The
right approach to resolving your divorce is to reach an amicable settlement
with your spouse, especially when it involves children. A good divorce lawyer
will encourage a holistic, long term solution to their clients.
When
making a final parenting order, the family court is required to take into
consideration, the best interests for the child. Parents should also use this
principle when making their proposed parenting plans.
In
Singapore, both parents are responsible for the upbringing and welfare of their
children till the age of 21. However, maintenance orders may be extended for
children above this age under certain circumstances- such as if they are
pursuing their tertiary education or undergoing national service.
The
priority of family court is to take into consideration, the benefit of a
child`s meaningful relationship with both his/her parents and the need to
protect the child from physical or psychological abuse.
The
court takes into consideration:
- The child`s views and reasons for
their views.
- The child`s relationship with his
parents.
- The attitude shown parents to
encourage the child to continue a relationship with the other parent.
- The impact of changed circumstances on
a child`s day by day schedule, incorporating detachment from a guardian and careers
e.g. grandparents and relatives.
- The parents ability to provide for the
child`s needs (financial and emotional).
- The parent`s attitude towards the
child and their upbringing.
- The maturity, sex and lifestyle of a
child and of either of the child`s parents.
- The act or threat of violence
involving a child or a member of the child’s family.
A
court will also take into consideration the degree to which each parent has or
has not beforehand met their parental obligations, in particular;
- The parent`s willingness to participate in
decision making about major long-term issues involving the child
- Time spent with the child.
- Parents meeting their obligations to
maintain a child and facilitating of the other parent’s involvement in these
aspects of the child’s life.
