ARTICLES
Outrage of Modesty: Practical Considerations
What is outrage of modesty? Section 354 of the Penal Code criminalises the use of criminal force on another person with the intention or knowledge that it will thereby outrage the modesty of that person. Outrage of modesty is also commonly known as molestation. The terms ‘outrage’ and ‘modesty’ are left undefined to accommodate for…...
Citizenship Laws in Singapore: How is Citizenship Acquired?
Article 15 of the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that everyone has a right to a nationality, and that no one shall be arbitrarily deprived of it. Indeed, citizenship is important, to the extent that some legal scholars have maintained that citizenship is a person’s basic right, or “the right to have rights”.…...
Differences Between Legal and Physical Child Custody
The question of who gets custody of the children is often the number one concern of parents divorcing in Singapore. But although most people are familiar with the phrase “child custody,” many aren’t aware that it means more than who will live with the child on a day-to-day basis. Child custody has both a physical…...
When Does Discipline Become Child Abuse?
Corporal punishment may have once been a common mode of discipline across households in Singapore, but it is increasingly being frowned upon, especially as the leakage of such acts on social media has triggered waves of public outrage. The law supports the authority of a parent to inflict reasonable discipline on his or her child,…...
FAQs: Adoption in Singapore
What is adoption? Adoption is a legal process where parental rights over a child are conferred to the applicants. The relationship between the biological parents and their child is severed and replaced with a legitimate relationship between the applicant(s) and the child. In Singapore, the process is governed by the Adoption of Children Act (ACA).…...
How Will a Divorce Pan out With Children in the Picture?
Divorce can be made simple if uncontested, but what if there are children in the picture? A divorce is no longer just between the Husband and the Wife when there is a child, or children, from the marriage. Television programmes often depict divorcing parents who are undergoing a ‘messy’ divorce ‘fighting’ for their child in…...
Covid-19 and Marital Relationship Issues
The worldwide call to limit external social activity, keeping a social distance, working from home and even having to isolate oneself at home will result in one having to spend much more than an unusual amount of time at home with their spouse. This situation can inevitably expose any underlying conflicts couples may be experiencing.…...
Impact of Coronavirus on Divorce & Child Custody in Singapore
The coronavirus pandemic has thrust the world into a period of fear and uncertainty. For divorced parents, these feelings are intensified. How can parents protect their children from potential exposure to the virus without violating a shared custody or visitation order? What if one parent believes a particular activity is safe for the children, but…...
6 Things to Ask a Family Lawyer Before Hiring
Divorce is never easy, but the right attorney can smooth the path. The “right” lawyer is not only well-qualified in the family law field, but has a working style and personality that meets your needs and expectations. When you meet with a prospective Singapore divorce lawyer, ask these six questions to determine whether you’re making…...
Co-parenting in a Pandemic
The Singapore Family Justice Court’s (“FJC”) approach to handling family disputes is to encourage effective co-parenting. Past cases illustrate that effective co-parenting involves prioritising the welfare of the children pursuant to Section 125 of the Women’s Charter. Judges have reminded parties that “acrimony is no excuse for the lack of communication” (in the case of…...