- Since 1 July 2024, parents with a child under 21 must complete the Co-Parenting Programme before filing, on any track.
- The programme has an online module followed by a consultation with a counsellor.
- Contested divorces involving a child under 21 usually go to court mediation and counselling.
- Agreements reached in mediation can be recorded as a court order.
The Co-Parenting Programme
Since 1 July 2024, a parent with at least one child under 21 must complete the Co-Parenting Programme (previously the Mandatory Parenting Programme) before filing for divorce. This applies whether the divorce is contested, uncontested or by mutual agreement, and also to a spouse filing a counterclaim.
The programme has two parts: an online learning module of about an hour and a half, then a consultation with a counsellor from a Divorce Support Specialist Agency or a Strengthening Families@FSC centre (FAM@FSC). It focuses on how divorce affects children and how to co-parent cooperatively. A certificate of completion is filed with the divorce papers.
Court mediation and counselling
If the divorce or the ancillary matters are contested and there is a child under 21, the court will usually direct the parents to court mediation and counselling, through the Family Justice Courts' family dispute resolution process. Mediation focuses on reaching workable arrangements for the children, and can also help settle maintenance and the division of assets.
The court can also direct couples without young children to mediation. Contested cases may be referred to mediation at different stages, including before the ancillary matters hearing.
How mediation works
A mediator helps the spouses talk through the issues and find common ground, but does not decide anything for them. Discussions take place in private rather than in open court. If the spouses reach agreement, it can be recorded as a consent order, which binds both sides like any other court order. If they don't, the unresolved issues go back to the judge to decide.
Other options
Couples do not have to wait for the court. Mediation can happen before filing, during the case or even after the divorce. Options include:
- private mediation, for example at the Singapore Mediation Centre or with a private mediator
- collaborative family practice, where both spouses instruct specially trained lawyers and commit to settling without litigation
- negotiation between the spouses' lawyers
Why it matters
A divorce in which everything is agreed is usually quicker, less expensive and less stressful than a contested one, and children tend to cope better when their parents can cooperate. Even where full agreement isn't possible, narrowing the issues through mediation can shorten the case.
Mediation is not suitable for everyone. Where there has been family violence, tell your lawyer and the court, so that safe arrangements can be made or other steps taken.
This article is general information on Singapore law and is not legal advice. Rules and agency policies change, and every situation is different. For advice on your own circumstances, speak with one of our lawyers.
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