Expats can get divorced in Singapore as long as at least one of the spouses has lived in Singapore for a continuous period of three years, explains SARAH-MAE THOMAS, a Singapore- and Australia-qualified lawyer, and managing director of Sarah-Mae Thomas LLC. The firm specializes in family law, civil litigation, and juvenile matters.
“It doesn't matter if the marriage took place overseas or if the couple didn't register their marriage in Singapore. If one partner is Singaporean and the other is an expat, the parties will not need to meet this three-year requirement, says Sarah-Mae.
Do note, however, that there is an absolute bar – save for two limited exceptions – of divorce in the first three years of marriage, regardless of whether you're an expat or Singaporean.
Filing for divorce: The first steps
When filing for divorce as an expat, Sarah-Mae says you'll need to provide evidence that you have resided in Singapore for three consecutive years. Evidence may include your tax documents, tenancy agreements or employment passes. Since the requirement is only for either party to meet the jurisdiction rather than both, it would be fulfilled so long as the husband, for example, has been in Singapore for three years, even if his wife has just joined him.
If you've met the jurisdictional requirement, you will need to consider whether you want your divorce to take place in Singapore or in another country. Where you divorce can significantly affect the outcome, so it's important to consider the advantages and disadvantages of divorcing in another country versus Singapore
Denne historien er fra December 2021-utgaven av EL Singapore.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra December 2021-utgaven av EL Singapore.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Injury-free Skiing!
You've compared the various resorts' vital statistics, après ski options and historical snowfall data, and you're ready to hit the slopes this holidays! In this first of two articles, orthopaedic surgeon and ski-tragic DR DERRICK OH gives advice on how you can prevent skiing injuries.
Braces Vs Invisalign First!
Teeth straightening for kids can achieve more health benefits than just a great smile. Here, dentist DR ALEXIA KWAN talks about the pros and cons of the two main options: traditional braces and Invisalign First.
CAN OBESITY LEAD TO HEART ATTACKS?
Maintaining a healthy weight is more than just a matter of appearance - it's a vital aspect of heart health. DR MICHAEL ROSS MACDONALD, a senior consultant cardiologist at The Harley Street Heart & Vascular Centre, discusses how weight affects our heart and ways to manage it.
Achieving with Development Assessments
Every parent prioritises the wellbeing and optimal development of their child. Paediatric physiotherapist WAN YING TEH specialises in babies and children and tells us why a physiotherapy development assessment can help you achieve just this.
POWER WORKOUTS REDEFINED
It's easy to let fitness slide during the festivities, but keeping up your routine doesn't have to be a chore. These quick, high-burn workouts make it simple to stay active, boost your energy, and keep that waistline in check - no matter how packed your calendar gets!
TROPICAL TOWer
If you love a staycation option with strong eco credentials, try this lofty - and leafy - hotel in the heritage district of Tanjong Pagar.
A Boutique Resort in Malaysia
Inside a serene tropical sanctuary that combines contemporary design with nature.
A Guide to Lombok
As I floated on a surfboard, my instructor called out “go, chilli man!” to his friend carving along a breaking wave. He turned to me and said, “Have you tried the chillies here? They’re just like our island and our surfers: small but spicy.”
Thailand: City & Mountains
My two daughters are well into their teens, and in the blink of an eye they'll be heading off on holidays with groups of raucous friends rather than with their annoying parents.
Recipe CORNER
This holiday favourite combines the warmth of traditional spices with the rich textures of dried fruits. Enjoy with a cup of tea or a glass of mulled wine!
