Divorce Lawyers in Singapore – Finding the Best One For You
Divorce is a troubled time. Finding the best divorce lawyers in Singapore means sorting through five thousand or so to choose from and settling on one that knows domestic law and can help you file the proper forms as needed. While there are a number of law firms to chose from also, the best place to start your search is the Law Society of Singapore’s website. There are foreign lawyers who can practice domestic law in Singapore, but you are far better to stick with a domestic lawyer. A domestic lawyer will know what to file and when to file it.
Because divorce lawyers in Singapore are trained in a fused profession model they can be both solicitor or advocate based on need. Many small firms will do both, while larger ones will have individuals that specialize in one form or another. Depending on your need you may want to seek out a litigation or a conveyance specialist. When shopping around for a good lawyer, meet them face to face to get an idea how they interact with you.
Numbers of active lawyers in Singapore vary. Currently there are fewer then there were ten years ago. Because of the low rate of graduation for lawyers in 2009 the parliament moved the system to a more structured training program to make it easier for lawyers to remain in the field who might have otherwise left. Keeping this in mind, you don’t want to go for the cheapest service, but rather find a lawyer you can trust to work for you and to advocate your needs in court.
Of the bulk of lawyers, one will find most are educated within the Singapore system. This is because before 2009 most international law firms were limited to business or corporate law. Of nearly one hundred foreign firms only six had been licensed to practice local corporate law and none do domestic law. Because of this you need to stick to those who are licensed to the form of law you need and who know the family courts. Being familiar with the statues and laws behind the rulings can ensure that you get all the right papers filed and do not make mistakes that could cost you later.
When seeking divorce lawyers in Singapore one needs to keep in mind how they personally interact with the candidate in question. Consulting the Law Society of Singapore will allow you to look at all the lawyers that practice in the country. You may qualify for free legal services if you apply and are needy. Plus you can get a look at who is following the advertising laws by consulting this source.
How Divorce Procedure In Singapore Work
You need to learn the basic facts when it comes to divorce procedure in Singapore. It is necessary to live in Singapore or to have lived there for three years prior to the petition being filed, it is also a requirement to have been married three or more years or to have evidence of cruelty or unacceptable behavior.
If these conditions are met then the divorce procedure begins with proving irretrievable breakdown as occurred. This can be proven through evidence of adultery, unreasonable behavior, desertion for two years, or separation for three to four years with the latter being acceptable even with the other spouse contesting it.
Once you have determined you can prove the above and meet the residency requirements, you should consult with a lawyer who can file the proper forms for you. These forms include but are not limited to applications for maintenance, custody and child related matters, and division of assets. To prove contributions into the marriage, debts jointly held and anything that supports the needs of minor dependents, you will have to gather documents to submit.
As the defendant, you will be served papers including a Writ for the Divorce. It is a good idea to consult a lawyer. The procedure allows for you to contest the Writ through filing several different papers. Even if you don’t contest the Writ you may wish to file counter claims for additional matters, including asset division and custody. Being timely is important since there is a limited time to react on these matters.
A court appearance may or may not happen. One may find their case settled “out of court” for uncontested matters but a judge may decide it or a limited court appearances may be required in which the items will be verified before a judgement is passed. Contested divorce can be lengthy and unpleasant. After hearing from all parties involved including any claims, then a judge will decide the verdict. If satisfied the judge will grant an Interim Judgment (Divorce).
This leads to the second step in which all other matters are reviewed. Both parties will be free to marry again after three months, because the judge will pass a Certificate of Making Interim Judgement Final at that time.
Additionally to other divorce procedure in Singapore, one can apply for judicial separation or sign a deed of separation. In this situation an individual can claim to live separately and obtain legal rulings on child matters, even though they are still married Marriages can be annulled when appropriate. Though not exhaustive yet the common reasons for seeking this are: being unable or unwilling to consummate the marriage or being already married or having sexually transmitted disease.