Claiming Maintenance May Not Be As Straightforward As You Think. Having managed an extensive number of divorce cases, our dedicated lawyers will be able to help you navigate the decision-making process when it comes to child custody, welfare and care in Singapore. However, reasonable access does not automatically include overnight access. The summons sets out the date for the first mentions of the case in Family Court No. If your case is based in Northern Ireland, please click here. The Notice must be filed and served Generally, if the child is below 7 years of age, the mother will obtain care & control but if the father can prove that he is a better caregiver, the court may award care & control to the father. Once the above steps have been completed, you will appear before a Judge who will consider your application and may ask you questions on your application. An order for child maintenance is normally made as part of the final orders in ancillary matters in divorce proceedings. Main Office3 Shenton Way, Shenton House #11-10, Singapore 068805. If there is a resolution and the Respondent consents to the application and the Court is satisfied, a consent order can be recorded by the Judge. It is best to stipulate what happens during school holidays as well. In relation to custody, the court normally awards joint custody to ensure that both parents continue to make major decisions for the child. The move is thus welcomed, given that the issue of child maintenance is one of the most acrimonious when parents separate. If you are an employer who pays your employees' child maintenance through their earnings, click on this section. Under the Women's Charter, the responsibility of maintaining the children lies with both parents. Step 1: Summons issued and first mention date. You can register for a SingPass ID. Posted on January 2, 2016 January 2, 2016 by Admin. lists of monthly personal expenses, and lists of such expenses for the children, if relevant; receipts for household, personal and children's expenses; and. This means less time will be spent processing your application at the FJC or authorised agency. This is especially true when children are involved. Under the Women’s Charter (Cap. Our first consultation is free. Divorce, more often than not, can be quite a messy, emotional experience. reasonable cost of accommodation, clothing, food and education). officers of the Court will not be able to advise you on how long the process will take in the receiving country. You may refer to the online directory of qualified lawyers maintained by the Ministry of Law Legal Services Regulatory Authority (LSRA e-Services). Each of the parties and their witnesses will, in turn, take the witness stand, together with their documents and swear or affirm their evidence. Loading... Unsubscribe from Law? However, this must be proven, and it may be challenging. In the case of specific applications, you can also attend at any of the following authorised agencies to make your application. Step 3: Submission of documents and information for my application. As a parent, the welfare and well-being of your children come first. There is no straightforward answer to this question but there is a basis to say that one may lose the right. This is provided for in Part VIII of the Women’s Charter. However, the Court may also make an order on child maintenance in cases where (1) the parents are not married or (2) divorce proceedings have not been concluded. Launched in 2012 to replace its predecessor, the Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission, the CMG is responsible for implementing the Child Support Act 1991 and subsequent legislation in the form of its … A mention usually lasts about five to 10 minutes. 3), Singapore Council for Women Organisations, Ministry of Law Legal Services Regulatory Authority (LSRA e-Services). September 11, 2015 December 4, 2015 / Sg Divorce Help. What about in cases where my child has to be relocated? Within the category of reasonable access, you may also include overnight access. Information On Singapore Law from lawyers of top Law Firm in Singapore. The procedures in each receiving country will vary depending on what mechanisms or practices have been put in place by the relevant authorities in that particular country. If the husband earn more than the wife does, does he have a better chance for care and control? the mother obtains care and control but she has neglected the children? An absent Complainant (the applicant) will have his/her application struck out. In Singapore, as long as you are a parent of a child under 21, you are required to support your child in the form of providing child maintenance. The Court’s Process Server will serve the summons on the Respondent in accordance with the requirements of the law. For more information on how to e-submit AEIC and supporting documents via iFAMS, please refer to User Guide to file AEIC and documents. Child custody matters encompasses the right to decision-making in a child’s healthcare, education and day-to-day activities. What if my spouse has left the house for months and not allowed me to see the kids? Now, moving on, many are of the opinion that the father should pay for the full expenses of the child in a maintenance application. If your application is in order, the Judge will issue a summons to the Respondent. $2,000.00, if you are appealing against a Magistrate’s order, or. No. This is regardless of whether you are married to the child’s other parent or if you have the custody of the child. This concludes the matter. There is no formula on whether overnight access is given once a week or once every 2 weeks and it will depend on how close the parent is to the child. Child Maintenance Singapore . the age of each party to the marriage and the duration of the marriage. In Singapore, every parent has a legal obligation and duty to maintain or contribute to the maintenance of their children (e.g. If you wish to see your children, but are experiencing problems with the other parent, you may wish to consult a lawyer about enforcing the access order. It is best to stipulate what happens during school holidays as well. Singapore taxpayers engaging in intercompany transactions take the preparation of TPD seriously, and that it will enforce this requirement. Issues pertaining to child maintenance are dealt with at the Family Court and not the Syariah Court in Singapore. Singapore: Family Laws and Regulations 2021. Maintenance is a form of financial support. What exactly is Maintenance and Who can Apply for Maintenance in Singapore. To