SingaporeCan I get a divorce within 3 years of marriage?
No, you generally cannot file for divorce within 3 years of marriage in Singapore, unless you get special permission from the court on grounds of exceptional hardship or depravity.
What the Law Says
The Women's Charter sets a minimum waiting period before a divorce can be filed in Singapore.
Under Singapore law, you cannot file for divorce within 3 years of the date of marriage. This rule exists to encourage couples to work through difficulties and preserve marriages where possible.
However, there is an exception: the court may allow a divorce petition to proceed within those first 3 years if the applicant can prove either 'exceptional hardship' suffered by the petitioner or 'depravity' on the part of the other spouse.
The burden of proof lies with the person applying for early divorce. The court will assess the facts carefully and grant permission only in truly compelling circumstances.
Statutory TextNo petition for divorce shall be presented to the Court within 3 years of the date of marriage except with the leave of the Court on the ground of exceptional hardship to the petitioner or exceptional depravity on the part of the respondent.
— Women's Charter, s. 94 — Divorce within three years of marriage
What to Do
Wait until at least 3 years have passed since your marriage date — this is the standard requirement.
If you believe your situation involves exceptional hardship (e.g., severe abuse, abandonment, or serious mental health harm) or exceptional depravity (e.g., criminal conduct, extreme cruelty), consult a family lawyer.
File an application for leave of court *before* filing your divorce petition — you must obtain permission first.
Prepare strong evidence (e.g., medical reports, police reports, witness statements) to support your claim of hardship or depravity.
Attend the hearing for leave — the court will decide whether to allow your early divorce petition.
Sources
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US-New YorkNot 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.