Singapore Divorce & Family Law

International Divorce & Family Law: Singapore

Singapore derives its legal system and procedures primarily from the common law (British) tradition. Since Singapore’s rise to its present status as an important financial centre, coupled with its punctilious adherence to issues such as banking confidentiality, its Courts have increasingly been asked to intervene in international matrimonial disputes. In particular, international divorces frequently involve looking at whether freezing Orders could be applied to investments held in or managed through Singapore.

The Singapore Courts enable such applications to be made and are prepared to impose freezing Orders in aid of foreign divorces. However safeguards are applied to ensure that such Orders do not exceed the Court’s jurisdiction.

The Court system is efficient and effective.

In relation to Singapore divorce and matrimonial property law, the Women’s Charter of 1980 empowers the Court to deal with property ‘as the Court thinks just and equitable.’ On the face of it, that is very similar to the current English law, but of course, definitions of fairness vary depending on circumstance. Nevertheless, equality appears to be pretty much the default position.

It is possible to enter into premarital contracts but they must not fall foul of rules that govern contracts or issues of public policy.

We are specialist international divorce lawyers and family solicitors and we have advised numerous clients who are either UK-based but originate from Singapore, or are living outside of the UK but have a connection with England or Wales.

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