- Since 15 October 2024, the simplified track only needs agreement on the divorce itself and the fact relied on.
- You can still use the simplified track if children, maintenance or assets are not yet agreed. The court deals with those afterwards.
- If the divorce itself is disputed, the case goes on the normal track, with a Notice to Contest, a Reply and possibly a trial.
- A case that starts as contested can become uncontested if positions change.
- Agreeing to end the marriage is not the same as agreeing every term. Each needs care.
Two tracks
Divorces in Singapore run on either the simplified track or the normal track. People often call these uncontested and contested divorce.
The key question is whether you and your spouse agree, before filing, that the marriage has broken down and on the fact and particulars relied on. If you do, the divorce can go on the simplified track. If you do not, it goes on the normal track.
The simplified track
For cases filed from 15 October 2024, the simplified track comes in two forms. In the first, you agree on the divorce and on every ancillary matter: custody, care and control and access, maintenance, and the division of assets. In the second, you agree on the divorce but one or more ancillary matters are still in dispute, and the court decides those after granting the divorce. Before the 2024 rules, both had to be agreed.
The applicant files an Originating Application for Divorce (Simplified), with the respondent's signed consent and, if there are children below 21, both parents' Co-Parenting Programme certificates. Any agreed terms go into a draft ancillary reliefs order so the court can turn them into orders. The application must be served, and proof of service filed, within 14 days.
The court then fixes an uncontested hearing, usually within four to six weeks. In most cases neither spouse needs to attend, as the court decides on the papers. If it is satisfied, it grants the Interim Judgment.
As at September 2026, the court fee for filing a simplified application was $56, with small extra fees for claims relating to children or an HDB flat. Legal fees are separate.
The normal track
If the divorce itself is not agreed, the applicant files a normal track Originating Application. A respondent who wants to dispute it must file a Notice to Contest within 14 days of receiving the papers and a Reply within 28 days. A respondent who wants a divorce on a different basis files a cross-application with the Reply.
The court then holds case conferences to manage the case and may direct counselling or mediation, especially where there are children. If the dispute continues, both sides file affidavits of evidence and the matter goes to a hearing where each can be cross-examined. If the judge finds the marriage has broken down irretrievably, an Interim Judgment is granted and the case moves on to the ancillary matters.
A contested case can still settle
Starting on the normal track does not mean the case must go to trial. A respondent may later decide not to contest the divorce, and the hearing can then proceed on an uncontested basis. Mediation at the Family Justice Courts also gives both sides a chance to narrow or settle the issues.
How long each takes
As a rough guide given by Singapore family law firms in 2026, a simplified divorce often takes around four to six months, while a contested divorce commonly takes 12 to 18 months or more. Every case is different, and time spent agreeing terms and completing the Co-Parenting Programme comes before filing.
On either track, the Final Judgment can only be extracted three months after the Interim Judgment, or when all ancillary matters are resolved, whichever is later.
Things to weigh before agreeing
Agreeing that the marriage should end is different from agreeing what happens to your children, your home and your money. Once the court makes a consent order, it is binding in the same way as an order made after a contested hearing, so vague or rushed terms can cause problems later.
- Exchange full financial information before you agree on dividing assets.
- Put access arrangements for weekends, holidays and travel in writing.
- Check HDB eligibility rules before agreeing who keeps the flat.
Getting advice
Whether your case suits the simplified track, and whether proposed terms are fair to you, depends on your circumstances. A family lawyer can talk you through your options before you sign or file anything.
This article is general information on Singapore law and is not legal advice. Rules and agency policies change, and every situation is different. For advice on your own circumstances, speak with one of our lawyers.
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