Grounds of Divorce in Singapore

Grounds of Divorce in Singapore
Singapore’s legal landscape for divorce is grounded in the Women’s Charter, providing a structured framework for marital dissolution. Understanding the grounds for divorce is paramount for individuals contemplating this significant life decision. This article delves into the various grounds for divorce in Singapore, elucidating the legal criteria that guide the dissolution of marriages in the Lion City.



1. Adultery: A Breach of Marital Fidelity

One of the grounds for divorce in Singapore is adultery, where one spouse engages in sexual intercourse with a person other than their spouse. Adultery is a serious breach of marital fidelity and can be grounds for seeking the termination of the marriage. To substantiate an adultery claim, the aggrieved party must provide evidence that proves the infidelity.
2. Unreasonable Behavior: Strain on Marital Harmony

Unreasonable behavior is another commonly cited ground for divorce. It encompasses a range of behaviors that have caused the marriage to break down irretrievably. Examples include physical or emotional abuse, alcohol or substance abuse, financial irresponsibility, or any behavior that makes it intolerable for the parties to live together as spouses.
3. Desertion: Abandonment of Marital Duties

Desertion occurs when one spouse abandons the other without reasonable cause, with the intention of ending the marriage. To establish desertion as grounds for divorce, the deserted spouse must show that the separation was against their will and has persisted for at least two continuous years.