# legal_provisions

document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s21A
chapter: PART 3 - SOLEMNISATION OF MARRIAGES
section: 21A
title: Consents required for licences for minors who have not previously married
content:
21A. —(1) The Registrar must not issue a marriage licence for the marriage of a minor unless one of the following conditions is satisfied in relation to each person mentioned in the Second Schedule as a person whose consent is required for the marriage of the minor: ( a ) the person consents to the marriage; ( b ) the person refuses to consent to the marriage but the court consents to the marriage in lieu of the person; ( c ) the Registrar — (i) is satisfied that the consent of the person cannot be obtained because the person is absent, inaccessible or under a disability; and (ii) dispenses with the consent of the person. (2) The Minister must not grant a special marriage licence for the marriage of a minor unless one of the following conditions is satisfied in relation to each person mentioned in the Second Schedule as a person whose consent is required for the marriage of the minor: ( a ) the person consents to the marriage; ( b ) the person refuses to consent to the marriage but the court consents to the marriage in lieu of the person; ( c ) the Minister — (i) is satisfied that the consent of the person cannot be obtained because the person is absent, inaccessible or under a disability; and (ii) dispenses with the consent of the person. (3) Where an application is made to the court for the purposes of subsection (1)( b ) or (2)( b ) — ( a ) notice of the application must be served on the person who refused to give consent; ( b ) the application must be heard in chambers; and ( c ) there is no appeal from the order of the court. (4) This section does not apply to a minor who — ( a ) was previously in a marriage that has been dissolved or annulled; or ( b ) is a widower or a widow. (5) In this section and the Second Schedule, “minor” means a person who is below 21 years of age. [Act 3 of 2022 wef 25/09/2023]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s21B
chapter: PART 3 - SOLEMNISATION OF MARRIAGES
section: 21B
title: Marriage preparation programme
content:
21B. For the purposes of this Division, the Minister may, by rules made under section 180, prescribe — ( a ) one or more classes of persons who are required to attend and complete a marriage preparation programme before they may marry; and ( b ) what constitutes a marriage preparation programme. [Act 3 of 2022 wef 25/09/2023] Division 4 &#x2014; Solemnisation [Act 3 of 2022 wef 25/09/2023]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s22
chapter: PART 3 - SOLEMNISATION OF MARRIAGES
section: 22
title: Who may solemnise a marriage
content:
22. —(1) A marriage may be solemnised by the Registrar or a licensed solemniser. (2) For the purposes of subsection (1), the Minister may grant a licence to any suitable person to solemnise marriages in Singapore. (3) A licensed solemniser is deemed to be a public servant within the meaning of the Penal Code 1871. [Act 3 of 2022 wef 25/09/2023]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s23
chapter: PART 3 - SOLEMNISATION OF MARRIAGES
section: 23
title: How is a marriage solemnised
content:
23. —(1) Subject to section 24, a marriage must be solemnised with all the following persons in the presence of each other in Singapore: ( a ) the parties to the intended marriage; ( b ) the Registrar or a licensed solemniser; ( c ) at least 2 credible witnesses. (2) The Registrar or licensed solemniser — ( a ) must ask the man whether he is willing to take the woman as his wife; ( b ) must ask the woman whether she is willing to take the man as her husband; and ( c ) must not solemnise the marriage unless the Registrar or the licensed solemniser is satisfied that both parties freely consent to the marriage. (3) Subject to this section, the Registrar or licensed solemniser may adopt any form and ceremony. [Act 3 of 2022 wef 25/09/2023]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s24
chapter: PART 3 - SOLEMNISATION OF MARRIAGES
section: 24
title: Registrar may permit remote solemnisation in certain circumstances
content:
24. —(1) The Registrar may give permission for a marriage to be remotely solemnised using a live video or live television link if — ( a ) the parties to the intended marriage, the person solemnising the marriage and the witnesses will be in Singapore during the solemnisation; and ( b ) the Registrar is satisfied that — (i) there are exceptional circumstances that prevent the parties from solemnising their marriage in the presence of each other, the person solemnising the marriage or the witnesses; and (ii) it is otherwise appropriate to give permission. (2) In giving permission under subsection (1), the Registrar may specify — ( a ) the remote communications technology that is to be used to create the live video or live television link between the parties to the intended marriage, the person solemnising the marriage and the witnesses; ( b ) the locations at which the parties, the person solemnising the marriage and the witnesses are to be present; and ( c ) the administrative and technical facilities and arrangements to be put in place at those locations. [Act 3 of 2022 wef 25/09/2023]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s25
chapter: PART 4 - REGISTRATION
section: 25
title: Registration of marriages
content:
25. Every marriage solemnised in Singapore on or after 15 September 1961 must be registered in accordance with the provisions of this Part. [Act 3 of 2022 wef 25/09/2023]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s26
chapter: PART 4 - REGISTRATION
section: 26
title: Appointment of Registrar, etc.
