An Overview of What Happens During the Divorce Process
Divorce is what may be called as one of the most difficult and emotional experience in the life of people. It is either a joint effort or a painful divorce but knowing how to go about it and what you should expect can make you feel in control. In the case of the people of Singapore, hiring a reputable divorce lawyer Singapore will make sure that nothing is done without being done professionally and with your best interests at heart.
Understanding the Basics of Divorce in Singapore
The situation in Singapore is the same with divorce, which is also governed by the Women Charter that specifies the reasons and processes that should be followed to end a marriage. Firstly, one of the spouses should be a citizen or be habitually residing in Singapore at least three years prior to application. The irreparable breakdown of the marriage is the most prevalent ground of divorce and can be evidenced by use of several reasons which include adultery, unreasonable behaviour, desertion or separation.
Your divorce lawyer Singapore will assist you to find out the best ground that suits your case and also draft the required documents to file the writ divorce which is the first legal action that should be taken to initiate the process.
The Two Main Stages of Divorce
The Singaporean process of divorce is split into two major stages - the dissolution of the marriage and the ancillary matters. Being aware of such phases can assist you in determining your future and getting ready.
In stage one, the court determines whether there is any sufficient reason to end the marriage. An Interim Judgment is obtained once the court is convinced that the marriage has permanently collapsed. This is the legal termination of the marital relationship but does not finalize the financial or custody matter yet.
The second phase is concerned with auxiliary issues such as splitting of marital property,child custody, alimony, and other aspects. This step may involve more time and in most cases the process entails negotiation or mediation between the two parties. The presence of an experienced and sometimes affordable divorce lawyer singapore may make a great difference in this instance since the knowledge of the law would aid in bringing fair results and unjustified procrastination and emotional toll.
Preparing for the Divorce Process
It is important to prepare before going to court to get a divorce. You will have to supply some financial records, bank statements, property ownership, and income evidence. The records will assist your attorney in making a judgment on the assets and liabilities to be split in future.
In case you have children, you must be prepared to negotiate on custody preference, visitation arrangement as well as maintenance support. The Singapore Family Justice Courts adhere to the best interests of the child as a priority hence the parents should make an amicable solution whenever feasible.
Another thing that your divorce lawyer singapore will tell you is whether or not your case qualifies to receive simplified or contested proceedings. Simplified divorce would be used in a case where, both the parties agree on all matters and time and costs are saved. Nevertheless, in case there are disagreements regarding property, custody, or maintenance, the case will be disputed, and it will demand more formal hearings in the court.
The Role of Mediation in Divorce
Mediation is a good procedure that enables couples to settle on the agreements without having to spend a long time in court. In Singapore, the court can order the two parties to be subjected to mediation sessions through the Family Justice Courts or the Singapore Mediation Centre.
This procedure is secretive and is intended to seek sensible and peaceful solutions. Mediation is not as stressful or expensive as litigation to many couples. This is where an offer of an affordable divorce lawyer singapore can help a lot since he can be able to work out effectively in representing your interests and help you to negotiate calmly.
Division of Matrimonial Assets and Maintenance
Among all significant factors of the divorce process is the division of shared property, savings, investments, even CPF funds. There are a number of considerations that the court makes and they include the financial contribution by each party, non-financial contribution such as childcare and homemaking and the future needs.
Maintenance, in other words alimony can be given to the spouse in need of financial help and this can be given in most circumstances based on the income difference and level of living during the marriage. Your attorney will see that all submissions and appraisals shall be displayed comprehensively to achieve just a fair result.
Child Custody and Welfare
The issue of custody and welfare comes into the limelight when children are involved. The court identifies custody, care and control, and access as a difference. Custody is the right to take key decisions on behalf of the child and care and control dictate the person the child spends an everyday life with. The parent who lacks the care and control will normally have reasonable access.
The law system in Singapore promotes shared responsibility and co-parenting. Your divorce lawyer singapore will also advise you on how to put up your case and prove that you care about the emotional and physical well-being of your child.
Timeline and Final Judgment
The complexities of the divorce case determine the time of the ordeal. Simple and uncontested divorce may take as short as four to six months, but a contested case may take over a year or more. When all other malpractices are sorted out, the Final Judgment is pronounced which formally terminates the marriage.
All the filings will be done by your lawyer and the final court orders executed accordingly. An attorney can help to enforce or modify orders in case of a change of situations in the future, even after the divorce.
Why Legal Representation Matters
Divorce is not only a legal process but it is a significant life transition that may have long-term emotional and financial consequences. The advantage of having a seasoned and affordable divorce lawyer singapore is that you will have the appropriate guidance throughout the process. The competent lawyer will assist you to be aware of your rights, minimize the needless tension, and achieve results that can safeguard your future.
