Divorce Support

• A divorce is the legal procedure that ends a marriage.
• If you are applying for a divorce, you are the Plaintiff. Your spouse is the Defendant.
• You may prepare your own divorce papers, or have a lawyer prepare it for you.

To understand the legal processes involved in a divorce, you can read about it in this booklet Divorce Essentials Guide published by the Family Justice Courts (FJC). More information on the divorce process can be found on the Family Justice Courts website.

Legal Aid

If you require legal aid, assistance, or advice, the information can be found on the Legal Aid Bureau website

What happens to my HDB flat after divorce?

• You and your spouse can agree on what should happen to the house after divorce (i.e. transfer flat to other spouse to allow the other spouse to keep the flat, both to sell the flat and split the proceeds.)
• The court decides on what will happen to the HDB flat after divorce depending on various factors in section 112(2) of the Women’s Charter, such as children’s needs, financial needs, contributions each part has made). This is not an exhaustive list.You will still need to meet HDB’s eligibility conditions to retain the flat.
• Both parties can buy or own a subsidized flat each upon divorce as long as they meet the eligibility conditions for flat purchase.
• Divorcing parties can apply for a new flat from HDB if they have obtained an Interim Judgement of divorce and have settled the ancillary matters on their matrimonial property, and the custody, care and control of their children. Each party will be subject to eligibility criteria like all flat applicants. They must also obtain the Final Judgement of divorce before key collection, and ensure that they remain eligible for the flat that they had booked.

Read more at Singapore Legal Advice website and the Housing Development Board website.

Housing measures to help divorced parents in transition
HDB can help single parents who face changes in housing arrangements following a divorce or the loss of their spouse.
Read about support for single parent households here, and more about Assistance Scheme for Second-Timers (Divorced/Widowed Parents) (ASSIST) here.

Cooperating with your ex-spouse can give your children stability and a closer relationship with both parents. Although it is not easy, it is possible to do so. Read about some ways you can co-parent here Co-parenting.

Professional help is available at FAM Centre through individual or joint sessions, or group work called Children-in-Between. Call 62355229 or email [email protected] for enquiries. All services provided are free.

Going through a separation or divorce can be very difficult, no matter the reason for it. It can turn your world upside down and make it hard to get through the workday and stay productive. But there are things you can do to get through this difficult adjustment. Read tips from Mental Health America’s web page.

FAM Centre has a group support programme, Transcending Divorce, an online group support programme for those who are seeking peer support and healing after divorce. Sign up at go.fycs.org/transcendingdivorce or email [email protected] for other emotional support and counselling.

Parenting PACT is a one-time consultation session for divorced parents with children who are 21 years old and below. Divorced parents who are required by the Courts to attend this parenting programme will get a notification to attend Parenting PACT by post.