Last Updated on March 14, 2025 by Parentology
Contents
Parenting after a divorce can be challenging, but Singapore’s family law prioritises the best interests of the child when making custody and parenting decisions. Parents are encouraged to work together to create a stable and supportive environment for their children, even if they are no longer married.
When parents cannot agree on matters such as decision-making authority and parenting time, they may seek mediation through the Family Justice Courts. If mediation fails, the court will decide based on what is best for the child, as guided by the Women’s Charter.
Understanding your parental responsibilities, financial obligations, and co-parenting strategies can help ensure that your child receives the love and stability they need during this transition.
Parental Responsibility in Singapore
Parental responsibility refers to the legal rights and obligations parents have towards their children, regardless of marital status. This includes:
- Making decisions about education, healthcare, and religion
- Providing financial support
- Ensuring emotional and physical well-being
Even after a divorce, parents typically share parental responsibility unless the court determines that sole parental responsibility is in the child’s best interests.
Parenting Time and Custody
Singapore has moved away from terms like custody and access, focusing instead on parenting time and decision-making authority. Parenting arrangements are flexible and tailored to each family’s circumstances, with the court ensuring that decisions prioritise the child’s well-being.
Parents may establish:
- Informal agreements, where they decide on parenting schedules without legal intervention.
- Parenting orders, where the court legally defines parenting time and responsibilities if parents cannot agree.
If necessary, the court will determine the child’s living arrangements and how much time each parent will spend with them.
Best Interests of the Child
When determining parenting arrangements, the court considers:
- The child’s physical, emotional, and educational needs
- Each parent’s ability to meet those needs
- The child’s views (depending on age and maturity)
- The importance of maintaining a relationship with both parents
- Any history of family violence or safety concerns
Every case is assessed individually, ensuring the child’s well-being remains the top priority.
Financial Responsibility for Children
Regardless of custody arrangements, both parents are legally required to provide financial support for their children after a divorce. This can be managed through:
- Informal agreements between parents
- Court-ordered child maintenance, which considers the child’s needs and each parent’s financial ability
Child maintenance covers essentials like education, healthcare, and daily expenses, ensuring that the child maintains a good quality of life.
Supporting Your Child’s Well-Being
Divorce can be difficult for children, but parents can minimise emotional distress by:
- Maintaining a healthy co-parenting relationship
- Avoiding conflicts in front of the child
- Reassuring the child that both parents love and support them
- Encouraging open conversations about feelings and concerns
Providing a stable and loving environment is key to helping children adjust to post-divorce life.
Case Study: Successful Co-Parenting in Singapore
Daniel and Sarah’s Co-Parenting Journey
Daniel and Sarah were married for six years and have a five-year-old daughter, Emma. After their divorce, they agreed to joint parental responsibility, meaning both parents have equal authority in making major decisions about Emma’s upbringing, including education, healthcare, and religion.
Initial Parenting Arrangement
Sarah was given care and control, meaning Emma lives with her most of the time, and Sarah manages her daily routine, including school, meals, and bedtime. Daniel, while not the primary caregiver, has regular parenting time with Emma.
Their co-parenting plan includes:
- Weekends with Daniel, ensuring quality bonding time
- School holidays shared equally
- Regular video calls so Emma stays connected with Daniel during the week
To strengthen their relationship, Daniel takes Emma on outings, reads bedtime stories over video calls, and actively participates in her school activities.
Managing Co-Parenting Challenges
Like many co-parents, Daniel and Sarah faced challenges in their arrangement, but they found solutions:
1️⃣ Conflicting Schedules:
Daniel’s work schedule often clashed with planned parenting time. They resolved this by using a shared calendar and adjusting plans flexibly.
2️⃣ Parenting Style Differences:
Sarah preferred a structured routine, while Daniel had a more relaxed approach. They consulted a child psychologist who helped them establish consistent rules and expectations for Emma.
3️⃣ Disagreements Over Medical Decisions:
When Emma developed asthma, Sarah and Daniel disagreed on treatment options. They sought medical advice together and agreed on a treatment plan recommended by the doctor.
Adapting to Emma’s Growing Needs
As Emma grows older, her needs will change. Daniel and Sarah have agreed to review their co-parenting arrangement regularly to ensure it continues to work for Emma. Some planned adjustments include:
- Shared responsibilities for school activities such as parent-teacher meetings and homework
- Expanding Daniel’s visitation time as Emma becomes more independent and involved in social activities
Prioritising Emma’s Well-Being
Both parents focus on ensuring that Emma feels loved, supported, and secure. They make a conscious effort to:
- Avoid negative talk about each other in front of Emma
- Encourage a positive relationship between Emma and both parents
- Celebrate major milestones together, such as birthdays and school performances, to provide a sense of unity
This case study demonstrates that co-parenting can be successful when both parents prioritise their child’s well-being over personal differences.
Conclusion
Navigating parenting after a divorce is not always easy, but with cooperation, communication, and commitment, parents can create a supportive environment for their children.
By focusing on the child’s best interests, maintaining a healthy co-parenting relationship, and ensuring financial and emotional stability, parents can help their children thrive despite the changes in family dynamics.
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