At an uncontested divorce hearing (simplified track)

Proceedings in an uncontested divorce hearing

The court will send a Registrar's Notice to notify parties (or their lawyers, if any) of the uncontested divorce hearing date that will be scheduled within 4 to 6 weeks after the relevant papers are filed.

Parties and their lawyers (if any) are not required to attend the divorce hearing. Members of the public are not allowed to attend the hearing.

At the hearing, the court will grant an order for divorce known as an Interim Judgment if it is satisfied that the parties' marriage has broken down irretrievably. Parties will need to ensure that they follow the terms agreed between them. This may include selling the Housing & Development Board (HDB) flat (if applicable) and ensuring that maintenance is paid or received as agreed.

Parties may then extract the Interim Judgment at the LawNet & CrimsonLogic Service Bureau.

Extract the Certificate of Final Judgment

Once the Interim Judgment has been extracted, parties will have to wait for 3 months from the date the Interim Judgment is granted to extract the Certificate of Final Judgment, or when all the ancillary matters relating to the children (if applicable) have been resolved, whichever is later.

Extracting the Certificate of Final Judgment finalises and completes the divorce proceedings.

Parties may choose to extract their Final Judgment personally or through a lawyer. If you are represented by a lawyer, your lawyer will extract the Final Judgment on your behalf.

If you are representing yourself, you must prepare the Certificate of Final Judgment Form (Form 33, Family Justice Courts (FJC) Practice Directions) before heading down personally to the LawNet & CrimsonLogic Service Bureau to extract the Final Judgment.

You must follow Part 5 of Division 2 of the Family Justice Rules and the FJC Practice Directions to prepare their documents.

Estimated fees

Parties will have to pay $14 to extract the Certificate of Final Judgment.

In addition to this fee, there are also other fees payable to the LawNet & CrimsonLogic Service Bureau.

Apply to vary a court order

Parties may consider applying to vary (change) a court order if there is a material change in circumstances of either party or of their children (if applicable).

If you are the party applying to vary the court order, you will have to file a summons (Form 4, FJC Practice Directions) supported by an affidavit.

The affidavit should include the following:

• Full particulars of your property and income (if applicable).
• The grounds (reasons) for your application.

Find out how to prepare an affidavit.

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