Home/Singapore/Divorce Laws Womens Charter Dma Guide

Divorce & Family Law

Singapore Divorce Laws & Mutual Agreement (DMA) Guide 2026

Complete guide to Singapore divorce laws under the Women's Charter. Explains Divorce by Mutual Agreement (DMA), 3-year marriage rule, child custody, & asset division.

Overview & Statutory Background

Divorce in Singapore is governed by Part X of the Women's Charter (Cap. 353). Under Singapore law, there is a single ground for divorce: that the marriage has irretrievably broken down. Since July 2024, couples can cite 'Divorce by Mutual Agreement' (DMA) as a no-fault fact to prove irretrievable breakdown without assigning fault (such as adultery or unreasonable behavior). Couples must be married for at least 3 years before filing for divorce, unless exceptional hardship is proven. Parents with children under 21 must complete the mandatory Mandatory Co-Parenting Programme (CPP) before filing. The court determines custody, care and control of children, division of matrimonial assets, and spousal/child maintenance.

Key Pass Highlights & Statutory Criteria

Governing Statute

Women's Charter (Cap. 353)

Verified

Marriage Duration Rule

Min 3 Years Required

Verified

No-Fault Ground

Divorce by Mutual Agreement (DMA)

Verified

Child Co-Parenting Rule

Mandatory CPP (Under 21)

Verified

Evaluation Criteria & Points Breakdown

Irretrievable Breakdown & Divorce by Mutual Agreement (DMA)

Single Legal Ground

Irretrievable breakdown is the sole legal ground, which can be proven via Divorce by Mutual Agreement (DMA), separation, or fault-based facts.

Divorce by Mutual Agreement (DMA) Framework

DMA No-Fault

Couples submit joint agreement citing reasons for breakdown and proposed arrangements for children/assets.

Mandatory Co-Parenting Programme (CPP) Requirement

CPP Mandate

Compulsory online CPP course administered by MSF for parents with children below 21 years old.

Ancillary Matters: Custody, Asset Division & Maintenance

Ancillary Matters

Court evaluates direct/indirect contributions to divide matrimonial property and order fair maintenance.

Mandatory Eligibility Requirements

Either spouse must be a Singapore Citizen, PR, or have resided in Singapore for at least 3 years continuously.

Must have been married for at least 3 years (except in cases of extreme hardship or depravity).

Mandatory Parenting Programme (CPP) must be completed prior to filing for divorce by parents with minor children under 21 who have not agreed on all parenting/ancillary matters.

Divorce proceedings take place in the Family Justice Courts of Singapore.

Step-by-Step Application & Issuance Process

Complete Mandatory Co-Parenting Programme (CPP)

Log into MSF portal and complete CPP module if you have children under 21.

File Writ for Divorce in Family Justice Courts

Submit Writ for Divorce, Statement of Claim, and Statement of Particulars via eLitigation.

Uncontested Hearing & Interim Judgment

If uncontested (including DMA), court reviews documents and issues Interim Judgment.

Ancillary Matters Resolution (Children & Assets)

Court resolves custody, access, HDB flat division, bank accounts, and maintenance.

Extract Final Judgment of Divorce

After 3 months from Interim Judgment, apply for Final Judgment to legally dissolve marriage.

Required Document Checklist

•Women's Charter (Cap. 353, Part X Section 95)

•Original Marriage Certificate (ROM / Foreign Certificate)

•Mandatory Co-Parenting Programme (CPP) Completion Certificate

•Draft Writ for Divorce & Statement of Claim / Particulars

•Proposed Matrimonial Asset & Child Custody Agreement

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Divorce by Mutual Agreement (DMA) is a legal no-fault fact introduced under the Women's Charter allowing couples to jointly agree that their marriage has irretrievably broken down without blaming either party.

Generally no. Under Section 94 of the Women's Charter, you must be married for at least 3 years unless the court grants special permission due to exceptional hardship or depravity.

An HDB flat is considered a matrimonial asset. Depending on eligibility, one party may buy out the other's share, or the flat must be sold on the open market and proceeds split based on court order.

Yes, provided either you or your spouse has been habitually resident in Singapore for at least 3 years immediately preceding the filing of the divorce writ.

Custody gives a parent decision-making power over major life choices (education, healthcare, religion). Care & Control determines which parent the child lives with day-to-day.

Under the Women's Charter, a husband may be ordered to pay maintenance to a wife/former wife. Maintenance for husbands is only ordered if the husband is incapacitated or disabled.