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The Court’s paramount consideration is always the welfare of the child. Custody, care, and access orders are made to serve the child’s best interests, not the parents’ preferences. In most cases, custody (long-term decision-making power) is granted jointly, so both parents remain involved in major decisions like education, healthcare, and religion.

Care and control (day-to-day living arrangements) are usually given to one parent, while the other receives access rights. The Court assesses factors such as the child’s needs, the parents’ caregiving history, financial stability, and ability to cooperate. The goal is to ensure the child has stability, emotional security, and continued relationships with both parents wherever possible.

These are distinct legal concepts in Singapore family law:

• Custody: Authority to make major decisions for the child (e.g., education, medical treatment, religion). Usually joint.
• Care and Control: Determines who the child lives with on a daily basis and who manages routine matters.
• Access: The time the non-custodial parent spends with the child, which may be liberal (regular and unsupervised) or structured (specific days/hours).

Understanding these differences helps parents negotiate realistic arrangements. The Court encourages shared parental responsibility and will not usually deprive a child of access to either parent unless there are serious welfare concerns.

Parents with children under 21 must attend the Mandatory Co-Parenting Programme (MCPP) before filing for divorce. This programme, run by MSF, helps parents understand the impact of divorce on children and the importance of co-parenting after separation.

A certificate of completion must be submitted with the divorce papers. The MCPP is designed to reduce conflict and to remind parents that while their marriage may be ending, their parental responsibilities remain. Courts take attendance seriously, and failure to comply may delay proceedings.

Child maintenance is determined by the Court based on what is reasonable and necessary for the child’s upbringing, considering both parents’ incomes and standard of living. Factors include housing, food, clothing, education, medical needs, and enrichment activities. Both parents share responsibility, though contributions may differ depending on financial capacity.

The Court reviews documentary evidence such as payslips, CPF statements, and household expenses before fixing the amount. Orders can be made as a monthly payment or a lump sum. If circumstances change (e.g., increased school fees or loss of income), either parent may apply to vary the order.

Non-payment of child maintenance is taken seriously in Singapore. If the paying parent defaults, you may file a Maintenance Summons in the Family Justice Courts. The Court can enforce payment through:

• Attachment of earnings (direct deduction from salary)
• Garnishee order (direct deduction from bank accounts)
• Seizure of property
• Fines or imprisonment for repeated non-compliance

The Court may also order defaulters to attend financial counselling. Persistent refusal to pay can have serious legal consequences, and enforcement mechanisms exist to ensure children are not left unsupported.

Yes. Custody, care, and access orders can be varied by the Court if there is a material change in circumstances. For example, if one parent relocates overseas, develops a health condition, or if the child’s needs significantly change, the Court may adjust arrangements.

Applications must be supported by evidence, and the Court will reassess based on the child’s welfare at the time of the application. Courts encourage stability, so variations are only made when truly necessary, not simply because one parent is dissatisfied.

The Courts apply the principle that the child’s welfare is the paramount consideration. This includes the child’s physical, emotional, and educational needs, the continuity of care, and the importance of maintaining meaningful relationships with both parents. Courts discourage arrangements that expose children to parental conflict. Judges often encourage mediation and counselling to help parents reach child-focused solutions.

In contested cases, the Court may appoint a Counselling and Psychological Services (CAPS) officer or order social welfare reports to better understand the child’s needs.