Can a man claim maintenance from his ex-wife?

What the Law Says

The Women’s Charter governs spousal maintenance in Singapore. Section 113 sets out who may apply for maintenance after divorce — and it does not allow able-bodied men to claim maintenance from their ex-wives.

Section 113 of the Women’s Charter allows a wife to apply to the court for maintenance from her husband after divorce or judicial separation. It also permits an incapacitated husband — one who is unable to maintain himself due to physical or mental incapacity — to apply for maintenance from his wife.

However, the law makes no provision for a physically and mentally capable man to claim maintenance from his ex-wife. The statutory framework reflects a gender-specific design: maintenance rights for wives are automatic and broad, while those for husbands are strictly limited to incapacity.

This means that unless a man meets the narrow definition of 'incapacitated' under the law, he has no legal basis to seek ongoing financial support from his former wife after divorce.

Statutory Text

On any application made to it in that behalf by the wife, the court may, if it thinks fit, order the husband to pay to the wife such gross sum or such weekly or other periodical sum for her maintenance as the court considers just and equitable having regard to all the circumstances of the case including the conduct of the parties and their respective means.

— Women's Charter, s. 113 — Maintenance of wife

What to Do

Sources