What are postnuptial agreements Singapore? Are postnuptial agreements Singapore recognized?
What are postnuptial agreements Singapore?
Essentially, postnuptial agreements are similar to prenuptial agreements. The agreements lay down what couples agree on in terms of their children, assets, maintenance (alimony) and other marital issues.
Postnuptial agreements Singapore are different from deed of separation Singapore. You get a postnuptial agreement if you want to stay together with your spouse but wish to impose some terms so that your interests are protected in the event that your relationship sours.
On the other hand, you get a deed of separation if you intend to lead separate lives from your spouse.
Under the Women’s Charter, the Court will consider any agreement executed by the parties in relation to the division of matrimonial assets.
Why do people get postnuptial agreements?
In America, people sometimes “run out of time” before their weddings to do a prenuptial agreement. Americans also draw up a postnuptial agreement when they are estranged but are willing to take a chance on reconciliation. They may also want to avoid a messy divorce. According to American attorney Linda Ravdin: “if one spouse feels wronged, and the other feels guilty, that can give one side an advantage in negotiations.”
See: Ben Steverman, “‘You should do it right’: More couples are signing postnuptial agreements despite being on shakier ground”, Bloomberg News, 1 May 2017
From my experience as a divorce lawyer in Singapore, the reasons Singaporeans draw up postnuptial agreements are similar to the Americans.
Usually, one only thinks of drawing up a postnuptial agreement when something is not right in the marriage. While there is a desire to stay married (and give the marriage another shot), there is an inner desire to do something to protect oneself. The best way to do this is through the execution of a postnuptial agreement Singapore.
If you wish to understand more about a postnuptial agreement Singapore, contact us today!
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5. Maintenance Issues (Alimony)