content:
26. —(1) The Minister may appoint any public officer either by name or office to be the Registrar of Marriages for the purposes of this Act. [Act 3 of 2022 wef 25/09/2023] (2) The Minister may appoint by name or office any number of public officers that may be necessary to be Assistant Registrars of Marriages for the purposes of this Act. [Act 3 of 2022 wef 25/09/2023] (3) The Minister may appoint by name or office such other officers as may be necessary for carrying this Part into effect. [Act 3 of 2022 wef 25/09/2023] (4) [ Deleted by Act 3 of 2022 wef 25/09/2023 ]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s27
chapter: PART 4 - REGISTRATION
section: 27
title: State Marriage Register
content:
27. —(1) The Registrar must maintain a State Marriage Register containing such records and information as the Registrar may determine on marriages solemnised or registered under this Act. [7/2016] (2) The State Marriage Register may be kept in such form as the Registrar may determine. [7/2016] (3) Any person may, upon application to the Registrar and upon payment of the relevant prescribed fee, obtain a copy of or extract from any record or information contained in the State Marriage Register (including a copy or extract that is certified by the Registrar to be a true copy or extract). [7/2016] (4) The following, if certified by the Registrar to be a true copy or extract, is in any proceedings admissible in evidence as of equal validity with the original document containing the information or the original record, as the case may be: ( a ) a copy of or extract from any information contained in the State Marriage Register; ( b ) a copy of or extract from any record contained in the State Marriage Register (including a copy or extract of any record produced from a microfilm or digital image). [7/2016]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s28
chapter: PART 4 - REGISTRATION
section: 28
title: Registration of marriage solemnised by Registrar or licensed solemniser
content:
28. —(1) After the Registrar solemnises a marriage, the Registrar must register the marriage in the State Marriage Register. (2) After a licensed solemniser solemnises a marriage — ( a ) the licensed solemniser must register the marriage in the State Marriage Register; and ( b ) if the licensed solemniser fails to do so within a reasonable time, the Registrar or another licensed solemniser may register the marriage in the State Marriage Register. (3) For the purposes of subsection (2)( b ), the Registrar or other licensed solemniser may require the parties to — ( a ) appear in person before the Registrar or other licensed solemniser; ( b ) provide any oral or documentary evidence of the marriage that the Registrar or other licensed solemniser may require; and ( c ) provide any information required by the Registrar or other licensed solemniser to — (i) decide whether the marriage may be registered; or (ii) register the marriage. [Act 3 of 2022 wef 25/09/2023]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s29
chapter: PART 4 - REGISTRATION
section: 29
title: Certain marriages solemnised outside Singapore may be registered
content:
29. —(1) Subject to subsection (2), where a marriage is solemnised outside Singapore on or after 15 September 1961 — ( a ) the parties to the marriage may apply to the Registrar in the prescribed form to register the marriage; and ( b ) the Registrar may register the marriage in the State Marriage Register. (2) The Registrar must not register a marriage under this section if the Registrar is satisfied that — ( a ) the marriage is void under the provisions of this Act; ( b ) neither party to the marriage is a citizen of Singapore or permanent resident of Singapore; or [Act 31 of 2023 wef 31/12/2024] ( c ) any information or evidence provided by the parties is false in any material particular. (3) For the purposes of this section, the Registrar may require the parties to the marriage to — ( a ) appear in person before the Registrar; ( b ) provide any oral or documentary evidence of the marriage that the Registrar may require; and ( c ) provide any information required by the Registrar to — (i) decide whether the marriage may be registered; or (ii) register the marriage. [Act 3 of 2022 wef 25/09/2023]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s30
chapter: PART 4 - REGISTRATION
section: 30
title: Certificate of marriage to be created upon registration, etc.
content:
30. —(1) This section applies where a marriage is registered in the State Marriage Register on or after the commencement of section 19 of the Women’s Charter (Amendment) Act 2022. (2) After the marriage is registered, the Registrar must — ( a ) cause a record to be created, in the form of a certificate of marriage, in the State Marriage Register; ( b ) notify the parties to the marriage; and ( c ) if the parties so require, provide them with a copy of the certificate of marriage. [Act 3 of 2022 wef 25/09/2023]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s31
chapter: PART 4 - REGISTRATION
section: 31
title: Correction of errors
content:
31. If the Registrar is satisfied that there is an error in form or substance in any record or information contained in the State Marriage Register, the Registrar may correct the error. [Act 3 of 2022 wef 25/09/2023] 32. [ Repealed by Act 3 of 2022 wef 25/09/2023 ]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s33
chapter: PART 4 - REGISTRATION
section: 33
title: Legal effect of registration
content:
33. Nothing in this Act shall be construed to render valid or invalid merely by reason of its having been or not having been registered any marriage which otherwise is invalid or valid.


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s34
chapter: PART 5 - OFFENCES
section: 34
title: Omission to appear before Registrar or licensed solemniser within prescribed time
content:
34. —(1) Any person who fails to appear before the Registrar or a licensed solemniser after being required to do so under section 28(3) shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $1,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or to both. [Act 3 of 2022 wef 25/09/2023] (2) The Registrar may compound any such offence by collecting from the person reasonably suspected of having committed the offence a sum not exceeding $400. [Act 3 of 2022 wef 25/09/2023]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s35
chapter: PART 5 - OFFENCES
section: 35
title: Issuing false copies or extracts
content:
35. —(1) A person (not being the Registrar) must not issue any document that purports to be — ( a ) a copy of, or an extract from, any record or information contained in the State Marriage Register; and ( b ) issued by the Registrar. (2) A person who contravenes subsection (1) shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction — ( a ) to a fine not exceeding $1,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or to both; and ( b ) in the case of a second or subsequent conviction, to a fine not exceeding $2,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2 years or to both. [Act 3 of 2022 wef 25/09/2023]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s36
chapter: PART 5 - OFFENCES
section: 36
title: Interference with marriage
content:
36. Any person who uses any force or threat — ( a ) to compel a person to marry against his or her will; or ( b ) to prevent a person who has attained 21 years of age from contracting a valid marriage, shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $3,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 years or to both.


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s37
chapter: PART 5 - OFFENCES
section: 37
title: Intentional falsehoods for procuring marriage
content:
37. Any person who for the purpose of procuring any marriage under this Act intentionally makes any false declaration or intentionally provides any false information or document required by this Act shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $3,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 years or to both. [Act 3 of 2022 wef 25/09/2023]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s38
chapter: PART 5 - OFFENCES
section: 38
title: False allegation in caveat
content:
38. —(1) Any person who enters a caveat against the issue by the Registrar of a marriage licence and makes any false representation in or in support of the caveat knowing or believing such representation to be false or not having reason to believe it to be true shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $3,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 years or to both. (2) Any person who enters a caveat against the issue of a marriage licence and pretends or falsely represents himself or herself to be a person whose consent to the marriage is required by law knowing or believing such pretence or representation to be false or not believing it to be true shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $3,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 years or to both.


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s39
chapter: PART 5 - OFFENCES
section: 39
title: Unauthorised solemnisation of marriage
content:
39. Any person who, not being authorised to do so under this Act, solemnises or purports to solemnise any marriage shall be guilty of an offence and shall on conviction be punished with imprisonment for a term not exceeding 10 years and shall also be liable to a fine not exceeding $15,000. [7/2016]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s40
chapter: PART 5 - OFFENCES
section: 40
title: Offences relating to solemnisation of marriages
content:
40. —(1) Any person who knowingly and contrary to this Act solemnises or purports to solemnise a marriage — ( a ) without a valid marriage licence or a valid special marriage licence; or [Act 3 of 2022 wef 25/09/2023] ( b ) without at least 2 credible witnesses — (i) present; or (ii) in remote communication with the parties in accordance with section 24, ( c ) [ Deleted by Act 3 of 2022 wef 25/09/2023 ] shall be guilty of an offence and shall on conviction be punished with imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 years and shall also be liable to a fine not exceeding $5,000. [7/2016] [Act 3 of 2022 wef 25/09/2023] (2) The Registrar or any Assistant Registrar who knowingly and contrary to this Act issues any marriage licence — ( a ) without publishing the notice of marriage as required by section 14(2)( a ); [Act 3 of 2022 wef 25/09/2023] ( b ) when a caveat has been entered under section 19 without having first complied with section 20; or ( c ) contrary to section 18, shall be guilty of an offence and shall on conviction be punished with imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 years and shall also be liable to a fine not exceeding $5,000. [7/2016] [Act 3 of 2022 wef 25/09/2023] (3) Any person who marries or purports to marry or goes through a form of marriage with any person contrary to any of the provisions of Part 3 shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 years and shall also be liable to a fine not exceeding $5,000.


