SingaporeCan a child choose which parent to live with?
No, a child in Singapore cannot unilaterally choose which parent to live with — the court decides based on the child’s welfare as the paramount consideration.
What the Law Says
The law in Singapore does not give children the legal right to choose their custodial parent. Instead, the court’s primary duty is to act in the best interests of the child.
Under the Guardianship of Infants Act, the welfare of the infant is the first and paramount consideration in any decision about custody, care, and control. The court may consider the child’s views — especially if the child is older and mature enough to express reasoned preferences — but those views are only one factor among many.
There is no specific age at which a child can legally decide where to live. Even teenagers’ wishes are weighed alongside other evidence such as parental capacity, stability, emotional needs, and the child’s overall well-being.
Statutory TextThe welfare of the infant shall be the first and paramount consideration.
— Guardianship of Infants Act, s. 3 — Welfare of infant
What to Do
File an application for custody, care and control, or access in the Family Justice Courts.
Gather evidence showing why your proposed arrangement best supports the child’s welfare (e.g., school records, medical reports, witness statements).
If the child is old enough and expresses a clear, consistent preference, prepare to explain how that view was formed and whether it reflects genuine understanding.
Attend mediation or counselling through the Family Resolution Chambers before trial, as required by court rules.
Sources
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UKNot legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.