Is it Possible to be Married in Singapore and Divorce Overseas?

Is it possible to be married in Singapore and divorce overseas?

Married in Singapore and divorce overseas?

As a divorce lawyer in Singapore, I have had many people asked me if it is possible to be married in Singapore and divorce overseas. This is of particular interest to those who have not fulfilled the requirements to get a divorce in Singapore.

For instance, you need to be married for at least 3 years to get a divorce in Singapore. In addition, if both parties are foreigners, you would have to, in general, be living in Singapore for at least 3 years prior to the commencement of divorce proceedings.

Hence, many people who are not able to satisfy the requirements are thinking about a divorce overseas even though they got married in Singapore.

Whether they are able to do so depends on the laws of the country in which they are planning to get a divorce in.

Many couples own HDB flats/ properties in Singapore. What happen to these properties?

Under the Women’s Charter (Singapore), where a marriage has been dissolved or annulled in another country, and the divorce/ annulment/ judicial separation is entitled to be recognized in Singapore, you may apply to Court for financial relief under the Women’s Charter. Financial relief includes the division of matrimonial assets and maintenance.

See: Section 121A to G of the Women’s Charter Singapore

In fact, even Muslim divorcees married under Muslim law in Singapore who get a divorce overseas are able to seek relief from the Singapore civil court for the division of matrimonial assets.

See: K.C. Vijayan, “Muslims who divorce abroad: Courts can rule on assets here”, The Straits Times, 24 February 2017

If you are wondering about whether it is possible to be married in Singapore and divorce overseas, contact us today for clarification of your doubts!