Once you have decided to divorce, one of the first practical questions is how long it will take. An uncontested divorce is generally the fastest route in Singapore, because both spouses have already agreed on the divorce and the ancillary matters. This guide sets out each stage of an uncontested divorce, the waiting periods that apply, and the factors that can speed things up or slow them down.
Quick answer:
An uncontested divorce is generally much faster than a contested one, because the Court only needs to review the agreed terms. After the Interim Judgment is granted, there is a minimum three-month period before the Final Judgment can be obtained. The overall time mainly depends on how quickly the papers are prepared, and whether children or an HDB flat are involved.
What Needs to Happen Before You Can File?
A few requirements apply before the divorce papers can be filed, and they affect when your divorce can begin.
Three years of marriage
You must generally have been married for at least three years before filing, unless the Court allows an earlier filing on the grounds of exceptional hardship or depravity.The Mandatory Co-Parenting Programme
If you have at least one child below 21, you must complete the programme before filing. It involves an online module and a consultation with a counsellor, so it is worth arranging early.Agreement on all terms
For the divorce to proceed as uncontested, the divorce itself and every ancillary matter must be agreed and recorded before filing.
Uncontested Divorce Timeline: Stage by Stage
1. Preparation
What happens: Your lawyer checks eligibility, records the agreed terms and prepares the divorce papers
What affects the timing: How quickly the terms are finalised and the documents gathered2. Filing
What happens: The divorce papers are filed with the Family Justice Courts
What affects the timing: Both spouses signing and returning the papers3. Interim Judgment
What happens: The Court reviews the papers and agreed terms, and grants an Interim Judgment if satisfied
What affects the timing: The Court’s review, and whether it asks for further information4. Waiting period
What happens: No further steps are usually needed from either spouse
What affects the timing: A minimum of three months from the Interim Judgment5. Final Judgment
What happens: The Final Judgment is obtained and the marriage is formally dissolved
What affects the timing: Applying once the three-month period has passed
Why is there a three-month waiting period?
The minimum period between the Interim Judgment and the Final Judgment is one of the safeguards in Singapore’s divorce framework. It applies to every divorce, including divorce by mutual agreement, and gives both spouses time before the marriage is formally dissolved.
Key point: You remain legally married until the Final Judgment is granted. This matters if either spouse intends to remarry, or is making financial or property decisions in the meantime.
What Can Delay an Uncontested Divorce?
A change of mind on any term
If a spouse no longer agrees to a term, the papers may need to be revised, or the divorce may proceed as a contested divorce on that issue.Arrangements for children
The Court must be satisfied that the arrangements for the children are in their best interests, and may ask for further details before granting the divorce.An HDB flat
What happens to the flat depends on HDB’s own rules, including whether the Minimum Occupation Period (“MOP”) has been reached. Arrangements that do not meet HDB’s requirements may need to be revised.Missing documents
Such as the marriage certificate, the children’s birth certificates, or translations of documents issued overseas.A spouse living overseas
Signing and returning documents from abroad can add time to the preparation and filing stages.
How Can You Keep an Uncontested Divorce on Track?
Get legal advice early
A divorce lawyer can check that the agreed terms are workable and acceptable to the Court before the papers are filed.Agree the details, not just the outline
For example, who keeps the home and when, how CPF monies will be refunded, when maintenance is paid, and the access schedule for the children.Gather your documents in advance
Have your marriage certificate, the children’s birth certificates, and property and CPF documents ready.Respond promptly
Delays in signing or returning documents are one of the simplest things to avoid.
Key point: A faster divorce only helps if the terms are right. Signing an agreement you do not fully understand can cause problems later, particularly with property and maintenance.
How Much Does an Uncontested Divorce Cost?
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 about the process and fees in our full guide to uncontested divorce in Singapore, or on our Divorce page.
Uncontested Divorce Timeline: Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does an uncontested divorce take in Singapore? A: An uncontested divorce is generally the fastest route to divorce in Singapore. After the Interim Judgment is granted, there is a minimum three-month period before the Final Judgment can be obtained. The overall time depends on how quickly the papers are prepared, and whether children or an HDB flat are involved.
Q: How long does a contested divorce take compared with an uncontested one? A: A contested divorce generally takes much longer, because the parties need to exchange documents, attempt mediation and, if necessary, attend hearings.
Q: Can we get divorced faster if we both agree? A: Agreeing on everything is the most effective way to shorten the process. However, the three-year minimum period of marriage and the three-month period before the Final Judgment still apply.
Q: When is the marriage legally over? A: Only when the Final Judgment is granted. Until then, you remain legally married, even after the Interim Judgment.
Q: Do we need to attend Court for an uncontested divorce? A: Many uncontested divorces are concluded without either spouse needing to give evidence in Court. Your lawyer will let you know if attendance is required in your case.
Speak to a Divorce Lawyer About Your Divorce Timeline
The most reliable way to keep a divorce on schedule is to get the agreed terms right the first time. Our family law team can prepare your papers carefully and guide you through each stage of an uncontested divorce.
If you are considering a divorce, contact us to arrange a confidential consultation with our family law team.
