Filing for divorce in Singapore follows a set sequence. Before anything reaches the Family Justice Courts, there are requirements to check, documents to prepare and, for parents, a programme to complete. This guide explains who can file, each step of the filing process, the documents involved, and what happens after your application is filed.
Quick answer:
To file for divorce in Singapore, you file an Originating Application for Divorce with the Family Justice Courts and serve it on your spouse. You must generally have been married for at least three years, and parents of a child below 21 must complete the Mandatory Co-Parenting Programme before filing.
Can You File for Divorce in Singapore?
Before you file, check that these requirements are met.
Three years of marriage
You must generally have been married for at least three years, unless the Court gives permission to file earlier on the grounds of exceptional hardship or depravity. Our guide to annulment vs divorce in Singapore explains the options before the three-year mark.A connection to Singapore
At least one spouse must be domiciled in Singapore, or have been habitually resident in Singapore for three years before filing.Irretrievable breakdown
The marriage must have broken down irretrievably, shown through one of six recognised facts, such as unreasonable behaviour, a period of separation or divorce by mutual agreement.A civil marriage
This guide covers marriages under the Women’s Charter 1961. Divorce for Muslim marriages is handled by the Syariah Court.
How to File for Divorce in Singapore, Step by Step
Get advice on your options
A divorce lawyer confirms that you are eligible, which fact to rely on, and whether the divorce can proceed on the simplified track as an uncontested divorce, or on the normal track.Complete the Mandatory Co-Parenting Programme (if applicable)
If you have at least one child below 21, both parents must complete the programme and obtain a certificate before filing.Prepare the Originating Application for Divorce
This sets out both parties’ particulars, details of the marriage and the facts relied on. On the simplified track, it also includes your spouse’s consent and the agreed terms on the ancillary matters.File with the Family Justice Courts
Your lawyer files the application electronically through eLitigation. If you are filing without a lawyer, you can file through the Service Bureau, or use the Divorce eService.Serve the papers on your spouse
The application is served on your spouse. In a simplified divorce, the papers must be served and the affidavit of service filed within 14 days of filing.Hearing and Interim Judgment
On the simplified track, the Court usually fixes an uncontested hearing four to six weeks after filing, and the parties generally do not need to attend. If the Court is satisfied that the marriage has broken down irretrievably, it grants an Interim Judgment.Final Judgment
The Final Judgment can be obtained at least three months after the Interim Judgment, or once all ancillary matters are resolved, whichever is later.
Key point: Filing is only the first part of the process. For the full picture of how long each stage takes, see our guide to how long an uncontested divorce takes in Singapore.
What Documents Do You Need to File for Divorce?
For divorces filed on or after 15 October 2024, the main documents are:
Originating Application for Divorce
What it is for: Starts the divorce and sets out the parties, the marriage and the facts relied on
When it is needed: Every divorceRespondent’s consent
What it is for: Confirms that your spouse does not contest the divorce or the agreed terms
When it is needed: Simplified trackDraft Ancillary Reliefs Order
What it is for: Records the agreed terms on assets, maintenance and the children
When it is needed: Simplified trackAffidavit of service
What it is for: Confirms that the papers were served on your spouse
When it is needed: After serving the papersCo-Parenting Programme certificates
What it is for: Confirms both parents have completed the programme
When it is needed: Parents of a child below 21
What supporting documents should you gather?
Your marriage certificate
With a certified English translation if it was issued in another language.Your children’s birth certificates
If there are children of the marriage.Financial documents
CPF statements, bank statements, payslips, and details of investments and insurance policies.Property documents
Including details of any HDB flat, as HDB’s own rules affect what can be agreed.
How Much Does It Cost to File for Divorce in Singapore?
The Court filing fee for a divorce application is $56, with an additional $7 each for claims relating to minor children and to an HDB flat. Other Service Bureau and document fees may also apply.
At DOT Chambers LLC, our fees for a simplified, uncontested divorce start from $1,690 (where there are no ancillary matters) and $2,890 (where there are children, maintenance or property). Court filing fees and other disbursements are separate. You can read more on our Divorce page.
Can You File for Divorce Without a Lawyer?
Yes. You do not need a lawyer to file for divorce in Singapore, and the Family Justice Courts provide guides and forms for self-represented parties.
Many couples still choose to instruct a lawyer, particularly where there are children, an HDB flat or CPF monies involved. Once the Court makes orders on the ancillary matters, they can be difficult to change, so it is worth making sure the terms are right before you file. Our guide to contested vs uncontested divorce in Singapore explains which route your divorce is likely to take.
Filing for Divorce: Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I file for divorce in Singapore? A: Check that you meet the requirements, complete the Mandatory Co-Parenting Programme if you have a child below 21, then file an Originating Application for Divorce with the Family Justice Courts and serve it on your spouse.
Q: Can I file for divorce online in Singapore? A: Yes. Divorce applications are filed electronically, through eLitigation or the Service Bureau. Self-represented parties can also use the Divorce eService.
Q: What documents do I need to file for divorce? A: The main document is the Originating Application for Divorce. You will also need your marriage certificate, your children’s birth certificates if applicable, and financial and property documents to support the ancillary matters.
Q: How much does it cost to file for divorce in Singapore? A: The Court filing fee for a divorce application is $56, plus $7 each for claims relating to minor children and an HDB flat. Legal fees are separate if you instruct a lawyer.
Q: Can I file for divorce if I have been married for less than three years? A: Generally not, unless the Court gives permission on the grounds of exceptional hardship or depravity. An annulment, judicial separation or a deed of separation may be options in the meantime.
Speak to a Divorce Lawyer About Filing for Divorce
Getting the papers right the first time is the simplest way to avoid delay. Our family law team can check your eligibility, prepare your divorce papers and guide you through each step of filing.
If you are considering a divorce, contact us to arrange a confidential consultation with our family law team.
