Businessman’s ex-wife, sister tussle to be his legal guardian amid claims of affair and illegitimate child

P previously posted on social media and told friends that he believed his ex-wife had an affair with the father of one of her students. In early 2019, the ex-wife gave birth to a third child, who is being cared for by the ex-wife and her mother.

Despite the divorce, P remained on cordial terms with his ex-wife, exchanging messages frequently and occasionally spending the night at her home, though they slept separately.

She also said P got along well with her third child and that the former couple remained good friends.

Ex-wife sold his car: Sister

At the time of the stroke, P’s car was parked near a temple. When the ex-wife found out, she drove the vehicle away and continued paying the installments. She also used the car regularly.

Court proceedings revealed that she eventually sold the car.

The ex-wife also took P’s mobile phone and gave it to their elder son, while transferring the phone line to her own name.

Ex-wife wanted to bring him home

Doctors assessed that P did not require 24-hour intensive monitoring. However, if he was brought home, he would need two trained caregivers, along with home modifications recommended by therapists.

The ex-wife argued that she worked from home, had a domestic helper, and that her mother could help care for him.

However, the judge noted that she still had a young child at home as well as work commitments, making it unlikely she could provide full-time care. Her home was also rented and could not necessarily be modified.

The sister added that although the ex-wife continued to visit P regularly at his nursing home, she had not done so for more than six months. The ex-wife said she was kept updated about his condition through the family members of another patient in the same ward.

Ex-wife not suitable: Judge

Judge Chiang noted that while a deputy does not necessarily have to be a family member, the ex-wife was not shown to be more suitable than the sister.

“P’s Sister had shown consistency in care and concern for P and had been attending to P’s needs dutifully,” noted the judge, who ultimately appointed the sister as P’s deputy.

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