How Much Does Divorce Cost in Singapore?

Divorce, in many aspects, is complicated and challenging to overcome for both parties, whether as an expat or resident in Singapore. It also comes in with various fees that you need to pay to process the divorce, such as the lawyer fee, filing fee, and other factors. Generally, the cost of divorce varies depending on the lawyer and the type of divorce you are filing, whether it’s contested or uncontested.

Fees for Uncontested Divorce

The average expat divorce lawyer fee in Singapore is estimated to range from $1,500 to $35,000, varying to what kind of divorce. In terms of an uncontested divorce or when both parties agree upon the divorce and all ancillary issues. When it’s uncontested, the process is simple and can be done quickly; thus, this kind of divorce is also known as simplified divorce, agreed on divorce, or simple divorce. And since it requires a simple process, the fees for an uncontested divorce are lower than the other type. Generally, the cost is estimated to range from 1,500 to 3,000 dollars which will still depend on your lawyer. Sometimes lawyers may charge you per hour, but some offer their services at a fixed price.

Fees for Contested Divorce

A contested divorce is when the married couple is still having an issue regarding one of the terms of their divorce– it can be about child support, custody, and other issues. When they can’t settle the case privately, they need to attend a trial to resolve the matter before processing the divorce. Most of the time, the trials and proceedings can take longer, possibly for days or weeks, depending on the case.

Additionally, since contested divorce takes a lot of processes, it can be costly. It usually requires you to pay extra fees other than the expat divorce lawyer fee in Singapore. In an estimate, the possible cost of a contested divorce can range from $10,000 up to $35,000, and it can even go higher depending on the situation and issues that need to be settled.

Unlike simplified divorce, contested divorce includes various stages, which require separate fees that usually sum up the overall average costs of the divorce. For example, in its first stage, both lawyers of the couple will file pleadings of the divorce with an average range fee of $2,500 to $3,500. Additionally, in this part, the parties will also need to attend divorce mediation or counseling for an additional cost of $500 to $2,000 per session. Then, they will continue the process by attending the trial, which includes a hefty fee of up to $15,000. Thus, the overall average costs that an expat will pay for this stage of a contested divorce can climb to $20,000.

Furthermore, stage 2 of the contested divorce is filled with expensive processes from attending mediation, conference up to the hearing itself. As for settling the ancillary issues, the estimated cost is $5,000 to $15,000, which varies from one case to another.

In conclusion, the expat divorce lawyer fee in Singapore and the overall cost of the divorce are not definitive as the lawyers can charge differently, and various divorce processes require payments. As for an expat in Singapore, it’s advantageous to settle everything first with your partner to avoid an expensive divorce. However, if you can avoid a contested divorce, it’s essential to find the best lawyer in Singapore to make the proceedings easier.