Marriage in Singapore has always been the true basis of a family unit across all cultures. Couples who choose to enter holy matrimony together actively commit to a lifetime full of love and sacrifice. However, despite this, there has been an increasingly high rate of divorces occurring throughout the years. In this article, we will be looking into the contributing factors to the increased divorce rate in Singapore. It also aims to understand these factors in order to help prevent more divorces in the future.

Understanding the Divorce Rate in Singapore

Back in 2021, Singapore observed 7,674 divorces, indicating an upward trend in the divorce rate. This was an increase of 14.4% from the tallied 6,708 divorces in the previous year 2020. Due to COVID-19, 2020, it was reported as a year of fewer divorces than in other years. However, as authorities gradually lifted safety measures and life returned to normal, divorce applications and divorce proceedings started to rise again, further impacting the divorce rate in Singapore.

Causes of Rising Divorce Rates in Singapore

• Adultery
  Adultery is, more often than not, one of the leading causes of divorce. While some couples try to work it out after the cheating has occurred, this betrayal is too much for some. Cheating can stem from several reasons. From personal issues or a dying relationship all deal a damaging blow to any relationship, married or not. With that, couples decide to separate and opt for a divorce.

• Domestic Abuse
  Partners who abuse people also increase the likelihood of divorce, and the abused person may even seek a Personal Protection Order against their abusive partner. However, while leaving an abusive relationship may seem like the right move, it can be terrifying because the abuser may continue to harass them. Thankfully, if the abuser refuses to accept the divorce, the victim can opt to approach the police, apart from filing for the PPO. Additionally, the court can also expedite this order for them, especially if the victim is facing an immediate threat to their life. 

• Financial Problems
  Not even the strongest of relationships can survive financial issues. Couples who struggle to make ends meet result in a deteriorating relationship and eventually lead to divorce. 

• Lack of Intimacy
  Intimacy is essential to any relationship, marriage or not. Not only does physical intimacy play a huge role, but so does being emotionally available as well as putting in the effort to express your love. As time passes, significant events in life can lead to a deteriorating relationship.When someone loses interest, they may also lose the inclination to provide the love that their partner needs.

• Addiction
  Too much of anything is, in and of itself, an alarming matter already, however, addiction to any vice increases its seriousness tenfold. Whether this is substance abuse or an addiction to gambling, these can lead to not only someone neglecting their own health but their spouse entirely as well. 

The Impact of Divorce in Society 

It is understood that divorce is a difficult matter for couples. However, what most people don’t realize is that it greatly affects a whole lot more. The most common negative effect divorce has is on children. In fact, many of them blame themselves for their parent’s divorce. This not only causes guilt but emotional turmoil as well. This can negatively affect their performance in school as well as developmental issues and behavioural problems.

Furthermore, divorce hinders society not only by dissolving families but weakening the belief in families being an essential social unit as well. Most people see families as the emotional, financial, and even educational support. And without this, it will be impossible for others to thrive. 

Preventing Divorce in Singapore

While saying it is easier than doing it, couples can use effective ways to prevent divorce from happening. One way to assure this is by making sure that both parties are open to communication. Relationships take a lot of work, but when they are open to sharing how they want to be loved and what they expect from one another, any problem becomes easier to deal with.

Being open to and accepting change is also another way to prevent divorce. Not everything will go according to plan in a marriage. In fact, most of the time nothing ever does. However, whether you choose to accept these changes or not will greatly affect your relationship. In a committed relationship, nothing is more important than choosing to stay by each other’s side no matter what is thrown at you. Instead of fighting against the change that life gives you, it is more helpful to choose to fight through it together. 

Count on Yeolaw to Guide You Through Your Divorce

There are several reasons why the divorce rate remains at an all-time high in Singapore. And, unfortunately, no matter how hard couples strive to keep their relationships alive, there are just some that are not meant to last. That is why at Yeolaw, we are prepared to hold your hand throughout the entire process. Book a free consultation with us today via +65 6220 3400 or visit our website to get through this trying time together.