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Divorce in Singapore

Posted: Thu, 23 Jan 2014 9:54 pm
by changxin
Hi all,

I am new to this, but hope to get some advice here..

I am Malaysian and married a Singaporean man 2 years ago at Registry Of Marriage in Singapore. We want to filed a divorce now..

May I know what is the procedures for divorce? Currently I am stay in Malaysia and he stay in Singapore..

Any help would be appreciated.. Thanks..

Posted: Thu, 23 Jan 2014 10:35 pm
by sundaymorningstaple

Posted: Thu, 23 Jan 2014 10:43 pm
by PNGMK
IF at all possible try to get an annulment, must faster and quicker and with such a short marriage quite possible.

One of you needs to fulfil the criteria.... usually the normal reason is that one partner refused to have sex or to live with the other (or did not disclose sexual issues before the marriage such as disease or impotency).

You'll need a lawyer but this is the best way IMO.

Posted: Thu, 23 Jan 2014 11:18 pm
by Sergei82
Excuse me, if my (hypothetical) wife doesn't want to have sex with me today, I can annul the marriage and go find somebody else???

Posted: Thu, 23 Jan 2014 11:37 pm
by PNGMK
Sergei82 wrote:Excuse me, if my (hypothetical) wife doesn't want to have sex with me today, I can annul the marriage and go find somebody else???
As below: basically the parties lie and say the marriage was never consummated in order to get out of it. Obviously a bit tricky in a long marriage but not hard in a short one.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Annulment
http://www.divorcelawyerinsingapore.net ... -singapore

The grounds for an annulment are:

One of the parties was already married to someone else when the marriage took place

Willfully not consummating the marriage

Not consummating the marriage due to incapacity

Mental illness that makes the person not fit for marriage

The spouse is pregnant by another man

If it can be proven that the spouse had a communicable venereal disease before the marriage took place

Posted: Thu, 23 Jan 2014 11:40 pm
by JR8
Sergei82 wrote:Excuse me, if my (hypothetical) wife doesn't want to have sex with me today, I can annul the marriage and go find somebody else???
Well, a bit more than 'just today' ...

https://www.gov.uk/how-to-annul-marriage

Posted: Thu, 23 Jan 2014 11:43 pm
by x9200
Not consummating = no sex at all. This is not like your wife refuses once and you are awarded a divorce.

Posted: Thu, 23 Jan 2014 11:48 pm
by sundaymorningstaple
JR8 wrote:
Sergei82 wrote:Excuse me, if my (hypothetical) wife doesn't want to have sex with me today, I can annul the marriage and go find somebody else???
Well, a bit more than 'just today' ...

https://www.gov.uk/how-to-annul-marriage
Is this Singapore's definition or the UK definition? While Singapore law was 'based' on British law, has it been modified? That's why I posted the Singaporea" legal link in my initial post, so there would be no confusion.

Posted: Fri, 24 Jan 2014 12:02 am
by PNGMK
sundaymorningstaple wrote:
JR8 wrote:
Sergei82 wrote:Excuse me, if my (hypothetical) wife doesn't want to have sex with me today, I can annul the marriage and go find somebody else???
Well, a bit more than 'just today' ...

https://www.gov.uk/how-to-annul-marriage
Is this Singapore's definition or the UK definition? While Singapore law was 'based' on British law, has it been modified? That's why I posted the Singaporea" legal link in my initial post, so there would be no confusion.
Every annulment I know of has involved some lying... (I'm certain)....

"Ya lah, after I marry PRC girl she no wanna open leg what?!"

Posted: Fri, 24 Jan 2014 12:05 am
by JR8
sundaymorningstaple wrote: Is this Singapore's definition or the UK definition? While Singapore law was 'based' on British law, has it been modified? That's why I posted the Singaporea" legal link in my initial post, so there would be no confusion.
Fair enough, and an interesting point.

There doesn't seem a huge difference in permissible Grounds (that my inexpert eye can see), but you're right, better to go to a local source when possible.

Posted: Fri, 24 Jan 2014 12:08 am
by JR8
PNGMK wrote: Every annulment I know of has involved some lying... (I'm certain)....
But I AM a lady! :lol:

Posted: Fri, 24 Jan 2014 12:36 am
by changxin
If I am the one who refuse to having sex and live with him, can I still proceed to divorce or annulment? Between, he not agree to divorce..

Posted: Fri, 24 Jan 2014 12:45 am
by PNGMK
changxin wrote:If I am the one who refuse to having sex and live with him, can I still proceed to divorce or annulment? Between, he not agree to divorce..
1. Divorce in Singapore Family Court required a 3 year separation unless evidence of adultery or abuse etc is presented. Once 3 years passes (or you have evidence of such abuse or adultery from a PI) you can divorce without his permission.

2. You can unilaterally start an annulment if you want to use the reason "marriage never consummated". There's no evidence required; simply a statement. Of course he may say "No, I did have sex with her" in which case you will have some difficulties but IME because an annulment offers a quick way out without issues over property settlement or spousal support he may go along.

Posted: Fri, 24 Jan 2014 12:45 am
by JR8
The reason for divorce?

Are either of you looking to imminently get remarried...?

Posted: Fri, 24 Jan 2014 12:50 am
by changxin
PNGMK wrote:
changxin wrote:If I am the one who refuse to having sex and live with him, can I still proceed to divorce or annulment? Between, he not agree to divorce..
1. Divorce in Singapore Family Court required a 3 year separation unless evidence of adultery or abuse etc is presented. Once 3 years passes (or you have evidence of such abuse or adultery from a PI) you can divorce without his permission.

2. You can unilaterally start an annulment if you want to use the reason "marriage never consummated". There's no evidence required; simply a statement. Of course he may say "No, I did have sex with her" in which case you will have some difficulties but IME because an annulment offers a quick way out without issues over property settlement or spousal support he may go along.
1. You mean if I wan to divorce now is impossible unless we had separated for three years?

2. Can I personally filed an annulment? Can you advise me how to do it? I had totally no idea.. Coz he told me we only can divorced after 3 years of marriage..