AWARE is the only organisation in Singapore that offers practical advice for expat women in need of it. In cases of divorce, AWARE counsellors stress the importance of networking, finding out your rights as soon as possible, recording details of finances and assets, and always being prepared for the next step. “It hurts to do all these things when your world has fallen apart, but it is necessary to act. Try to make good contacts via support groups and get outside help to avoid draining your friendships,” Kerry suggests. To find out more about AWARE, visit www.aware.org.sg.
AWARE
Helpline
Attends to callers in need of counselling and provides referral services. 3.00pm to 9.30pm, Monday to Friday, at 1 800 774 5935.
Legal Clinic
Provides women with free legal information and advice at a monthly clinic. Second Thursday of every month. Book by calling the Helpline.
Befrienders
Support to women by accompanying them to police stations, family courts, hospitals and other help centres. Book via the Helpline.
Counsellors
Advise individuals, couples and families on marital and family discord, domestic violence, single parenthood, separation, divorce, sexuality, self-esteem and other areas. This is a confidential service provided for a small charge. Book through the Helpline.
The Legal Issues
Expat Living spoke with Randolph Khoo, director of litigation and dispute resolution of Drew & Napier solicitors, about the matters that divorcing couples should bear in mind.
EL: Are there any legal organisations in Singapore, apart from law firms, that can offer advice on this?
RK: The Family Court website (app.subcourts.gov.sg/family/index.aspx) contains user-friendly information for non-lawyers.
The Law Society website (www.lawsociety.org.sg() also contains general information on divorce.
Q: What happens to the trailing spouse’s dependant’s pass when divorce is filed for or granted? Does he or she have to leave the country right away after a divorce is granted, if he or she has not yet found a job?
A: According to a Ministry of Manpower official, the fact that your partner has filed for divorce does not affect your right to live here. But once the divorce is legalised the dependant pass-holder needs to do one of the following:
1) Leave the country within 14 days, or
2) Apply for a work permit and try to find employment at the same time, or
3) in the case of not having found a job straight away, ask for an extension of the employment pass (but that would require authorisation from the ex-partner via his or her employer, who would still have to be a sponsor to the dependant).
Huasing Association 1999 - 2013