- Parents with a child under 21 generally must complete the Co-Parenting Programme before filing for divorce.
- The programme combines online learning with a session with a counsellor, and is free.
- Mediation and counselling at the Family Justice Courts are mandatory for divorcing parents of children under 21, and free.
- Agreements reached in mediation can be recorded as court orders.
- Private mediation is voluntary and paid, and can happen before any court case starts.
The Co-Parenting Programme
Since 1 July 2024, divorcing parents with at least one child under 21 generally have to complete the Co-Parenting Programme, previously called the Mandatory Parenting Programme, before filing for divorce. It applies whichever fact the divorce relies on, and even if the parents already agree on everything.
The programme has two parts: an online e-learning module, which one firm's guide puts at about one and a half hours, and a consultation session with a counsellor from a divorce support agency or family service centre. Each parent attends separately, and there is no charge. It covers how divorce affects children, how to communicate and handle conflict, and how to plan for parenting after separation. Exemptions may be possible in some situations, such as family violence or where a parent lives overseas.
Mediation and counselling at the Family Justice Courts
Divorcing parents with a child under 21 are required to attend mediation and counselling at the Family Justice Courts, through the Child Focused Resolution Centre. The sessions are free. They are run by judges, court family mediators or volunteer family lawyers, working with court family counsellors.
The court can also direct parties in other family cases to attend mediation or counselling if it thinks the dispute may be better resolved that way. Courts may take into account whether a party made reasonable efforts to resolve matters outside of a contested hearing when deciding costs.
If you reach an agreement, it can be recorded as a court order that binds both of you. If you do not, the case continues to the judge.
Private mediation
Couples can also choose private mediation, including schemes run by the Singapore Mediation Centre. It is voluntary and paid, offers more flexibility on timing, and is confidential. It can happen before any court papers are filed.
Another option is collaborative family practice, where each spouse has a specially trained lawyer and everyone commits to settling without going to court. If the process breaks down, those lawyers cannot continue to act in the court case.
Why it matters
Settling through mediation usually saves time and cost, and it lets parents make their own arrangements rather than having them decided by a judge. Agreed arrangements also tend to be easier to live with, which matters most for the children.
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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