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s41
chapter: PART 5 - OFFENCES
section: 41
title: Destroying or falsifying State Marriage Register, etc.
content:
41. Any person who by himself, herself or another — ( a ) wilfully destroys or causes damage to — (i) the State Marriage Register; or [Act 3 of 2022 wef 25/09/2023] (ii) any record or information contained in the State Marriage Register; [Act 3 of 2022 wef 25/09/2023] (iii) [ Deleted by Act 3 of 2022 wef 25/09/2023 ] ( b ) falsely makes any thing that purports to be, or counterfeits — (i) the State Marriage Register; (ii) any record or information contained in the State Marriage Register; or [Act 3 of 2022 wef 25/09/2023] (iii) [ Deleted by Act 3 of 2022 wef 25/09/2023 ] (iv) any copy of or extract from any record or information contained in the State Marriage Register that has been certified by the Registrar to be a true copy or extract; or [Act 3 of 2022 wef 25/09/2023] ( c ) wilfully inserts any false entry in — (i) the State Marriage Register; (ii) any record or information contained in the State Marriage Register; or [Act 3 of 2022 wef 25/09/2023] (iii) [ Deleted by Act 3 of 2022 wef 25/09/2023 ] (iv) any copy of or extract from any record or information contained in the State Marriage Register that has been certified by the Registrar to be a true copy or extract, shall be guilty of an offence and shall on conviction be punished with imprisonment for a term not exceeding 7 years and shall also be liable to a fine not exceeding $10,000. [7/2016] [Act 3 of 2022 wef 25/09/2023]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s42
chapter: PART 5 - OFFENCES
section: 42
title: Consent for prosecution
content:
42. No prosecution for any offence punishable under this Part may be instituted except with the consent of the Public Prosecutor. [15/2010] 43. [ Repealed by Act 3 of 2022 wef 25/09/2023 ] 44. [ Repealed by Act 7 of 2016 ] 45. [ Repealed by Act 7 of 2016 ]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s46
chapter: PART 6 - RIGHTS AND DUTIES OF HUSBAND AND WIFE
section: 46
title: Duty to cooperate
content:
46. A husband and wife are mutually bound to cooperate with each other in — ( a ) safeguarding the interests of the union; and ( b ) caring and providing for the children. [Act 3 of 2022 wef 30/12/2022]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s47
chapter: PART 6 - RIGHTS AND DUTIES OF HUSBAND AND WIFE
section: 47
title: Right to separately engage in trade, etc.
content:
47. A husband and wife have the right separately to engage in any trade or profession or in social activities. [Act 3 of 2022 wef 30/12/2022]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s48
chapter: PART 6 - RIGHTS AND DUTIES OF HUSBAND AND WIFE
section: 48
title: Equal rights in running matrimonial household
content:
48. A husband and wife have equal rights in the running of the matrimonial household. [Act 3 of 2022 wef 30/12/2022]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s49
chapter: PART 6 - RIGHTS AND DUTIES OF HUSBAND AND WIFE
section: 49
title: Equal shares in money and property derived from housekeeping allowance
content:
49. Subject to any contrary agreement between a husband and wife — ( a ) money derived from any allowance made by the husband for the expenses of the matrimonial home or for similar purposes; and ( b ) property acquired using that money, are to be treated as belonging to the husband and wife in equal shares. [Act 3 of 2022 wef 30/12/2022] Division 2 &#x2014; Abolition of common law disabilities
imposed on married women, etc.


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s50
chapter: PART 6 - RIGHTS AND DUTIES OF HUSBAND AND WIFE
section: 50
title: Married women have same rights, etc., as married men
content:
50. —(1) Unless otherwise provided in any written law, the rights, privileges, powers, capacities, duties and liabilities of a married woman are, for all the purposes of the law of Singapore (whether substantive, procedural or otherwise), the same in all respects as those of a married man, whether she is acting in a personal, official, representative, fiduciary or other capacity. (2) Subsection (1) is not limited by the provisions of this Division. [Act 3 of 2022 wef 30/12/2022]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s52
chapter: PART 6 - RIGHTS AND DUTIES OF HUSBAND AND WIFE
section: 52
title: Abolition of married woman’s dependent domicile
content:
52. —(1) Subject to subsection (2), the domicile of a married woman — ( a ) is to be ascertained in the same way as the domicile of any other individual capable of having an independent domicile; and ( b ) must not be taken to be the same as her husband’s just because they are married. (2) If a married woman had her husband’s domicile by dependence immediately before 1 June 1981, she retains that domicile (as a domicile of choice, if it is not also her domicile of origin) unless it is changed by the acquisition or revival of another domicile on or after that date. [Act 3 of 2022 wef 30/12/2022]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s53
chapter: PART 6 - RIGHTS AND DUTIES OF HUSBAND AND WIFE
section: 53
title: Abolition of separate property
content:
53. —(1) Subject to subsection (2), property that — ( a ) belongs to a woman married on or after 15 September 1961 at the time of her marriage; ( b ) is acquired by or devolves upon a married woman on or after 15 September 1961; or ( c ) immediately before 15 September 1961 was the property (including the separate property) of a married woman or held for her separate use in equity, belongs to her in all respects as if she were not married and may be disposed of accordingly. (2) Subsection (1) does not affect the right of any married woman to any property that she had immediately before 15 September 1961. [Act 3 of 2022 wef 30/12/2022]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s54
chapter: PART 6 - RIGHTS AND DUTIES OF HUSBAND AND WIFE
section: 54
title: Abolition of restrictions on anticipation or alienation
content:
54. Any instrument (whether executed before, on or after 15 September 1961) is void insofar as — ( a ) it purports to attach a restriction on anticipation or alienation to the enjoyment of any property by a woman; and ( b ) the restriction could not have been attached to the enjoyment of that property by a man. [Act 3 of 2022 wef 30/12/2022]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s55
chapter: PART 6 - RIGHTS AND DUTIES OF HUSBAND AND WIFE
section: 55
title: Husband and wife may sue each other in tort
content:
55. Subject to section 57, a husband and wife may sue each other in tort as if they were not married. [Act 3 of 2022 wef 30/12/2022] Division 3 &#x2014; Procedure in certain cases


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s56
chapter: PART 6 - RIGHTS AND DUTIES OF HUSBAND AND WIFE
section: 56
title: Summary procedure for deciding questions between husband and wife as to property
content:
56. —(1) This section applies where there is a question between a husband and wife as to the title to or possession of any property. (2) Either party may apply to the court by summons or in any other summary way. (3) In an application under subsection (2), the court may — ( a ) make any order — (i) with respect to the property in dispute; and (ii) as to the costs of the application; or ( b ) direct — (i) the application to stand over; and (ii) an inquiry to be made into the disputed matters. (4) An application under subsection (2) — ( a ) may be heard in chambers if either party so requires; and ( b ) may be made at any time — (i) during the subsistence of the marriage; or (ii) within 3 years after the marriage is dissolved or annulled. [Act 3 of 2022 wef 30/12/2022]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s57
chapter: PART 6 - RIGHTS AND DUTIES OF HUSBAND AND WIFE
section: 57
title: Power of court to stay tort action between husband and wife, etc.
