OVERSEAS DIVORCES
The Syariah Court would also be able to deal with the consequences of a Muslim divorce obtained overseas.
If either party is domiciled in Singapore or has lived here for at least three years before applying, the court could make financial orders as well as orders on the custody, care and control of, and access to, children.
Currently, Muslim families who obtain a divorce overseas may have to begin separate proceedings in the High Court or Family Justice Courts. MCCY said the change is expected to save time and costs by allowing eligible families to start proceedings at the Syariah Court instead.
Existing safeguards would remain. Applicants would first need the court’s permission, and the court would consider factors including whether Singapore is the appropriate jurisdiction to hear the case.
CHILD WELFARE AND RELOCATION
The Bill also seeks to make clear that a child’s welfare is the Syariah Court’s “paramount consideration” in matters involving children, formalising existing court practice.
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