In 2025, 48.7 per cent of civil divorces in Singapore cited unreasonable behaviour, making it the most common reason for marital breakdown, according to Department of Statistics data released on July 10. While adultery accounted for just 0.9 per cent of civil cases, it represented 18.4 per cent of Muslim divorces, where it was the second most common factor after personality differences.
Did You Know? Divorce by mutual agreement, which allows couples to end a marriage without assigning fault, was introduced on July 1, 2024, and became the third most commonly cited fact for civil divorces in 2025.
Legal Frameworks and Divorce Statistics
The disparity in how infidelity is reported stems from fundamental differences between the Women’s Charter for civil divorces and the Administration of Muslim Law Act (AMLA) for Muslim divorces. According to Lim Chong Boon, managing director of family law & dispute resolution at PKWA Law Practice, civil law requires proof of an irretrievable breakdown through one of six specific facts, including fault-based categories like adultery. Conversely, the Syariah Court determines proceedings based on the AMLA and principles of Muslim law, which do not set out the same statutory facts for divorce, said Abdul Wahab, managing director of A.W. Law.
Expert Insight: The higher reporting of infidelity in Muslim divorce statistics does not necessarily indicate a higher prevalence of adultery. Instead, it reflects the procedural reality that civil litigants are often steered away from citing adultery due to the high costs and evidentiary requirements—such as private investigator reports—needed to prove it in the Family Justice Courts.
The Practicality of Citing Unreasonable Behaviour
Legal professionals identify “unreasonable behaviour” as the most practical path for most civil divorce filings. This catch-all category includes actions such as verbal abuse, family violence, gambling, financial irresponsibility, and extramarital affairs. Because it is often easier to prove than specific fault-based facts, it allows couples to bypass the mandatory three-to-four-year waiting periods required for separation-based divorces, according to Wahab.
Reducing Confrontation Through Mutual Agreement
The introduction of divorce by mutual agreement aims to mitigate the “blame game” that previously forced one party to allege misconduct even when both spouses agreed the marriage had ended. By removing the need to portray one spouse as a wrongdoer, this legal pathway allows couples to prioritize co-parenting and financial settlements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary ground for civil divorce in Singapore?
The only legal ground for a civil divorce is that the marriage has broken down irretrievably, which must be proven using one of six recognized facts under the Women’s Charter.
Why is adultery rarely used as a reason in civil divorces?
Proving adultery is considered difficult, expensive, and often unnecessary. Parties typically need strong circumstantial evidence, such as videos or investigator reports, leading many to cite unreasonable behaviour instead.
How does the Syariah Court process differ from the civil system?
Unlike the civil system, which is governed by the Women’s Charter and specific statutory facts, the Syariah Court handles divorces under the Administration of Muslim Law Act (AMLA) and applicable principles of Muslim law.
How might the availability of a no-fault divorce option change the way couples approach the legal end of a marriage?