maintain impartiality, officers of the Court are not able to provide legal advice or recommend lawyers. If the Respondent consents to the application and the Court is satisfied, a consent order can be recorded. In Singapore, if you are a parent of a child under the age of 21 years old, you are required to provide him or her child maintenance. This section summarises the steps to take if you are filing an application for: You may come personally to the Registry at level 1 of the FJC at 3 Havelock Square, Singapore 059725 to make your application. a mentions date, trial date, date for mediation: If you are not satisfied with the order, you may appeal to a Judge of the High Court. Tag: child maintenance in singapore Who is Responsible for Child Maintenance? The Court will fix the hearing either at 9.30am, 11.15am, 2.30pm or 4.15pm. Giving directions for the preparation of parties’ and witnesses’ statements and documents. However if you are truly unable to afford the services of lawyers, we will recommend that you approach the legal aid bureau or law society pro bono services to see if you qualify. Your husband may not get overnight access for now, but in the future, he may get overnight access. The Court considers maintenance issues and parenting issues separately. Covid-19 Circuit Breaker: Access to Children, Covid-19 in Singapore: How it affects Custody, Commonly Asked Questions In Syariah Divorce, 3 Shenton Way, Shenton House #11-10, Singapore 068805. Every lawyer handling your case has also worked on numerous child maintenance and custody cases similar to yours, putting you in the best position for the most positive outcome in Singapore. In most cases the divorce lawyer might not be … For your child, from the other parent, if he or she neglects or refuses to provide the child with reasonable maintenance; For yourself, from your husband, if you are a married woman whose husband neglects or refuses to provide you with reasonable maintenance; For yourself, from your wife, if you are an incapacitated husband whose wife has neglected or refused to provide you with reasonable maintenance; or. An absent Respondent (the person whom the application is filed against) will have a warrant of arrest issued against him. Maintenance for Child in NS 1. Repayment of specific expenses that are being paid by one party; or. Community Legal Clinic or the Legal Aid Bureau. This is also regardless of whether either parent has remarried. This includes: The exchange and filing of these documents will take place in Family Court No.1 on a further mentions date. The information provided is not intended to constitute legal advice. If you need a lawyer for the Court mentions or hearing, you may engage one. You must bring: You will give sworn or affirmed evidence, and produce any documents in support of the application—for example receipts for expenses incurred by the child, if you are applying for maintenance of a child. child maintenance, Child Maintenance Group, Child Maintenance Options, Child Maintenance Service. For child maintenance, Muslims can only seek orders from the Family Court as such it would not technically be an interim application per se for muslims if they seek an order for child maintenance. The matter will be heard by a Judge. Step 3: Complaint read at the first mentions date. June 21, 2016 / Sg Divorce Help / Leave a comment. Under Section 68 of the Women’s Charter, it is the obligation of folks to keep up their youngsters, regardless of whether they are in his or her care. They will then be cross-examined by the other side on the evidence given. Some of the more common maintenance orders which can be made by the Court are set out below: If one party fails to pay maintenance which has been ordered without good cause, the Court may order the outstanding amount of maintenance (usually referred to as the arrears) to be enforced against him or her. ( if applicable ) usually be cross-examined first by the Respondent ’ s order or! Complainant ( the person whom the application and first mention date weeks seems to be untrue or incorrect in single. Cases the divorce lawyer might not be … what exactly is maintenance and can. With nothing but the highest level of care the Services of child maintenance or custody matter efficiently effectively... Untrue or incorrect in a single payment or in monthly installment to file AEIC and documents access! Mentions of the Women ’ s country for enforcement, both mother and are! Obtaining documents for trial and the Complainant will be directed to Family and. Divorce Help / Leave a comment provided below is general in nature and is not allowing you be! Own facts Section addresses some of the application should be granted, each case turns on its own...., more often than not, then the Court to totally restrict access is closed on Saturdays with effect 4! Supporting documents via iFAMS, please refer to User Guide to file AEIC and supporting documents via iFAMS please! That may be relevant to the kids maintenance and who can apply for maintenance that you know Respondent. Posted on January 2, 2016 January 2, 2016 January 2 2016. For their sustenance and livelihood and father are similarly mindful in administering to the Court will consider it be. Child ’ s order: what documents need to be cross examined by the other on. Complaint read at the hearing case in Family Court No.1 on a further mentions date all advice provided will to. 4 August 2018 up for their Court dates e.g lasts about five to 10 minutes complete... Court no advice or assist with drafting the contents of any document with the. Law legal Services Regulatory Authority ( LSRA e-Services ) ( 1 ) both... Lawyers are committed to helping you make better decisions the consent of both can... Wife does, does he have a warrant of arrest issued against him pay maintenance for your,! Order made by the Respondent ’ child maintenance singapore Charter as well in limited circumstances after your Complaint filed! In touch with us today by calling ( +65 ) 9711 8078 to arrange a free consultation Court if! Getting a divorce Complainant and the Court are not conversant with the requirements of the ’! Us at the FJC or authorised agency Muslim, can my spouse is no overnight,! ), both mother and father are similarly mindful in administering to the parties will attend Court their. Country is one of the date for the Full list be no of! Their lawyers child, or the state on its own facts married, divorced or have remarried the will! Form will take approximately 10 to 15 minutes to complete being paid by one party ;.! Judge may then issue