SINGAPORE: The Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) is soliciting public opinion on measures to better support the divorce of couples and their children.

This includes ensuring that all parents with children under the age of 21 participate in a mandatory consultation and that all minor children participate in programs that will help them cope better with the divorce.

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In a public consultation paper released on Sunday (May 2), MSF is also seeking views on an “amicable divorce” option for couples that does not require them to prove faulty facts such as adultery or prove they are themselves have separated at least three years.

This was one of the suggestions made at several engagement sessions with divorced individuals and social service practitioners at Divorce Support Specialist Agencies (DSSAs).

READ: IN FOCUS: Should Parents Get Divorced or Stay Together for the Children?

READ: Online portal to be established to provide early support to couples considering divorce

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Some “weaknesses” emerged during the discussions, said Minister of State for Social and Family Development Sun Xueling, such as the need to identify mistakes in filing for divorce and file for divorce as plaintiff and defendant.

Currently, couples can only divorce through so-called error-based facts such as adultery, abuse, and desertion, or through a fact of separation that would require them to separate for at least three years before filing for divorce.

REDUCE ACRIMONY IN DIVORCE

The panelists suggested an amicable divorce option, in which couples would not have to cite a fact of separation or false facts – if both parties had consented to the separation.

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Citing a mistake causes some couples to “look back at the pain and sharpness,” which can lead to further tears, Ms. Sun said.

In addition, participants suggested allowing couples to file for divorce together. The current requirement of filing as plaintiffs and defendants prepares them for a “controversial type of relationship,” Ms. Sun said.

However, MSF noted that the intent is not to facilitate divorce or undermine marriage.

READ: Fewer Marriages, More Divorces in Singapore Last Year

READ: 1 in 4 Singaporeans marry nonresidents, and an increasing proportion involve nonresident males

As such, it will provide more marriage counseling services for those looking to save their marriage. There will also be a requirement that a marriage must last at least three years before the divorce can be filed and the three month waiting period before the divorce is finalized.

The error-based facts and the fact of separation persist even in the event that couples choose to quote them.

“Ultimately, we hope to make the divorce process less painful for couples who divorce despite their best intentions to save the marriage,” said Ms. Sun.

MORE SUPPORT FOR FAMILIES GOING THROUGH DIVORCE

Participants also suggested that divorced parents and their children could be given more support.

Suggestions include that all divorced parents of children under the age of 21 participate in the mandatory parenting program designed to help such couples make choices that prioritize the best interests of the child.

In this way, all parents understand the effects of divorce on them and their children, MSF said in its consultation paper.

The Compulsory Parents Program was introduced in 2016 for couples who do not consent to divorce and problems related to their children, property and livelihoods.

Currently, couples who have come to an agreement on such matters – or those who are simpler to apply for divorce – are not required to participate in the program.

In addition, MSF suggested that all minor children whose parents are divorced should be encouraged to participate in support programs.

In 2019, only 3 percent or less than 200 out of 6,700 children with divorced parents had access to child benefit programs at DSSAs.

READ: More couples seek counseling than breakers as working from home puts a strain on marriages

Although there is a Child In Between Program, the department is looking into additional counseling services that can be offered, Ms. Sun said.

During the discussion, participants also asked for more counseling support for couples before, during, and after the divorce.

MSF suggested providing online and in-person advice for those who are unsure and want to save their marriages. Advice before, during and after divorce for those in need; and pre-filed mediation to help couples come to an agreement about their children or difficult aspects of their divorce.

“We will do our best to save marriages as best we can,” said Ms. Sun. “But at the same time, where couples have decided that divorce is the only way out for them, we hope to make the process less bitter for them.”

Those interested in giving their opinion can email [email protected] until June 3rd. MSF publishes a summary of the key feedback received with anonymized contributors.