content:
57. Where a husband sues his wife in tort (or vice versa) during the subsistence of the marriage, the court may — ( a ) stay the action if it appears that — (i) neither party would substantially benefit from the continuation of the proceedings; or (ii) the dispute could be more conveniently resolved in an application under section 56(2); or ( b ) exercise the powers under section 56(3). [Act 3 of 2022 wef 30/12/2022]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s58
chapter: PART 7 - PROTECTION AGAINST FAMILY VIOLENCE
section: 58
title: Interpretation of this Part
content:
58. —(1) In this Part — “deputy” has the meaning given by section 2(1) of the Mental Capacity Act 2008; “Director‑General” means the Director‑General of Social Welfare; “donee” has the meaning given by section 2(1) of the Mental Capacity Act 2008; “emergency order” means an emergency order under section 62(1); “enforcement officer” — ( a ) means an enforcement officer appointed under section 65(4)( a ); and ( b ) in relation to a function of an enforcement officer under this Part, includes a person authorised under section 65(4)( b ) to exercise that function; “expedited order” means an expedited order under section 61(2); “family member” has the meaning given by section 58A; “family violence” has the meaning given by section 58B; “home”, in relation to a person, means the place or premises at which the person ordinarily resides; “protection order” means a protection order under section 60A(1); “protector” — ( a ) means a protector appointed under section 65(2)( a ); and ( b ) in relation to a function of a protector under this Part, includes a person authorised under section 65(2)( b ) to exercise that function; “psychiatrist” means a medical practitioner who is registered as a psychiatrist in the Register of Specialists under the Medical Registration Act 1997; “qualified assessor” means a person whom the Director‑General reasonably considers to be qualified to conduct an assessment under section 59; “registered medical practitioner” has the meaning given by section 2(1) of the Medical Registration Act 1997; “specified”, in relation to an order, means specified in the order; “support person” means a person prescribed or appointed as a support person under section 65(7) or (8), respectively; “vulnerable adult” has the meaning given by section 2(1) of the Vulnerable Adults Act 2018. (2) For the purposes of this Part, whether a person lacks mental capacity is to be determined in accordance with Part 2 of the Mental Capacity Act 2008. (3) In this Part, a reference to exercising a function includes a reference to exercising a power or performing a duty. [Act 21 of 2023 wef 02/01/2025]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s58A
chapter: PART 7 - PROTECTION AGAINST FAMILY VIOLENCE
section: 58A
title: Who is a family member
content:
58A. P is a “family member” of Q and vice versa if — ( a ) P is the spouse or former spouse of Q ; ( b ) P is a child (including an adopted child or stepchild) of Q ; ( c ) P is the father or mother of Q ; ( d ) P is the father‑in‑law or mother‑in‑law of Q ; ( e ) P is a brother or sister of Q ; ( f ) P — (i) is a relative of Q (including a relative through marriage or adoption); and (ii) should in the circumstances be regarded as a member of Q ’s family; or ( g ) P — (i) is wholly or partially incapacitated or infirm because of physical or mental disability or ill health or old age; and (ii) should in the circumstances be regarded as a member of Q ’s family.


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s58B
chapter: PART 7 - PROTECTION AGAINST FAMILY VIOLENCE
section: 58B
title: What is family violence
content:
58B. —(1) X commits “family violence” against Y if — ( a ) X is a family member of Y ; and ( b ) X commits physical, sexual, or emotional or psychological abuse against Y . (2) “Physical abuse” — ( a ) includes conduct or behaviour that — (i) causes, or threatens to cause, personal injury or physical pain to a person; or (ii) threatens a person with the death or injury of the person; and ( b ) also includes wrongfully confining or restraining a person against the person’s will; but ( c ) does not include any force lawfully used — (i) in self‑defence; or (ii) by way of correction towards a child below 18 years of age. (3) “Sexual abuse” includes conduct or behaviour that coerces, or attempts to coerce, a person to engage in sexual activity. (4) “Emotional or psychological abuse” means conduct or behaviour that — ( a ) torments, intimidates, harasses or distresses a person; or ( b ) causes or may reasonably be expected to cause mental harm to a person, including thoughts of suicide or inflicting self‑harm. (5) Abuse may take the form of — ( a ) a single instance of conduct or behaviour; or ( b ) a course of conduct or behaviour. (6) The conduct or behaviour that constitutes abuse need not be directed at the family member in question, but must be capable of being seen, heard or otherwise perceived (directly or indirectly) by the family member in question. Illustrations ( a ) X spreads false rumours to third parties about X ’s spouse being promiscuous. X ’s spouse finds out about the rumours and is distressed. X has committed emotional or psychological abuse against X ’s spouse. ( b ) X is prone to smash furniture in X ’s house when X is angry. This behaviour causes X ’s child to be distressed and in fear of personal injury. X has committed physical abuse, as well as emotional or psychological abuse, against X ’s child. ( c ) X repeatedly makes demeaning comments to belittle and humiliate Y in front of their children. X threatens to stop giving Y a monthly allowance if Y contacts Y ’s family or friends or seeks help. Y suffers mental harm as a result. X has committed emotional or psychological abuse against Y . [Act 21 of 2023 wef 02/01/2025] Division 2 &#x2014; Obtaining information about family violence, etc. [Act 21 of 2023 wef 02/01/2025]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s59
chapter: PART 7 - PROTECTION AGAINST FAMILY VIOLENCE
section: 59
title: Power to assess at‑risk persons, etc.