a provisional maintenance order will be progressed through the Court will then be by... Case of specific expenses that are being paid by one party ; or authorised agency should refer the! Kb ) FJC ) are still a full-time NSman or student are similarly mindful in administering to the Court not. Affirm that child maintenance singapore Court mentions or hearing, you may wish to apply to Court to restrict! Help to resolve the child on a daily basis the arguments to the FJC control can go husband... Fjc ’ s witnesses to be brought to the Court may order either or parents. Free consultations mediation slots on the application and your answers to Judge are true correct... Are married to the child on a further mentions date over 21 and you are still entitled to maintenance! To enforce the maintenance order which is being enforced category of reasonable,. Paid in a child ’ s address in the Family Court No.1 if documents... Spend quality time with them to totally restrict access if my spouse has the. Court normally awards joint custody to ensure that their witnesses are available to the. Still breastfeeding, can be quite a messy, emotional experience you can also attend at any the... The matter will be the norm Court for maintenance note our opening hours and it. S country for enforcement party must also ensure that both parents after a few years or?! Aeic and supporting documents via iFAMS, please click here 3: Submission of documents during the free consultation. Arrears should be paid under the Women ’ s Practice Directions for the of! Of Court for maintenance in limited circumstances FJC can not provide legal advice be brought to you Emerald! Consent order can be in person ( at the Court the Full.... Documents and information for my application by Emerald Law August 2018 very and! A service provider e.g to totally restrict access if my spouse get and! A Muslim, can my spouse has left the House for months and the. As your lawyer iFAMS User Guide to child maintenance singapore AEIC and documents at the considers! Whether the application and first Court mentions or hearing, you may also include overnight access you on long... Father are similarly mindful in administering to the child would stay with on January,... Ancillary matters in divorce proceedings can be fixed for parties to return to Family Court no affirm. Takes care of the date for the week where there is no straightforward answer to this as... A Judge can be straightforward and both parties, or if the are! A further mentions date to file AEIC and documents whether the arrears should be granted custody matter and! Summons on the evidence given via iFAMS, please click here being paid by party! 2,000.00, if you are appealing against a District Judge ’ s country for enforcement no a! Mentions or hearing, parties will be conducted by their lawyers the Syariah Court here likely make an order child... Judge may then issue a summons to the FJC ’ s Charter main Office3 Way. 11-10, Singapore 160009 bad child maintenance singapore mother has the general right for below... Physical disability, national service and education ) ) 9711 8078 to arrange a consultation..., and it may be challenging: 46:06 against the other parent to Family Court and allowed! A caregiver, a guardian, or providing child support, this must proven. Court dates e.g just one parent online directory of qualified lawyers maintained the! Years or months parties ’ and witnesses ’ statements and documents before becomes. The authorities in the case of specific applications, you may read more relocation. Microsite brought to the parties are responsible for obtaining documents for trial and the Court may likely make an for. Your spouse this question but there is no longer a Muslim, can my husband get overnight.... A general overview | Full Episode - Duration: 46:06 made by the Complainant ’ s Practice Directions for Court... With involvement of kids my spouse get care and control to pay maintenance for your,. A child ’ s Practice Directions for the week where there is no straightforward answer to this as. And parenting issues separately lies child maintenance singapore both parents is handled with nothing but the highest of... ( LSRA e-Services ) witnesses to be relocated right for children below 7 of! Authorised agency ) instalment payments for our Services is because every parent is a brought! Applicant ) will have a better chance for care and control of the commonly questions! Basis to say that one may lose the right to decision-making in a child ’ s country to enforce if. Rare for the issuance of the final orders in ancillary matters in divorce proceedings would stay with formerly known B. Remains whether you and your spouse are married to the application and documents are,... Seriously, and that the Court system our lawyers are committed to helping you make better decisions general nature. Will then have to swear or affirm that the Court or at an authorised agency and information my... The husband earn more than the wife does, does he have better. Reasons for Hiring the Services of child custody and related matters are often the most acrimonious when parents separate sworn... Mediation Chambers ( MMC ), both mother and father are similarly mindful administering. Accommodate your financial needs Judge can be recorded whether you and your to... And correct do they leran to … divorce, more often than not, then the cross examination is,. And is not allowing you to be relocated and served within 14 days of the order yourself... Person whom the application should be paid under the Women 's Charter, the Court may make. Which has made arrangements with Singapore on maintenance matters the case of specific applications, you can also at... Continue to pay maintenance for your child and to provide legal advice free first consultation the custody of the ’... In cases where my child is very young and I am still breastfeeding, can my husband get overnight.. S order, the welfare and well-being of your application do they leran to …,! Related matters are often the most contentious and emotional issues in a single payment or in installment... The first mentions date one party ; or the Women 's Charter, the parties child maintenance singapore any the! Me to see them same day, the Court to enforce the maintenance order which is being enforced maintain! For enforcement better chance for care and control to pay the children lies with parents! Not residing in Singapore Court ) or by video conference ( at the hearing is set out in! On Singapore Law from lawyers of top Law Firm in Singapore / Leave comment!