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Here’s what every Singaporean should know.

In Singapore, CPF savings aren’t just for retirement—they’re also considered matrimonial assets if they were accumulated or used during the marriage. Whether it’s funds used to buy the family home or savings built up over the years, the court ensures that contributions from both spouses are recognised.

The division typically happens in one of two ways:
Transfer Orders: A portion of the paying spouse’s CPF savings is directly transferred to the other spouse’s CPF account.
Charging Orders: The receiving spouse gets a share in cash when the paying spouse becomes eligible to withdraw their CPF savings, such as at age 55.
But there’s a catch—CPF rules still apply. For example, the paying spouse must first set aside the required retirement sum before any funds can be transferred or paid out. I’ve had cases where these regulations significantly influenced how CPF savings were divided, especially for couples approaching retirement age.

These measures are designed to strike a balance—ensuring fairness in asset division while protecting each spouse’s retirement needs. It’s a delicate process, and understanding the details can make all the difference.

Have questions about dividing CPF savings in a divorce? Message me—I’ll guide you through the process.

#CPFDivisionSG #DivorceAssets #FamilyLawSingapore #RetirementAndDivorce

Let’s break down the rules and what you can do next.

In Singapore, the HDB flat is often the largest asset a couple owns, so it’s no surprise it becomes a key issue in divorce proceedings. Whether it’s classified as a matrimonial asset depends on how it was acquired or used. If the flat was purchased during the marriage or improved using shared funds, it’s almost always subject to division.

Even flats owned before marriage can be divided if they were used as the family home or significantly upgraded during the relationship. For example, I’ve seen cases where a spouse claimed sole ownership of a flat purchased before the wedding, only for the court to include it in the division because joint savings were used for renovations.

If one spouse wants to keep the flat, they must meet HDB’s strict eligibility criteria. For instance, the spouse must be over 35 or have children to qualify under the Single Singapore Citizen Scheme. And let’s not forget the Minimum Occupation Period (MOP)—if it’s not met, the flat may need to be surrendered or sold back to HDB.

HDB policies and divorce laws intersect here, making it essential to plan carefully. Whether the flat is retained, sold, or surrendered, the goal is to ensure fairness while complying with regulations.

Unsure what will happen to your HDB flat in a divorce? Send me a message—I’ll help you navigate the process.

#HDBDivorceSG #MatrimonialAssets #FamilyLawSingapore #DivorceAndHousingSG

Think your spouse might be hiding assets during a divorce?

In divorce cases, financial transparency is essential, but what happens when one spouse suspects the other is concealing assets? This is where discovery and interrogatories come into play. These legal tools ensure a fair division by uncovering hidden wealth.

Discovery allows you to request specific documents like bank statements, tax returns, and property records. For example, I once worked on a case where a client discovered unreported income by tracing irregular bank deposits through discovery. Interrogatories, on the other hand, involve targeted questions. If a spouse’s spending patterns don’t align with their declared income, interrogatories can dig deeper, forcing explanations.

In one high-profile case, a wife used these tools to uncover $4 million her husband had concealed. With this evidence, the court awarded her a share of the hidden assets and adjusted the settlement to reflect her spouse’s lack of transparency.

The message is clear: attempting to hide assets not only risks exposure but can also backfire in court. Discovery and interrogatories ensure that all assets—seen and hidden—are accounted for, protecting both parties’ rights.

Worried about hidden assets in your divorce? Message me to learn how the discovery process can help.

#HiddenAssetsSG #DivorceDiscovery #FamilyLawSingapore #FairDivorceSettlement