content:
59. —(1) Subject to section 59A, a protector may do all or any of the following to find out whether a person ( Y ) has experienced, is experiencing or is at risk of family violence: ( a ) assess Y ; ( b ) cause Y to be assessed by a qualified assessor; ( c ) direct another person to produce Y before a qualified assessor for an assessment. (2) If a person is to be assessed at his or her home, the protector may direct any other person to leave or remain outside that place for the duration of the assessment. (3) A qualified assessor who assesses a person under this section must submit a report of the assessment to the protector. (4) A person commits an offence if the person — ( a ) without reasonable excuse, fails to comply with a direction under subsection (1)( c ) or (2); or ( b ) obstructs another person from complying with a direction under subsection (1)( c ) or (2). (5) A person who is guilty of an offence under subsection (4) shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $5,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or to both. (6) In this section and section 59A, “assessment” — ( a ) means an interview and examination; and ( b ) includes the taking of X‑rays and a person’s blood and other body samples for testing and analysis; but ( c ) does not include the administration of medical or dental treatment, and “assess” has a corresponding meaning. [Act 21 of 2023 wef 02/01/2025]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s59A
chapter: PART 7 - PROTECTION AGAINST FAMILY VIOLENCE
section: 59A
title: Consent generally required for assessment
content:
59A. —(1) A person must not be assessed under section 59(1) without his or her consent. (2) However, a person may be assessed under section 59(1) without his or her consent if — ( a ) a protector reasonably believes that the person lacks the mental capacity to consent and is satisfied that it is in the person’s best interests for the assessment to be done; ( b ) the person is below 18 years of age and a protector reasonably believes that it is in the person’s best interests for the assessment to be done; or ( c ) the court, on an application by a protector, authorises the protector to exercise the powers in section 59(1) in relation to the person. (3) The court may authorise a protector to exercise the powers in section 59(1) in relation to a person if the court is satisfied, on a balance of probabilities, that it is in the person’s best interests to be assessed under section 59(1). [Act 21 of 2023 wef 02/01/2025]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s59B
chapter: PART 7 - PROTECTION AGAINST FAMILY VIOLENCE
section: 59B
title: Power to enter premises for assessment
content:
59B. —(1) If a protector reasonably believes that a person — ( a ) has experienced, is experiencing or is at risk of family violence; and ( b ) is residing at any premises, the protector may enter the premises, at any time of the day or night and without notice — ( c ) to determine whether the protector should exercise a power under section 59(1)( a ) or ( b ); and ( d ) to exercise the power. (2) When entering the premises, a protector may be accompanied by — ( a ) one or more support persons; and ( b ) any other person whom the protector considers necessary to assist the protector. (3) To gain entry into the premises, a protector and the other persons mentioned in subsection (2) may — ( a ) break open any door, window, lock, fastener or any other thing; and ( b ) use any other reasonable means. (4) However, the means referred to in subsection (3) may be used only if the protector — ( a ) has stated his or her authority and demanded entry; but ( b ) is not given and is unable to obtain entry. [Act 21 of 2023 wef 02/01/2025]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s59C
chapter: PART 7 - PROTECTION AGAINST FAMILY VIOLENCE
section: 59C
title: Power to obtain information and examine records, etc.
content:
59C. —(1) If a protector reasonably believes that a person ( Z ) has information about whether another person ( Y ) has experienced, is experiencing or is at risk of family violence, the protector may do one or both of the following: ( a ) direct Z to give the information to the protector — (i) in writing within the time specified in the direction; or (ii) in person at the time and place specified in the direction; ( b ) at any reasonable time, examine and take copies of — (i) any health record relating to Y that is kept by Z ; or (ii) any record relating to Y that is kept by Z and compiled in connection with a social services function. (2) A person who gives a protector information or access to a record under subsection (1) — ( a ) is not, by virtue of doing so, to be regarded in any proceedings before any court of law or tribunal or in any other respect — (i) to have breached any code of professional etiquette or ethics; or (ii) to have departed from any accepted form of professional conduct; and ( b ) to the extent the person has acted in good faith and with reasonable care, incurs no civil or criminal liability in relation to the giving of the information or access to the record. (3) A person commits an offence if the person — ( a ) without reasonable excuse, fails to comply with a direction under subsection (1)( a ); ( b ) obstructs a person from complying with a direction under subsection (1)( a ); or ( c ) without reasonable excuse, fails to give a protector access to a health record or other record under subsection (1)( b ). (4) A person who is guilty of an offence under subsection (3) shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $5,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or to both. [Act 21 of 2023 wef 02/01/2025]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s59D
chapter: PART 7 - PROTECTION AGAINST FAMILY VIOLENCE
section: 59D
title: Family violence notifications to protectors, etc.
content:
59D. —(1) If a person ( Z ) knows or has reason to suspect that another person has experienced, is experiencing or is at risk of family violence, Z may make a family violence notification to any of the following persons: ( a ) a protector; ( b ) a police officer; ( c ) a person authorised by the Director‑General to receive the notification; ( d ) a person falling within a prescribed class of persons. (2) A family violence notification may describe the facts and circumstances on which Z ’s knowledge or suspicion is based. (3) A person who makes a family violence notification — ( a ) is not, by virtue of doing so, to be regarded in any proceedings before any court of law or tribunal or in any other respect — (i) to have breached any code of professional etiquette or ethics; or (ii) to have departed from any accepted form of professional conduct; and ( b ) to the extent the person has acted in good faith and with reasonable care, incurs no civil or criminal liability in relation to the notification or the provision of any information contained in the notification. (4) A person appearing as a witness in any proceedings in any court of law or tribunal or before a person authorised by law to hear evidence must not be compelled — ( a ) to disclose the identity of a person who has made a family violence notification, or any information likely to lead to the disclosure of the person’s identity; or ( b ) to produce any report or document, or any part of a report or document, that is likely to identify, a person who has made a family violence notification. [Act 21 of 2023 wef 02/01/2025]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s59E
chapter: PART 7 - PROTECTION AGAINST FAMILY VIOLENCE
section: 59E
title: Disclosure of information to or by protectors
content:
59E. —(1) Subsections (2) and (3) are subject to any express restriction imposed by or under any other written law. (2) A relevant person may disclose to a protector any information received by the person under or for the purposes of any written law, if the disclosure is to enable or assist the protector to exercise any of his or her functions under this Part. (3) A protector may disclose to a relevant person any information received by the protector under or for the purposes of this Part, if the disclosure — ( a ) is connected with the exercise of any of the protector’s functions under this Part; or ( b ) is to enable or assist that person to exercise any of that person’s functions under any written law. (4) The following are relevant persons for the purposes of this section: ( a ) a Government department; ( b ) a statutory body; ( c ) a police officer; ( d ) a person falling within a prescribed class of persons. (5) This section does not affect any other power of disclosure. [Act 21 of 2023 wef 02/01/2025] Division 3 &#x2014; Protection orders against family violence, etc. [Act 21 of 2023 wef 02/01/2025]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s60
