How to Get a Copy of Divorce Certificates in Singapore

A divorce certificate is not just a formality but a definitive record of a dissolved marriage that carries significant legal and financial implications. It is often required to enforce rights and obligations encompassing child custody, property division, and tax filings after the divorce.

Understanding the details and the process of obtaining a copy of divorce certificates provides legal certainty, ensures compliance with Court orders, and allows both parties to move forward with clarity and security.

What Is a Divorce Certificate?

A divorce certificate is an official legal document that confirms the dissolution of a marriage following the completion of all legal proceedings. It serves as irrefutable proof that a marriage has been legally terminated, granting both parties the right to remarry and settle post-divorce obligations.

Divorce in Singapore follows a two-stage legal process:

• Interim Judgment: This is the Court’s formal declaration that a marriage has irretrievably broken down. However, it does not mean the divorce is final.
• Final Judgment: The Court grants a final judgment after all ancillary matters, including child custody, spousal and child welfare, and division of matrimonial assets, are resolved, as this officially dissolves the marriage.

The Court only issues a divorce certificate after the final judgment is granted, conclusively ending the marital relationship.

What Is the Purpose of a Divorce Certificate?

In Singapore, a divorce certificate is essential for various legal and administrative purposes. These are the key reasons why a divorce certificate is required:

• Legal Recognition of Divorce: Without a divorce certificate, ex-spouses may still be considered legally married in official records. This could lead to legal and procedural complications in personal and financial matters.
• Right to Remarry: Individuals can only enter a new marriage after obtaining the certificate, as it confirms that the previous marriage has legally ended.
• Property and Housing Matters: A divorce certificate is often required when handling matters related to housing, particularly HDB flats.
• Insurance Claims and Tax: The divorce certificate plays an important role in financial matters, such as division of Central Provident Fund savings, processing insurance claims related to marital status, and adjustments for tax exemptions filing status.

What Is the Timeline for Receiving a Divorce Certificate?

A party may apply for the Final Judgment and obtain the divorce certificate only 3 months after the Interim Judgment is granted or after the Court has concluded all ancillary matters, whichever is later.

In exceptional cases, an earlier application may be made with Court approval, though this is rarely granted unless strong justification is provided.

Who Is Eligible to Apply for a Divorce Certificate?

The right to apply for a divorce certificate is not automatic for both parties. Typically, the Applicant—the person who filed for the divorce and who was granted the Interim Judgment in their favour—is responsible for applying for the divorce certificate.

However, if the Applicant fails to apply within the prescribed time frame, the Respondent may step in and apply instead. This ensures that the divorce can be finalised and recorded officially, even if the Applicant does not take timely action.

How to Obtain a Copy of a Divorce Certificate

When you are legally represented:

• Your lawyer will typically apply for the Final Judgment (previously known as the Final Judgment of Divorce) on your behalf once the conditions for finalisation are met.
• Upon the Court’s approval, the Interim Judgment and Final Judgment will be provided in soft copy.
• These documents feature a QR code which can be scanned to verify their authenticity directly against Court records.

Most local authorities in Singapore, such as:

• the Housing & Development Board (HDB), and
• the Central Provident Fund (CPF) Board,
  accept these electronically issued soft copies for official matters.

If You Need a Certified True Copy

If you require a version that is certified as a true copy by the Court:

• You (or your lawyer) must make a specific application through the eLitigation system (via your lawyer) or in person at the CrimsonLogic Service Bureau (if self-represented).
• The certified true copy will also be provided in soft copy format.
• It will include a Court stamp indicating that it is a true copy, along with additional electronic authentication features.

📌 Important: There is currently no issuance of physical hard copies with wet ink certification. All certified documents are digitally authenticated.

If You Need to Use the Document Overseas

When you require the certified divorce documents for use in a foreign jurisdiction, further authentication is necessary:

• After obtaining the certified true copy from the Family Justice Courts, you must proceed to have the document legalised or authenticated.

This process involves the Singapore Academy of Law (SAL):

Procedures via the Singapore Academy of Law (SAL)

1. Submit the certified document to the SAL Legalisation Service.
2. SAL will:
   • Verify that the document was duly issued and certified by the Singapore Court.
   • Affix a Legalisation Certificate or Authentication Certificate, depending on the requirements of the receiving country.
3. Payment of a prescribed fee is required for the legalisation/authentication service.
4. If the destination country is a Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents (Apostille Convention) member, SAL will issue an Apostille Certificate instead.
5. Processing is typically completed within 1–3 working days, though expedited services may be available for urgent requests.

You can submit your application to SAL either:

• Online via the SAL Legalisation Portal, or
• In person at the SAL office located at the Supreme Court Building.

🔹 Tip: Always check with the foreign authority or embassy on whether they require additional notarisation or embassy attestation beyond SAL legalisation.

What Happens if I Lose My Divorce Certificate?

Losing your Divorce Certificate does not mean you are left without proof of your divorce. There are established procedures to obtain a replacement, although some administrative steps and fees may apply.

Options Available

1. Request a Copy from Your Lawyer

   • If you were represented by a lawyer during your divorce proceedings, you can contact your lawyer's office to request a copy of your Interim Judgment and Final Judgment (divorce certificate).
   • Important:
     • Law firms may charge a retrieval or administrative fee for accessing archived files, particularly if the case is older.
     • The availability of your documents may depend on the firm's document retention policy, which typically ranges between 6 to 7 years.

2. Make a Fresh Application via the CrimsonLogic Service Bureau

   If you do not have a lawyer or if your lawyer cannot retrieve the documents, you may:

   • Apply for a fresh copy in person at the CrimsonLogic Service Bureau.
   • You will need to provide:
     • Your NRIC or passport for identity verification
     • Details of your divorce case, such as your case reference number
     • If available, any previous documents related to the divorce to help locate the record
   • Fees are payable for the search and issuance of the documents.