Why do lawyers say infidelity figures may not reflect true prevalence?

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Lawyers Suggest Civil Divorce Statistics Don't Reflect True Infidelity Rates

Lawyers in Singapore have indicated that the official figures for civil divorces, which show a low incidence of adultery, may not accurately represent the true prevalence of infidelity in marriages. The discrepancy is attributed to the differing legal frameworks and evidential requirements for civil and Muslim divorces, rather than a significantly lower rate of extramarital affairs among civil couples.
Unreasonable Behaviour Dominates Civil Divorce Grounds

In 2025, nearly half of all civil divorces in Singapore were filed citing "unreasonable behaviour" as the grounds for divorce, accounting for 48.7 per cent of cases. This legal fact encompasses a wide range of conduct, including abuse, addiction, and financial neglect, and has become the most frequently used basis for ending a civil marriage.
Adultery Represents a Small Fraction of Civil Divorces

Conversely, adultery was cited as the legal fact in only 0.9 per cent of civil divorces last year, the lowest proportion among all cited reasons. Lawyers explain that proving adultery in civil cases carries a higher evidential burden, often necessitating substantial circumstantial evidence such as reports from private investigators or photographic proof of a sexual relationship with a third party.
Muslim Divorce Statistics Show Higher Infidelity Rates

In contrast, infidelity was identified as the main issue in 18.4 per cent of Muslim divorces, making it the second most common reason after personality differences at 21.5 per cent. However, legal professionals suggest this difference stems from the distinct legal processes, as Muslim divorce statistics capture the stated reason for breakdown, whereas civil divorces require adultery to be proven as a specific legal fact.
Legal Frameworks Influence Divorce Grounds Cited

The chosen legal grounds for divorce are influenced by the specific legal requirements. For civil divorces governed by the Women's Charter, couples must prove irretrievable breakdown via one of six recognised facts. Lawyers note that citing "unreasonable behaviour" is often more practical and less demanding than proving adultery, and even more so than the lengthy separation periods required for other grounds.

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Why do lawyers say infidelity figures may not reflect true prevalence?

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