If the other party does not contest and there are no other matters involved (such as children or financial issues), it may be completed in 3 to 6 months.
If there are contests and other matters involved, the entire process may take more than a year depending on the complexity of the case.
Each case will be different and will also depend on the caseload of the court.

Yes, you can still file for a divorce.

Yes, you must go to court. If the issue is contested, you may need to go to court at least 3-4 times. However, every case is different.

A decree nisi is a preliminary dissolution of a marriage, meaning that the court has determined that the marriage is irretrievably broken, but it does not mean that the marriage is completely over. After a decree nisi is granted, there is a waiting period (usually six weeks) during which time all matters need to be dealt with in preparation for further proceedings. A decree absolute is a final dissolution of a marriage, meaning that the marriage is legally over and the parties can start their lives anew.

Ans.Mediation is a voluntary process that involves parties negotiating in front of a neutral third party, the mediator. During the mediation process, the mediator will assist the parties in resolving the dispute, and if it is successfully resolved, the parties will sign an agreement that is binding on both parties.

Ans.You can file for divorce together, which is called a joint petition. However, both parties need to prove to the court that:
• they have lived apart from each other for at least 1 continuous year before the divorce application; or
• a signed cons ent to divorce has been submitted to the court not less than 1 year before the divorce application, and the consent has not been withdrawn.

The court prioritises the best interests of the child. The court determines custody based on the parent's background, educational ability, financial situation, and emotional relationship with the child.
Every case is different, and the court considers the facts of the case when determining custody.

When deciding child custody, the court will first consider the best interests of the children. Specific factors include: • Availability of accommodation
• The wishes of the children
• The benefits of siblings living with both parents
• The religious and cultural background of the family
• Professional reports (such as medical, school or social welfare officer reports) on the child's relationship with the family, living conditions and health
• Maintaining the status quo as much as possible
• The age difference between the parents and the children
• The character, ability and personality of the parents
• The financial resources of the parents
• The mental health of the parents and the children

The court will listen to the child's wishes and will also consider their age and level of understanding. For example, the older the child is, the more weight the court may give to their wishes when deciding custody. However, it is important to note that the court will prioritise their welfares and interests.

Joint custody means both parties have equal rights to the child and can make decisions about the child's life and development (e.g. school, residence). Sole custody means one parent has full decision-making power over the child's life and care, while the other parent only retains visitation rights.

There are usually three types of visitation time:
1. Reasonable visitation: time coordinated by both parents, carried out during reasonable living hours, such as avoiding late nights or school hours.
2. Free visitation: The definition is broad, and disputes may arise between the two parties. It is usually not recommended.
3. Defined visitation: Specific days of the week, time periods, handover methods and holiday allocations are listed, and visitation arrangements are detailed and standardised.

In most cases, the court will order that siblings live and grow together, especially if the siblings are close in age. Although the court will occasionally order siblings to separate, this is rare.

Generally, the court will apply the 50/50 rule to divide the assets equally between the parties unless there is a good reason to deviate from this rule. The court has the discretion to deviate from this rule and will consider relevant factors, including the specific circumstances of the case.

Ans.You will need to apply to the court for an injunction to freeze and/or search for the suspected hidden assets. However, there must be evidence that the other party has transferred or hidden the assets.

Either spouse can ask for maintenance from the other. Usually, the court will consider several factors, including but not limited to:
• The income of each spouse
• The standard of living during the marriage
• The financial needs of each spouse
• The age of each spouse, etc.

Either party can seek spousal maintenance from the other. Generally, the Conciliation Court will consider a variety of factors, including but not limited to:
• Periodic payment orders
• Lump sum orders
• Property division (or transfer) orders
• Settlement orders

Child support usually lasts until they turn 18 or finish full-time education, whichever comes later. Spousal support usually lasts until the spouse dies or the recipient remarries.

Yes. You can seek temporary maintenance before the court issues an absolute decree. However, the amount of the decree does not affect the amount the court may award after the divorce becomes absolute.

If the asset was acquired during the marriage, it will most likely be considered a marital asset and will be divided.

Yes. Retirement savings accumulated during the marriage are considered marital assets and will be divided.

If you are the one who pays maintenance but cannot continue to pay due to certain circumstances (such as being made redundant), you can apply to the court to reduce the maintenance. On the other hand, if you are the one who receives maintenance and the maintenance you are currently receiving is insufficient, you can also apply to the court to increase the maintenance.

You need to apply to the court to make your spouse pay off the money. If the payer cannot prove that he or she failed to pay, the court also has the power to sentence him or her to imprisonment.

No. Maintenance and visitation rights are separate responsibilities. You will need to continue to pay maintenance.