Divorce can be inherently complex, but it becomes even more challenging when initiating divorce proceedings in Singapore after a marriage overseas.
This is primarily due to the unique issues and complexities in such cases.
If you and your spouse have connections to both India and Singapore, it is plausible that the courts of both countries hold jurisdiction over your case.
It is important to recognize that the legal frameworks pertaining to financial and child-related matters differ significantly between these jurisdictions.
Consequently, navigating these complex landscapes necessitates a comprehensive understanding of the divergent legal systems.
The Reasons for Divorce
Based on our experience, we have identified the prevailing reasons why married couples from India opt for divorce after their relocation to Singapore:
- Domestic violence
- One spouse commits adultery
- Problems with the other spouses’ parents
- One spouse begins hiding money
Questions & Concerns
Indian expats seeking a divorce in Singapore face many questions and concerns regarding the process. The most frequently asked queries include:
- Complexities Involved
- Property division issues exist in India and Singapore.
- In divorce cases involving children, it is commonplace for spouses to have disagreements regarding child custody arrangements when one spouse expresses the desire for sole custody of the children, often intending to relocate to India either during or after the divorce proceedings.
- In some instances, one spouse may flee Singapore with the children without obtaining the other spouse’s consent or securing approval from the courts.
Such a scenario can give rise to significant complications, particularly considering that India is not a signatory to the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction (Hague Abduction Convention). This non-membership status further exacerbates the complexities of addressing and resolving these situations.
- Provide you with an overview of the Singapore divorce process;
- Identify any underlying legal issues if you plan to separate;
- Inform you about Singapore immigration laws that may affect your visa or work permit; and
- Explain the relevant legislation in Singapore pertaining to matters concerning children, spousal maintenance, and equitable distribution of assets.
Divorce can be a complicated process for Indian couples in Singapore, especially when:
Read more: Children in an International Divorce
Jurisdiction and Eligibility
The first thing to determine is whether the Singapore Courts have “jurisdiction” (the authority to deal with your case). Indian expats can file for divorce in Singapore if they have been married for three years and have resided in Singapore for three years.
Our Experience
Our head lawyer, Ms Gloria James, has accumulated extensive experience managing many divorce cases involving couples who married in India and subsequently pursued divorce proceedings in Singapore.
Throughout these cases, we have provided comprehensive guidance and addressed numerous inquiries raised by the spouses involved.
How GJC Law Can Help You
When you contact us, we will:
Our customary approach involves facilitating a tripartite dialogue with Indian family lawyers, aiming to carefully examine and deliberate upon our clients’ optimal courses of action.
Moreover, this collaborative effort guarantees the acknowledgement and acceptance of the divorce decree by the Indian Courts, thus ensuring its legal validity and enforceability.
