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family

Family

Therapeutic justice

Family justice in Singapore is guided by the principles of therapeutic justice (TJ) which seek to preserve healthier and more constructive familial relationships even in situations of disharmony and breakdown. Family disputes are inherently different from other types of legal disputes and should not be dealt with in an adversarial manner. Parties are encouraged to focus on problem-solving instead of past hurts to come to workable and durable solutions for themselves and their children. 

Adoption

Adoption is the process where parties apply to become the adoptive parents of a child. The Family Courts hear applications for adoption orders.

Care and protection for children and young persons

The Youth Courts may make care and protection orders to ensure that children in need of care and protection are safe.

Divorce

An application for divorce is a legal procedure to end a marriage. The Family Courts hear divorce applications.

Deputyship

The Family Courts can appoint a deputy to make decisions for a person who lacks mental capacity (P). Find out what it means and the ways to apply.

Direct judicial communication for international family proceedings affecting children

Information for judges in other jurisdictions on whom to contact regarding direct judicial communication with the Family Justice Courts for international family proceedings affecting children.

Family Justice Courts appeals

A party who is not satisfied with the court's decision in their Family Justice Courts case may file an appeal.

Family guidance for children and young persons

Family guidance orders provide assistance and support to parents with children under 16 years old who display serious behavioural challenges and need to be guided.

Guardianship

Guardianship gives a person the legal responsibility to care for a child below 21 years of age.

International child abduction

Parties may apply under the International Child Abduction Act (ICAA) for the return of their child, who has been removed from a country where the child ordinarily resides in another country.

Probate and administration

The Family Justice Courts can appoint a person to manage the estate of a deceased individual through a grant of probate or letters of administration.

Protection against family violence

A personal protection order is a court order restraining a family member from committing violence against another family member.

Protection for vulnerable adults

The Family Courts can make orders to protect a vulnerable adult from abuse, neglect or self-neglect. Find out which cases qualify and the application process.

Maintenance

The law generally requires certain parties to provide support to their family members. Maintenance is one form of such support, which is financial in nature.

Mediation and counselling in the Family Justice Courts

Parties involved in certain cases heard in the Family Justice Courts may be directed to the Family Dispute Resolution Division to resolve their disputes.

Syariah Court orders

A party may enforce certain Syariah Court orders in the Family Justice Courts against another party who breached them. Find out what to expect.

Family Justice Rules 2024

Find out about the Family Justice Rules 2024.
legal-system

Not sure where to start?

Understand the differences between criminal, civil and family law, and the types of courts that can hear your case.

Find out more

Resources

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Singapore Courts

© 2025 Government of Singapore.
Last updated on 08 April 20242024/04/08.