What percentage of civil divorces cited unreasonable behaviour in 2025?

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48.7% of civil divorces in Singapore in 2025 cited unreasonable behaviour as the legal grounds
In 2025, 48.7% of civil (non-Muslim) divorces in Singapore were filed on the grounds of “unreasonable behaviour”. Official figures released on July 10 showed it was the most commonly used legal basis for civil divorce that year.
Unreasonable behaviour was the top legal fact for civil divorces in 2025
The Department of Statistics data published on July 10 reported that 48.7% of civil couples who divorced in 2025 cited unreasonable behaviour. This made it the most frequently cited legal basis among the six recognised legal facts under the civil divorce framework.
The figures compare against adultery in civil divorces
In the same 2025 civil divorce statistics, adultery accounted for 0.9% of cases. Lawyers said this contrast aligns with legal requirements rather than indicating how often adultery occurs in real-life situations.
Civil divorce requires one of six legal facts
Under Singapore’s Women’s Charter, couples seeking a civil divorce must show irretrievable breakdown by relying on one of six legal facts. These include adultery, desertion, unreasonable behaviour, separation, divorce by mutual agreement, or living apart.
Legal frameworks influence how reasons are recorded in statistics
Lawyers interviewed said unreasonable behaviour is often used because it covers a broad range of conduct and can be simpler to establish than adultery. They also noted that adultery involves a higher evidential burden, which can shape how frequently it appears in civil divorce filings.

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What percentage of civil divorces cited unreasonable behaviour in 2025?

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