How do you divorce a spouse who is in jail?
As a divorce lawyer Singapore, I have encountered a number of clients who want to divorce a spouse who is in prison.
Case of Adam Johnson and Stacey Flounders
If you follow English football, you would have heard of Adam Johnson. Johnson was a former Sunderland and England star who is serving 6 years in jail for engaging with sexual activity with a 15-year-old Sunderland fan.
While not officially married to his partner Stacey Flounders, he is said to be keen on rebuilding his relationship with Flounders when he is realised from jail in 2 years’ time. Flounders and Johnson have a 2-year-old daughter.
Flounders is believed to be dating Gary Madine, a footballer with Bolton Wanderers whom she met in January 2017. Madine himself had a troubled past. He attached 2 fans in 2013 and was sentenced to 18 months in prison.
According to sources, Johnson feels “betrayed” by Flounders after Flounders informed him.
See: Ekin Karasin, “Paedophile footballer Adam Johnson ‘left heartbroken’ after ex Stacey Flounders starts dating ANOTHER convict footballer”, Mailonline, 23 April 2017
How do you divorce a spouse who is in jail?
Firstly, the divorce papers would have to be prepared by your divorce lawyer. Your divorce lawyer will have to make an application to visit your spouse in prison and serve the papers on him personally. Thereafter, your spouse – if he/ she agrees to the divorce and the terms – will sign the “draft consent order”.
Should your spouse not be agreeable to the divorce, he/ she would have 8 days to find a divorce lawyer Singapore who would indicate to the Courts that he/ she would like to “contest” the divorce.
For more information on how to divorce a spouse who is in jail or the divorce process in general, contact us today!
You may also be interested to read more about:
2. Annulment (Nullity) of Marriage
5. Maintenance Issues (Alimony)