chapter: PART 7 - PROTECTION AGAINST FAMILY VIOLENCE
section: 60
title: Who may apply for a protection order
content:
60. —(1) A protector may apply for a protection order against any person. (2) Subject to subsection (3), the following persons may apply for a protection order in relation to family violence against Y : ( a ) if Y is below 18 years of age — (i) a family member of Y ; (ii) Y ’s guardian; or (iii) a person responsible for caring for Y ; ( b ) if Y is assessed by a registered medical practitioner, psychiatrist or psychologist to lack the mental capacity to apply for a protection order — (i) a family member of Y ; (ii) Y ’s donee or deputy; or (iii) a person responsible for caring for Y ; ( c ) in any other case — Y . (3) A person who is below 18 years of age may not apply for a protection order under subsection (2) unless the person is married or was previously married. (4) Family Justice Rules may provide that, for the purposes of any proceedings under this Division or Division 4, an applicant for a protection order in relation to family violence against Y may be substituted by another person if — ( a ) the other person is a protector or a person who may apply for a protection order in relation to family violence against Y under subsection (2); and ( b ) any other conditions prescribed by those Rules are satisfied. (5) A reference to the applicant for a protection order in this Division or Division 4 includes a reference to a person substituted pursuant to subsection (4). [Act 21 of 2023 wef 02/01/2025]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s60A
chapter: PART 7 - PROTECTION AGAINST FAMILY VIOLENCE
section: 60A
title: Protection orders
content:
60A. —(1) The court may, on an application, make a protection order to restrain X from committing family violence against Y if the court is satisfied, on a balance of probabilities, that — ( a ) X has committed or is likely to commit family violence against Y ; and ( b ) the protection order is necessary for the protection or personal safety of Y . (2) A protection order may also require X not to incite or assist any other person to commit family violence against Y . (3) A protection order has effect — ( a ) from the date on which it is made or any later date that may be specified; and ( b ) either indefinitely or for a specified period. (4) A protection order may be varied, suspended or revoked by the court on an application by — ( a ) X ; ( b ) the applicant for the protection order; or ( c ) a protector. (5) In deciding whether to vary, suspend or revoke a protection order, the court — ( a ) must disregard any consent to the variation, suspension or revocation purportedly given by Y if there is reason to believe that the consent was not voluntarily given; and ( b ) must consider — (i) whether there has been any change in the circumstances that required the protection order to be made; (ii) if a counselling order was made against X under section 60E(2) — any report by the person conducting the counselling or other programme that X is required to attend; and (iii) if a mandatory treatment order was made against X under section 60F(2) — any report by the appointed psychiatrist. (6) A person who knowingly contravenes a protection order commits a family violence offence punishable under section 63C. [Act 21 of 2023 wef 02/01/2025]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s60B
chapter: PART 7 - PROTECTION AGAINST FAMILY VIOLENCE
section: 60B
title: Domestic exclusion, stay away and no contact orders
content:
60B. —(1) This section applies if the court makes a protection order to restrain X from committing family violence against Y . (2) The court may make one or more of the following orders if the court is satisfied, on a balance of probabilities, that the order or orders are necessary for the protection or personal safety of Y : ( a ) a domestic exclusion order excluding X from Y ’s home and granting Y the right of exclusive occupation in relation to Y ’s home; ( b ) a stay away order prohibiting X from entering and remaining in an area outside Y ’s home or any other place frequented by Y ; ( c ) a no contact order prohibiting X from visiting or communicating with Y . (3) An order under subsection (2) may be made — ( a ) on the initiative of the court; or ( b ) on an application by — (i) the applicant for the protection order; or (ii) a protector. (4) An order under subsection (2) may be made — ( a ) when the court makes the protection order against X ; or ( b ) at any time while the protection order against X has effect. (5) An order under subsection (2) has effect — ( a ) from the date on which it is made or any later date that may be specified; and ( b ) either indefinitely or for a specified period. (6) The following supplementary provisions apply in relation to a domestic exclusion order: ( a ) the order may be made in respect of the whole or any part of Y ’s home; ( b ) the order may be made regardless of who has a title or interest in Y ’s home; ( c ) except to the extent provided for in the order, the order does not affect any title or interest that the excluded person or any other person might have in Y ’s home. (7) An order under subsection (2) may be varied, suspended or revoked by the court — ( a ) on its own initiative; or ( b ) on an application by — (i) X ; (ii) the applicant for the protection order; or (iii) a protector. (8) If the protection order against X ceases to have effect, an order under subsection (2) also ceases to have effect. (9) A person who knowingly contravenes an order under subsection (2) commits a family violence offence punishable under section 63C. [Act 21 of 2023 wef 02/01/2025]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s60C
chapter: PART 7 - PROTECTION AGAINST FAMILY VIOLENCE
section: 60C
title: Electronic monitoring orders
content:
60C. —(1) This section applies if the court makes a protection order to restrain X from committing family violence against Y . (2) The court may make an electronic monitoring order requiring X to comply with one or more prescribed electronic monitoring arrangements if the court is satisfied, on a balance of probabilities, that the order is necessary for the protection or personal safety of Y . (3) If the court makes an electronic monitoring order against X , the court may also direct a prescribed person to put in place one or more prescribed electronic monitoring arrangements to secure the electronic monitoring of X ’s whereabouts. (4) An electronic monitoring order and directions under subsection (3) may only be made on an application by a protector. (5) An electronic monitoring order and directions under subsection (3) may be made — ( a ) when the court makes the protection order against X ; or ( b ) at any time while the protection order against X has effect. (6) An electronic monitoring order and directions under subsection (3) must be made for a specified period. (7) An electronic monitoring order and directions under subsection (3) may be varied, suspended or revoked by the court on an application by X or a protector. (8) If the protection order against X ceases to have effect, an electronic monitoring order and directions under subsection (3) also cease to have effect. (9) A person who knowingly contravenes an electronic monitoring order commits a family violence offence punishable under section 63C. [Act 21 of 2023 wef 02/01/2025]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s60D
chapter: PART 7 - PROTECTION AGAINST FAMILY VIOLENCE
section: 60D
title: Removal, care and supervision orders; orders against protected persons
content:
