How long does it take to get a divorce in Singapore? Have you been hearing horror stories of how it takes years to conclude a divorce in Singapore?
According to Judicial Commissioner Valerie Thean (the Presiding Judge of the Family Justice Courts), 74% of divorce cases filed in 2016 were settled within the same year they were filed. In comparison, only 46% of divorce cases in 2012 were settled within the same year.
On average, how long does it take to get a divorce in Singapore?
The time taken to handle each case has also shortened from 68.6 days in 2012 to 53.1 days in 2016.
On average, it now takes just 114.6 days for final judgment to be granted, as compared to 155.2 days in 2012.
New initiatives
New initiatives such as the Individual Docketing System helps in shortening the divorce process in Singapore. Under the system, selected categories of cases are assigned to designated Judges who will manage the case from start to end. This ensures that the Judges are more familiar with these cases which could be highly complicated. The Individual Docketing System will be extended to all divorce cases by the second half of 2017.
A new Family Protection Centre will be set up and there will be an electronic case-management system for personal protection (involving PPO applications) and maintenance cases.
See: K.C. Vijayan, “Divorce cases handled more speedily last year, more improvements afoot: Family Justice Courts, The Straits Times, 20 February 2017
How long does it take to get a divorce in Singapore?
Fear not! It is unlikely that your divorce case will take years to complete.
Uncontested divorce Singapore
If you agree on all terms with your spouse, it is likely to take just 4 months to get a divorce in Singapore!
The process is straightforward- you inform us (your divorce lawyers) on the terms of settlement and provide us with some basic information.
Thereafter, we will prepare your divorce papers and arrange for signing of the divorce papers.
Once that is done, the divorce papers will be filed in the Family Justice Courts.
The Family Justice Courts will grant the Interim Judgment within a month and the Final Judgment will be granted 3 months after the date of the Interim Judgment.
Contested divorce Singapore (with settlement at mediation)
Do not worry if you are unable to reach a settlement with your spouse by yourself. Chances are, you will reach a settlement with your spouse via the mediation process. The divorce will likely take an additional 2 to 4 months in such cases.
How long does it take to get a divorce in Singapore if it is contested? It will likely take between 6 to 8 months to get the final judgment.
If you have more questions, please contact us today.
You may also be interested to read more about:
2. Annulment (Nullity) of Marriage
5. Maintenance Issues (Alimony)
For more information, please contact us here.
