As a divorce lawyer in Singapore, I have had many clients who asked me what falls within the ambit of Women’s Charter adultery.
To prove Women’s Charter adultery, you would have to show that your spouse voluntarily had sexual intercourse with someone else and that you find it intolerable to live with your spouse because of the commission of adultery by your spouse.
If after the discovery of adultery, you continue to live with your spouse for a period exceeding 6 months, you are deemed to have “forgiven” your spouse for his/ her adultery and you can no longer use adultery as a reason for divorce.
See: Section 95(3)(a) and 95(5) of the Women’s Charter (Singapore)
While there are not many people out there who can “tolerate” living with a spouse who has committed adultery, there are people who can.
In Rockland Ranch, located in Utah, western USA, many families are polygamous. The population consists of fundamental Mormons who believe in polygamy and see this as a way of “mirroring God’s love for all people”. Catrina Foster, one of the residents said that having other women share her husband has enhanced her marriage.
Contrary to beliefs, the women are not quiet and submissive. They lead a modern life.
Catrina and her husband Enoch live in a house with Enoch’s second wife and their 19 children. The 2 women take turns to have children and share the burden of helping Enoch with his business. The children see both Catrina and Lilian (the second wife) as mothers.
Catrina admitted that she feels jealous at times, but those emotions were fleeting.
Lilian concluded by saying: “I know some people think it’s crazy. All I can say is, I’m very content with my life. Ultimately, I would much rather have a piece of a really good man than a whole man who wasn’t as good.”
See: Kathryn Knight, “Are these the world’s most deluded wives? They begged their husbands to take two OTHER partners but insist they’re happy (and only a bit jealous)”, Daily Mail, 22 March 2017
To find out more about Women’s Charter adultery, contact us today!
You may also be interested to read more about:
2. Annulment (Nullity) of Marriage
5. Maintenance Issues (Alimony)
