On average, I prepare at least 1 marriage separation agreement for my client every week.
Most of my clients would prefer to get a divorce/ annulment if they are able to. With a divorce/ annulment, they are no longer related and tied to their spouse. They are able to start a new life, buy a new property and begin a new relationship.
However, some of my clients are unable to because of the following reasons:
- They are married for less than 3 years, or they have resided in Singapore for less than 3 years. Thus, they do not qualify for divorce in Singapore.
- Their HDB flat is under the MOP period. They have to fulfil the minimum occupancy period of 5 years in order to sell the flat in the open market.
- Their children are young and they do not wish to disrupt the lives of the children.
- They wish to give each other a chance. Sometimes, you just need a cooling-off period to make things better and there is no urgent need to dissolve the marriage.
- They are not able to get a divorce/ annulment because of their religion.
Whatever your reason may be, you may wish to explore the option of entering into a marriage separation agreement with your spouse.
It seems that even Princess Martha Louise of Norway is separated from her spouse.
See: Sarah Begley, “This Newly Single Princess Just Asked Santa for a Boyfriend for Christmas”, Time, 13 December 2017
If you have more questions on how a marriage separation agreement works, or what you should have in your marriage separation agreement, or if a marriage separation agreement is for you, contact us today!
You may also be interested to read more about:
2. Annulment (Nullity) of Marriage
5. Maintenance Issues (Alimony)