60D. —(1) This section applies if — ( a ) the court makes a protection order to restrain X from committing family violence against Y ; and ( b ) Y has attained 18 years of age and is not a vulnerable adult. (2) The court may make a removal order requiring a protector to remove Y from Y ’s home or any other place, if the court is satisfied, on a balance of probabilities, that the order is necessary for the protection or personal safety of Y . (3) If the court makes a removal order, the court must also make one or both of the following orders: ( a ) a care order committing Y to the care of a fit person (being an individual or organisation that a protector thinks is competent to provide care and protection to Y ) for a specified period; ( b ) a supervision order placing Y under the supervision of a protector, or another person appointed by the court, for a specified period. (4) If the court makes a removal order, the court may also make one or both of the following orders if the court is satisfied, on a balance of probabilities, that the order or orders are necessary for the protection or personal safety of Y : ( a ) an order prohibiting Y from returning to Y ’s home or visiting any other place for a specified period; ( b ) an order prohibiting Y from visiting or communicating with X for a specified period. (5) If the court makes a care order, the court may order Y to undergo medical or dental treatment at a specified medical or dental facility (as the case may be) that is necessary to enable Y to be committed to the care of the fit person. (6) An order under subsection (2), (3), (4) or (5) may only be made in an application for a removal order. (7) An application for a removal order may only be made by a protector. (8) An application for a removal order may be made — ( a ) when the court makes the protection order against X ; or ( b ) at any time while the protection order against X has effect. (9) In carrying out a removal order — ( a ) a protector may be assisted by one or more support persons; and ( b ) a protector and any support person assisting the protector may use any force they consider necessary to — (i) remove or restrain Y ; or (ii) prevent any person from obstructing the removal or restraining of Y . (10) An order under subsection (2), (3), (4) or (5) may be varied, suspended or revoked by the court on an application by — ( a ) Y ; ( b ) the applicant for the protection order; or ( c ) a protector. (11) If the protection order against X ceases to have effect, an order under subsection (2), (3), (4) or (5) also ceases to have effect. (12) A contravention of an order under subsection (4) or (5) — ( a ) is not an offence or, despite the Administration of Justice (Protection) Act 2016, a contempt of court; but ( b ) must be taken into account by the court in deciding whether to vary, suspend or revoke a care order or a supervision order. [Act 21 of 2023 wef 02/01/2025]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s60E
chapter: PART 7 - PROTECTION AGAINST FAMILY VIOLENCE
section: 60E
title: Counselling orders
content:
60E. —(1) This section applies if the court makes a protection order to restrain X from committing family violence against Y . (2) If the court considers that it may help X to avoid committing family violence against current or future family members, the court — ( a ) may make a counselling order requiring X to attend counselling or other programmes as directed by a protector; and ( b ) may also, as part of the counselling order, direct Y and the children of X or Y , or any of them, to attend counselling or other programmes as directed by a protector. (3) A counselling order may be made — ( a ) on the initiative of the court; or ( b ) on an application by — (i) the applicant for the protection order; or (ii) a protector. (4) A counselling order may be made — ( a ) when the court makes the protection order against X ; or ( b ) at any time while the protection order against X has effect. (5) A counselling order must be made for a specified period but a person must not be subject to one or more counselling orders for longer than 36 months in respect of the same protection order. (6) A counselling order may be varied, suspended or revoked by the court — ( a ) on its own initiative; or ( b ) on an application by — (i) X ; (ii) the applicant for the protection order; or (iii) a protector. (7) If the protection order against X ceases to have effect — ( a ) a counselling order does not thereby cease to have effect; but ( b ) the duration of the counselling order must not be extended. (8) A person commits an offence if the person, without reasonable excuse, contravenes a counselling order. (9) However, a contravention of a direction under subsection (2)( b ) is not an offence or, despite the Administration of Justice (Protection) Act 2016, a contempt of court. (10) A person who is guilty of an offence under subsection (8) shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $2,000. (11) This section does not affect the court’s powers under section 139J. [Act 21 of 2023 wef 02/01/2025]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s60F
chapter: PART 7 - PROTECTION AGAINST FAMILY VIOLENCE
section: 60F
title: Mandatory treatment orders
content:
60F. —(1) This section applies if the court makes a protection order to restrain X from committing family violence against Y . Power to make mandatory treatment orders (2) The court may make a mandatory treatment order requiring X to undergo psychiatric treatment for a specified period, but X must not be subject to one or more mandatory treatment orders for longer than 36 months in respect of the same protection order. (3) A mandatory treatment order may be made — ( a ) on the initiative of the court; or ( b ) on an application by — (i) the applicant for the protection order; or (ii) a protector. (4) A mandatory treatment order may be made — ( a ) when the court makes the protection order against X ; or ( b ) at any time while the protection order against X has effect. Preliminary grounds (5) Before making a mandatory treatment order, the court must have reasonable grounds to believe that — ( a ) X is likely to be suffering from a psychiatric condition; and ( b ) the psychiatric condition is likely to be a contributing factor for X ’s conduct or behaviour that was the basis for making the protection order against X . (6) Before deciding whether reasonable grounds exist for the purpose of subsection (5), the court — ( a ) may call for a preliminary assessment report by a specified psychiatrist; and ( b ) must consider any matter prescribed by rules made under section 180. (7) If the court calls for a preliminary assessment report, the court — ( a ) may order X to attend before the specified psychiatrist at the times and places required by the specified psychiatrist; and ( b ) must cause a copy of the report to be extended to X or X ’s advocate. (8) There is no appeal against any decision of the court to call for or not to call for a preliminary assessment report. Calling for formal assessment report (9) If the court considers that reasonable grounds exist for the purpose of subsection (5) — ( a ) the court must call for a formal assessment report on X by an appointed psychiatrist; and ( b ) subsections (10) to (14) apply to the preparation of the report. (10) The court may order X to — ( a ) reside in a psychiatric institution for observation for one or more periods (each not exceeding 3 weeks) as the court thinks fit; or ( b ) attend before the appointed psychiatrist at a psychiatric institution at the times required by the appointed psychiatrist. (11) The appointed psychiatrist must assess and report whether — ( a ) X is suffering from a psychiatric condition; ( b ) the psychiatric condition is a contributing factor for X ’s conduct or behaviour that was the basis for making the protection order against X ; ( c ) the psychiatric condition is susceptible to treatment; and ( d ) X is suitable for the treatment. (12) In assessing whether X is a person suitable for treatment for his or her psychiatric condition, the appointed psychiatrist may consider the following factors: ( a ) whether X is likely to attend the treatment sessions at the times and places required by the appointed psychiatrist; ( b ) X ’s physical and mental state; ( c ) X ’s financial standing and ability to pay all or any part of the cost of the treatment that is reasonable for X to pay. (13) X