The 5 important things to do if you have decided on getting a divorce

If you are considering seeking a divorce in Singapore, there are several things you may want to do or think about before you meet with a divorce lawyer. Here are five things that will help you and your lawyer in ensuring that the case is handled efficiently:

1. Gather financial documents: It is important to have a clear understanding of your financial situation before beginning the divorce process. You should gather all relevant financial documents, including tax returns, CPF statements, bank statements, and pay slips, receipts for regular expenses, insurance premium payments, regular medical bills, etc.

2. Make a list of assets and debts: Make a list of all the assets that you and your spouse have acquired during the marriage. Usually, this will be your home or other properties. You may also have shares or joint accounts or other joint or individual investments. This will help you and your lawyer determine a fair division of property during the divorce.

3. Consider your Objectives: Take some time to think about what you hope to achieve through the divorce process. Do you want to keep the family home? Do you want to seek maintenance? How do you see your life after the divorce both for yourself as well as for your children? When children are in the picture, you need to understand that their welfare is of great importance. The law places a great deal of importance on the welfare of the child. Understanding your goals and objectives can help your lawyer better advocate for you. Even if you have not thought through it carefully before seeing a lawyer, your lawyer can assist you in clarifying your objectives for the case as well as for your long term future.

4. Mentally prepare yourself for the divorce process in Singapore: Familiarize yourself with the divorce process in Singapore, including the steps involved and the timeline for completing each step. This can help you better understand what to expect and how to prepare. Usually, your lawyer will be able to advise you on this at the first meeting and help you to prepare yourself mentally for the possible ways in which the proceedings can develop. The Singapore Family Justice Courts have adopted the model of therapeutic justice and your lawyer will help you prepare for the divorce proceedings. It will be a transitional journey which may be a slightly bumpy ride. It is important to be ready psychologically.

5. Seek support: Going through a divorce can be emotionally challenging. It is important to have a support system in place to help you through the process. Consider talking to friends and family members, or seek out a therapist or support group. Your lawyers can also assist in identifying potential support groups to assist you.

IMPORTANT:

MANDATORY PARENTING PROGRAMME

DISCERNMENT COUNSELLING

Please note that if you have children below the age of 21, it is a mandatory requirement that you have to go for Mandatory Parenting Programme (which will be renamed in 2023 as the Co-Parenting Programme). You must attend this programme before Divorce proceedings can be commenced.

You can visit this website for more information: https://familyassist.msf.gov.sg/content/proceeding-with-divorce/divorce-proceedings/mandatory-parenting-programme-mpp/

The Ministry of Social and Family Development also runs Discernment Counselling sessions. This is not mandatory but it can be helpful for both you and your spouse to clarify the direction of your marriage and to clarify what is involved if you and your spouse are moving towards divorce. Please note that this is not marriage counselling.

More information on Discernment Counselling is available here: https://familyassist.msf.gov.sg/content/making-decisions/making-a-decision-about-your-marriage/how-do-you-feel-about-your-marriage/counselling-for-couples-to-make-a-decision/