What Happens After Filing for Divorce in Singapore?
Many people focus so much on the decision to file for divorce that they are unprepared for what comes next. Once the Writ for Divorce has been submitted to the Family Justice Courts in Singapore, a series of legal steps unfolds that you need to understand and be ready for. This article explains exactly what happens after filing.
Step One: Service of Divorce Papers
The first thing that happens after filing is that your divorce papers must be served on your spouse. In legal terms, this is known as service of process. The Writ for Divorce, Statement of Claim, and Statement of Particulars must be personally served on your spouse, or through a method authorised by the court.
Once served, your spouse has eight days (or 21 days if they are overseas) to file a Memorandum of Appearance. This document tells the court whether your spouse intends to contest the divorce, contest the ancillary matters only, or agree to proceed without contest.
Step Two: Response from Your Spouse
Your spouse's response determines the direction of proceedings. There are generally three possible responses:
Possible Responses From the Respondent
No response filed, meaning the case proceeds by default and typically moves forward quickly
Memorandum of Appearance filed without contesting, meaning the respondent acknowledges service and agrees to proceed
Memorandum of Appearance filed contesting the divorce or ancillary matters, which escalates the complexity of the proceedings
Step Three: Case Conference
Once the respondent has responded, the court schedules a case conference. This is an administrative hearing before a registrar, not a judge, where the court reviews the status of the case and gives directions. The court will check whether all required documents have been filed, whether the parties agree on any issues, and what steps need to happen next.
Step Four: Ancillary Matters
After the court grants the Interim Judgment, or sometimes concurrently, the parties address ancillary matters. These include the division of matrimonial assets, spousal maintenance, and custody and maintenance for children. If both parties have reached agreement, they file a Consent Order for the court's approval. If not, each party files an Affidavit of Assets and Means, and a separate hearing is scheduled.
Step Five: Final Judgment
The Final Judgment, officially known as the Certificate of Making Interim Judgment Final, is issued three months after the Interim Judgment, provided all ancillary matters have been resolved. This is the document that formally and legally ends the marriage.
Once the Final Judgment is issued, both parties are free to remarry and the terms of the Consent Order or court orders regarding assets, maintenance, and children become enforceable.
What You Should Be Doing After Filing
While waiting for the process to unfold, there are practical steps you can take. Gather all financial documents, open individual bank accounts if you have not already done so, keep records of all communications with your spouse, and engage actively with your legal counsel.
A skilled lawyer for divorce in Singapore will manage the procedural aspects while ensuring your interests remain protected throughout.
Malcus Poh Law Corporation, a trusted divorce law firm Singapore, is experienced in guiding clients through every stage that follows the initial filing. Contact them today for dedicated, professional support.
MALCUS POH LAW CORPORATION
Address : International Plaza, 10 Anson Rd #17-02, Singapore 079903
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