What exactly is the Simplified Uncontested Divorce Track in Singapore?

Since the beginning of 2015, the Simplified Uncontested Divorce Track was initiated to speed up and simplify the uncontested divorce process.

Under Rule 83 of the Family Justice Rules 2014, the spouse initiating the divorce may apply for their divorce proceedings to be placed on a simplified uncontested hearing track if both parties to the divorce proceedings have:-

(a) agreed to the facts of the divorce and that the divorce proceedings will proceed on an uncontested basis; and

(b) agreed on all the ancillary matters.

This track is also available where the parties have reached an agreement through a Collaborative Family Practice process or have negotiated privately and reached an agreement with or without lawyers.

As a result, uncontested divorce proceedings in Singapore have become simpler than ever, and this simplified track has made getting a divorce in Singapore a lot cheaper and faster.

The Importance of Agreement

One of the key features of the simplified divorce procedure is agreement between the parties. The spouses will have to agree on how their marriage broke down and all relevant ancillary matters, which will have to be recorded in a draft consent order.

Ancillary matters that will have to be agreed upon include:-

1) Custody, care and control of the children (if any);

2) Access to the children (if any);

3) Division of the matrimonial home (if any) and matrimonial assets; and

4) Maintenance of the wife (or husband in certain limited situations) and children of the marriage.

How to Apply for Simplified Uncontested Divorce Proceedings

There are a number of documents that must be filed in Court. These are:-

1) Writ for Divorce

2) Statement of Claim

3) Statement of Particulars

4) Interim Judgment

5) Bankruptcy searches on both parties

6) Consent from the Defendant to the simplified uncontested divorce

7) A copy of the Marriage Certificate

8) Request for Setting Down Trial for Action

9) Affidavit of Evidence in Chief