What legal fact is most commonly cited in Singapore civil divorces?

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Unreasonable Behaviour is the Most Cited Legal Fact in Singapore Civil Divorces

In Singapore, nearly half of all civil divorces in 2025 were initiated on the grounds of "unreasonable behaviour," making it the predominant legal basis for marital dissolution among non-Muslim couples. This legal fact was cited in 48.7 per cent of these divorces. Adultery, in contrast, represented a significantly smaller proportion, accounting for only 0.9 per cent of civil divorces, the lowest among all cited legal grounds.
Unreasonable Behaviour Covers a Wide Spectrum of Marital Issues

Lawyers indicate that "unreasonable behaviour" has emerged as the most frequent ground for civil divorce due to its broad applicability. This legal classification encompasses a diverse range of actions and circumstances, including but not limited to abuse, controlling conduct, addiction issues, gambling, financial neglect, and even extramarital affairs. Its comprehensive nature allows couples to cite it when proving an irretrievable breakdown of the marriage without needing to pinpoint a single, specific transgression.
Adultery Requires a Higher Evidential Burden

Despite being a potential cause for marital breakdown, adultery was cited in a mere 0.9 per cent of civil divorces. Legal practitioners explain that proving adultery as a legal fact under Singapore's Women's Charter typically demands substantial evidence, such as reports from private investigators or photographic proof of a sexual relationship. This higher evidential threshold often leads couples experiencing infidelity to instead rely on the more easily established ground of "unreasonable behaviour."
Divorce by Mutual Agreement is Increasingly Utilised

Divorce by mutual agreement, a provision introduced on July 1, 2024, has rapidly gained traction, becoming the third most commonly cited legal fact in 2025. This option allows couples to acknowledge the end of their marriage without assigning blame, thereby reducing the confrontational nature of divorce proceedings. Previously, even in amicable separations, one party often had to allege specific grounds like unreasonable behaviour. The mutual agreement provision simplifies this, enabling couples to focus on resolving practical matters like child custody and finances.

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What legal fact is most commonly cited in Singapore civil divorces?

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