultery in court proceedings.

Unreasonable Behaviour

When one spouse has behaved in a way that makes it unreasonable to expect continued cohabitation. This includes physical violence, verbal abuse, emotional manipulation, financial irresponsibility, or addiction issues. The behavior must be documented and demonstrate that the marriage has broken down irretrievably.

Desertion

When one spouse has abandoned the other for at least 2 years without consent. The desertion must be intentional with the purpose of permanently ending the relationship. Brief returns during this period may not break the continuity of desertion if the overall pattern shows clear abandonment of the marriage.

Separation

When couples have lived apart for a specific period: 3 years' separation with mutual consent, or 4 years' separation without the other party's consent. The separation must be both physical and intentional, though brief reconciliation attempts are generally allowed without affecting the separation period.

Mutual Agreement

When both parties agree to divorce after 3 years of separation, providing the simplest path forward. Both must consent to all divorce terms, including arrangements for children, property division, and maintenance. This option typically results in faster proceedings and reduced legal complications.

If parties reach
an agreement

If parties can reach an agreement on the divorce before the matrimonial application for divorce is filed, the divorce proceedings can commence on a simplified track (Uncontested Divorce)

If parties do not reach
an agreement

If parties can reach an agreement on the divorce before the matrimonial application for divorce is filed, the divorce proceedings can commence on a simplified track (Uncontested Divorce)

Words From
Our Clients

Building trust and delivering results - see what our clients have to say about their journey with us

Commonly
Asked Questions

Is it possible to get divorced without a lawyer in Singapore?

Yes — however, engaging a qualified family lawyer is strongly recommended. A lawyer will advise on eligibility and procedural requirements, draft and file the necessary court documents, negotiate financial, custody, and maintenance settlements, and represent you in mediation sessions and court hearings. While self-representation is permitted, a professional legal lawyer ensures your rights are protected, your views are communicated clearly to the mediator or judge, and the process proceeds smoothly.

Divorce is a legal process that formally ends a marriage, dissolving all marital ties and allowing both parties to remarry. Separation (often “judicial separation” in Singapore) recognizes that spouses live apart and relieves certain obligations, like cohabitation, financial support and ensures that there is an agreement on the living arrangement and whether they are free to date others, but does not terminate the marriage. Unlike divorce, a separation order does not permit either party to remarry. Separation is one of the facts that you can use to prove that the marriage has irretrievably broken down.

The Family Justice Courts decide based on the child’s best interests, considering factors like the child’s age, emotional and educational needs, each parent’s caregiving ability, financial ability and the child’s own views (if mature enough). Custody refers to the parent who has the power to make major decisions on behalf of the child. Care and control, on the other hand, refers to who the child will stay with. Generally, both parents will be given joint custody, but primary care and control is awarded to the parent best able to provide stability and support. The other parent will have access to the child (i.e. visiting rights).

Yes. After a divorce is final (decree absolute), each ex-spouse is free to apply for a Build-To-Order (BTO) flat in their own name, subject to HDB’s eligibility conditions. If you’re a single parent, you may also qualify under the Single Singapore Citizen (SSC) scheme, which offers priority to divorced parents with children.

No. Singapore law mandates a minimum waiting period. If the divorce is uncontested, it usually takes about 1 – 2 months from the date of filing of the Court documents for the Court to issue the decree nisi (i.e. interim judgment) from the date of filing of the originating application for divorce. Thereafter, the decree absolute (i.e. final judgment) will only be issued at least 3 months after the date of decree nisi. The marriage will only be terminated after final judgment is issued. Most divorces are finalised (decree absolute) around six to twelve months after the initial filing, depending on case complexity, number of contested issues, and court schedules.

No. Divorce records in Singapore are private. Court documents and details aren’t accessible to the general public and can only be obtained by the parties involved or with a court order.

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Disclaimer
Legal

The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice.

Viewing this website or submitting an inquiry does not create an attorney-client relationship, which is only established after signing a formal engagement letter. Every divorce case is unique, and past results do not guarantee similar outcomes. While we maintain strict confidentiality, information sent through this website is not protected by attorney-client privilege until a formal relationship is established. Legal matters are time-sensitive, and delays may affect your rights. The legal information provided relates specifically to Singapore law - if you are outside our jurisdiction, please consult with a qualified legal professional in your area.