Why did unreasonable behaviour top Singapore civil divorce grounds in 2025?

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Unreasonable Behaviour Cited as Primary Ground in Most Singapore Civil Divorces Due to Legal Framework

In 2025, "unreasonable behaviour" emerged as the most frequently cited legal ground for civil divorces in Singapore, accounting for 48.7% of such cases. This prevalence is largely attributed to the legal requirements under Singapore's Women's Charter, which necessitate proving an irretrievable breakdown of marriage through one of six specific legal facts. Lawyers suggest that the broad definition and lower evidential burden of "unreasonable behaviour" make it a more practical choice for couples compared to other grounds, such as adultery, which carries a significantly higher requirement for proof.
Broad Definition and Lower Evidential Burden of Unreasonable Behaviour

The category of "unreasonable behaviour" under the Women's Charter is a wide-ranging descriptor that can encompass various forms of marital misconduct. This includes, but is not limited to, instances of abuse, controlling behaviour, addiction, gambling, financial neglect, and even extra-marital affairs. This broad scope allows individuals to cite a multitude of circumstances that have contributed to the breakdown of their marriage without needing to pinpoint a single, specific event.
Adultery Requires a Higher Evidential Threshold

In contrast to the broad applicability of "unreasonable behaviour," proving adultery as a legal ground for civil divorce in Singapore involves a more stringent evidential requirement. Establishing adultery often necessitates compelling evidence, such as reports from private investigators or photographic proof, to demonstrate a sexual relationship between a spouse and a third party. Consequently, many couples opt for the "unreasonable behaviour" ground as it simplifies the process of legally dissolving their marriage, even if infidelity is a contributing factor.
Divorce by Mutual Agreement Becomes a Significant Ground

The introduction of divorce by mutual agreement on July 1, 2024, has notably become the third most cited legal fact for civil divorces in 2025. This provision allows couples to acknowledge the irretrievable breakdown of their marriage without assigning blame to either party. This has contributed to a less confrontational divorce process, enabling couples to focus on resolving practical issues such as child custody and financial settlements rather than engaging in disputes over past grievances.

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Why did unreasonable behaviour top Singapore civil divorce grounds in 2025?

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