Going through a divorce process has always been a daunting experience, both emotionally and financially, especially when you think about the divorce lawyer Singapore cost. To alleviate some of your worries, take a look at the brief explanation regarding the cost of divorce in Singapore.
Divorce Cost In Singapore
On average, an uncontested divorce in Singapore usually costs around $2,500, while the contested divorce is around $24,000. They could cost more than that in some cases, especially contested divorce.
While the cost for an uncontested divorce can be simple, it is not the same with a contested divorce. The costs for contested divorce vary dramatically because it depends significantly on the complexity of the divorce case and the length of the process.
You will also need to shell out more money to deal with the maintenance fee for the children and spouse, division of conjugal assets, and other things that apply to your circumstance. The extra costs vary heavily based on each party’s situation.
Uncontested Divorce Offers A Fixed Fee
When both parties already reached a mutual agreement regarding the terms of the divorce, they are good for an uncontested divorce. Most law firms offer a fixed-fee because there’s no need for them to do so much work. In this case, the legal cost will cover the service for the division of assets, the maintenance fee of the spouse who needs it, and/or custody of the child provided that the couple has any of the mentioned conditions.
If the lawyer needs to render services to satisfy the conditions, the service fee can go as high as $3,500. However, there are law firms that accept $2,500 as a service fee. When the couple has no assets, children, or need for maintenance fee, the cost for the legal procedure is around $1,500. Some law firms require a $500 fee for the initial consultation prior to the filing of the divorce case. The initial fee is usually waived once the divorce process starts. It will be deducted from the agreed fixed fee.
The Cost Varies In Contested Divorce
When the couple failed to establish a mutual agreement regarding the division of assets, custody of children, and other important matters, a contested divorce is their only option. This type of divorce is more costly than uncontested divorce because it needs several sessions for mediation. Each session means you need to pay your lawyer each time he/she makes an appearance until both parties arrive at a mutual agreement. To minimise costs, both parties can settle their issues outside of court.
How To Divide The Matrimonial Assets
Basically, the court does the calculations regarding the percentage of contributions that each party has invested in their shared assets. This includes direct and indirect contributions. However, the weight of direct and indirect contributions may have a slight change depending on the judgment of the court. Take a look at the following:
- Direct contributions are the focus in short marriages, while longer marriages favour indirect contributions.
- The needs of the child can also affect the ratio, which can shift in favour of the parent who will get custody of the child.
- Another thing that can impact the ratio is the financial independence of each one when they get divorced – the party that will likely experience financial difficulties will earn the court’s favour.
- The huge matrimonial asset that only one person has accumulated within the marriage will mostly go to direct contributions.
- Less weight is given to some indirect contributions.
- The efforts of the party who have taken great pains and sacrifices to raise children will go to indirect contributions.
Maintenance Fee for the Child and the Disadvantaged Spouse
The spouse with the economic advantage will need to provide maintenance fee, which can be paid periodically or in a lump sum, to the spouse that will likely suffer from financial difficulties after the divorce. If the disadvantaged party has the right to hold the custody of the child, there will be an increase in the maintenance fee to support the child until he/she turns 21. The length of the marriage determines the amount of maintenance fee that the recipient should get. The disadvantaged spouse in short marriages may not get any maintenance fee.
The court will be the one to calculate the amount of maintenance fee that should be given.
Parting Remarks
Having an out of court settlement in a fair and accommodating manner can help hasten the process, keep the legal procedure costs minimal, and lessen emotional pain. This can also help both parties to move on with their lives and have a fresh start.