What are the main requirements for local courts to have jurisdiction in relation to Singapore Divorce proceedings?

Singapore courts generally have jurisdiction over proceedings for divorce, judicial separation or nullity of marriage only if either of the parties to the marriage is:

  • Domiciled in Singapore at the start of proceedings
  • Habitually resident in Singapore for at least three years before the start of proceedings.

No writ for divorce can be filed unless at the date of filing, 3 years have passed since the date of the marriage. There are exceptions, for example, a writ for divorce can be filed before 3 years years have passed on the grounds of exceptional hardship suffered by the claimant or exceptional depravity on the part of the defendant.