You're well aware that things between you and your partner aren't going well. When you last exchanged words, your partner appeared serious, aloof, and bitter.
You anticipate them to come around, let go of their emotions, and return to their usual self over time, as you always do. Instead, you return home one day to find their things missing from their closets and a piece of paper on the table containing a divorce notification and discussing with you how much a divorce costs. With this scenario in mind, how exactly does a divorce process work?
This article will walk you through the divorce procedure in Singapore.
#1. Divorce Process
A divorce process begins with the filing of a divorce petition. It makes no difference where the marriage took place. The petition contains crucial details about the marriage. It lists the husband, wife, and children and whether the couple owns the separate or communal property, parental rights, and welfare benefits.
#2. Serving Divorce Petition
The other partner must legally have the petition or divorce papers. This process runs through the service phase of the divorce. If both couples decide and consent to the divorce, the other partner is merely required to approve and sign a receipt of service acknowledgement. You can engage a professional family lawyer to physically deliver the documents if the other spouse fails to submit or sign the paper or is challenging to locate.
#3. Divorce Petition Response
"Respondent" refers to the opposite spouse. The responder can file a response to the petition stating that they agree, albeit it is not required. Filing a response demonstrates that the parties are in agreement on the divorce. This increases the likelihood to resolve the case without the need for a court hearing, which could cause the process to be delayed and cost more money. The replying spouse can also express disagreement with the petitioner's claims, statement, or allegations.
Divorce's Final Steps
Both couples must reveal details about their assets, obligations, earnings, and expenditures. There is only a little extra paperwork to complete if the divorce is uncontested and the couples can agree on the divorce conditions. The divorce is permanent once the court issues a judgment. The marriage technically does not dissolve, and the spouses cannot remarry until the state's waiting time expires. If both parties cannot settle on disagreements, court hearings and possibly a trial will be necessary.
