How to file a matrimonial application for divorce (simplified track)

Form 2A, Family Justice Courts Practice Directions 2024 (DOCX, 135 KB)

A matrimonial application for divorce should contain all the following:  

• A copy of your marriage certificate.
• The applicant's particulars. 
• The respondent/defendant’s particulars.
• Information on jurisdiction – that is, whether the court has legal power to deal with your application.
• Details about any children you have (if applicable).
• Existing court matters (if applicable).
• The facts you are relying on to show that your marriage has irretrievably broken down.
• The relief you are seeking from the respondent for the ancillary matters. 
• Brief reasons (but not evidence) which support the fact or facts to be proved.
• The search results related to bankruptcy proceedings (if applicable) and any details of any pending bankruptcy proceedings (if applicable).

It is compulsory for both parties to attend the Mandatory Co-Parenting Programme (CPP) conducted by the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) before filing a matrimonial application for divorce if the parties have children under 21 years of age. 

Refer to infographic  (PDF, 28 KB) for more information on the requirements of the CPP. 

The Respondent’s Consent to the Originating Application for Divorce (Simplified)

(including consent to draft ancillary reliefs order (if any)) 

Section 9B of Form 2A, Family Justice Courts Practice Directions 2024 (DOCX, 135 KB). 

• If the respondent / defendant is represented by lawyers, the respondent’s lawyers may sign the document. 
• If the respondent is not represented by lawyers, the respondent must complete and sign this document before a Commissioner for Oaths (if the respondent is in Singapore) or before a notary public or consular at the Singapore Embassy (if the respondent is located outside of Singapore). 

For filings commenced before 15 October 2024, the respondent/defendant will need to complete and sign Form 193, Family Justice Courts Practice Directions 2015  (DOCX, 17 KB) and Form 30, Family Justice Courts Practice Directions 2015 (DOCX, 18 KB) before a Commissioner of Oaths (if in Singapore) or before a notary public or consular at the Singapore Embassy (if the respondent is located outside of Singapore). 

The Applicant’s Affidavit of Evidence in Chief 

(includes the request for a hearing date) 

Section 9A of Form 2A, Family Justice Courts Practice Directions 2024 (DOCX, 135 KB). 

• The applicant/plaintiff must complete and sign this document before a Commissioner for Oaths (if the applicant is in Singapore) or before a notary public or consular at the Singapore Embassy (if the applicant is located outside of Singapore).  

For filings commenced before 15 October 2024, the applicant/plaintiff will need to complete and sign Form 29, Family Justice Courts Practice Directions 2015  (DOCX, 33 KB) before a Commissioner of Oaths (if in Singapore) or before a notary public or consular at the Singapore Embassy (if located outside of Singapore). 

Form 8, Family Justice Courts Practice Directions 2024  (DOCX, 92 KB). 

When filed with the Originating Application for Divorce (Simplified), both parties are not required to sign the draft ancillary reliefs order separately from the originating application. 

For filings commenced before 15 October 2024, parties or their lawyers (if any) must sign Form 30, Family Justice Courts Practice Directions 2015  (DOCX, 18 KB). If a party is self-represented, they must complete and sign Form 30 before a Commissioner for Oaths (if in Singapore) or before a notary public or consular at the Singapore Embassy (if located outside of Singapore).