may submit a report by another psychiatrist, engaged by X , to the appointed psychiatrist within — ( a ) 3 weeks after the date the court calls for the formal assessment report; or ( b ) any longer period allowed by the court. (14) Before making the formal assessment report, the appointed psychiatrist must consider any report submitted by X under subsection (13). (15) The court must cause a copy of the formal assessment report to be given to X or X ’s advocate. Matters to be certified before mandatory treatment order may be made (16) A mandatory treatment order may only be made if the formal assessment report certifies all the following matters: ( a ) X is suffering from a psychiatric condition; ( b ) the psychiatric condition is a contributing factor for X ’s conduct or behaviour that was the basis for making the protection order against X ; ( c ) the psychiatric condition is susceptible to treatment; ( d ) X is suitable for the treatment. (17) A mandatory treatment order must not be made if the formal assessment report certifies that the appointed psychiatrist is not satisfied as to any of the matters specified in subsection (16). (18) The formal assessment report is to be taken to be final and conclusive as to the matters specified in subsection (16). Contents of mandatory treatment order (19) A mandatory treatment order may require X to reside in — ( a ) a psychiatric institution; or ( b ) a prescribed place that provides psychiatric treatment, during the whole or a specified part of the period during which X is required by the order to undergo psychiatric treatment. (20) However, the requirement in subsection (19) may be imposed only if it is recommended by the appointed psychiatrist. (21) A mandatory treatment order may include conditions specified by the court. Explanation of mandatory treatment order (22) Before making a mandatory treatment order, the court must explain to X in ordinary language — ( a ) the purpose and effect of the order, and in particular the obligations of X as specified in subsection (23); ( b ) the consequences that may follow if X fails to comply with any of those obligations, or any conditions or requirements of the order; and ( c ) that the court has the power, under subsection (24), to vary or revoke the order on an application by the appointed psychiatrist. Obligations of person under mandatory treatment order (23) If the court makes a mandatory treatment order, X must, while the order is in force — ( a ) attend the treatment sessions at the times and places required by the appointed psychiatrist; ( b ) comply with all other conditions in connection with X ’s treatment as the appointed psychiatrist may require; and ( c ) comply with all other conditions or requirements of the order. Variation and revocation of mandatory treatment order (24) A mandatory treatment order may be varied or revoked by the court on an application by the appointed psychiatrist. (25) A variation of a mandatory treatment order may include — ( a ) reducing or extending the period that X has to undergo psychiatric treatment; and ( b ) varying the conditions or requirements of the order. (26) However, the period for which X has to undergo psychiatric treatment under a mandatory treatment order must not be extended beyond 36 months after the date the order is first in force. (27) An application to vary or revoke a mandatory treatment order must be accompanied by the appointed psychiatrist’s report on — ( a ) the extent to which X has complied with the order; and ( b ) any progress X has made in the treatment. (28) In deciding whether to vary or revoke a mandatory treatment order, the court must consider — ( a ) the report by the appointed psychiatrist; and ( b ) any change of circumstances after the order was made. If protection order ceases to have effect (29) If the protection order against X ceases to have effect — ( a ) a mandatory treatment order does not thereby cease to have effect; but ( b ) the duration of the mandatory treatment order must not be extended. Offence (30) A person commits an offence if the person, without reasonable excuse, contravenes — ( a ) a mandatory treatment order; or ( b ) an order under subsection (7)( a ) or (10). (31) A person who is guilty of an offence under subsection (30) shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $2,000. Regulations (32) The Minister charged with the responsibility for health may make regulations in relation to the treatment of a person subject to a mandatory treatment order. (33) However, for the purposes of subsection (19)( b ), a prescribed place is to be prescribed by rules made under section 180. Definitions, etc. (34) In this section — “appointed psychiatrist” means a psychiatrist appointed by the Director‑General of Health for the purposes of this section; “specified psychiatrist” means a psychiatrist, or a registered medical practitioner in post‑graduate psychiatry training, specified by the court calling for a preliminary assessment report under subsection (6)( a ). (35) To avoid doubt, this section does not apply to any criminal proceedings or affect the application of section 339 of the Criminal Procedure Code 2010 in criminal proceedings. [Act 21 of 2023 wef 02/01/2025] Division 4 &#x2014; Expedited orders against family violence, etc. [Act 21 of 2023 wef 02/01/2025]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s61
chapter: PART 7 - PROTECTION AGAINST FAMILY VIOLENCE
section: 61
title: Court may make expedited orders in pending applications for protection orders
content:
61. —(1) This section applies if there is a pending application for a protection order to restrain X from committing family violence against Y . (2) The court may make an expedited order to restrain X from committing family violence against Y if the court is satisfied, on a balance of probabilities, that there is a danger of X committing family violence against Y while the protection order application is pending. (3) An expedited order may also require X not to incite or assist any other person to commit family violence against Y . (4) An expedited order may be made — ( a ) on the initiative of the court; or ( b ) on an application by — (i) the applicant for the protection order; or (ii) a protector. (5) An expedited order may be made even if — ( a ) the protection order application has not been served on X ; ( b ) the protection order application has not been served on X within a reasonable time before the hearing of the application; or ( c ) X has been served with the protection order application, but fails to appear at the hearing of the application. (6) An expedited order has effect from — ( a ) the date on which the expedited order is served on X in the prescribed manner; or ( b ) any later date specified in the expedited order. (7) An expedited order may be varied, suspended or revoked by the court — ( a ) on its own initiative; or ( b ) on an application by — (i) X ; (ii) the applicant for the protection order; or (iii) a protector. (8) Unless it is earlier revoked, an expedited order has effect for 28 days (including the day on which it is served). (9) Despite subsection (8), the court may extend the duration of an expedited order. (10) The revocation or expiry of an expedited order does not prevent the court from making fresh expedited orders. (11) A person who knowingly contravenes an expedited order commits a family violence offence punishable under section 63C. [Act 21 of 2023 wef 02/01/2025]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s61A
chapter: PART 7 - PROTECTION AGAINST FAMILY VIOLENCE
section: 61A
title: Domestic exclusion, stay away and no contact orders
content:
61A. —(1) This section applies if, in an application for a protection order, the court makes an expedited order to restrain X from committing family violence against Y . (2) The court may make one or more of the following orders if the court is satisfied, on a balance of probabilities, that the order or orders are necessary for the protection or personal safety of Y : ( a ) a domestic exclusion order excluding X from Y ’s home and granting Y the right of exclusive occupation in relation to Y ’s home; ( b ) a stay away order prohibiting X from entering and remaining in an area outside Y ’s home or any other place frequented by Y ; ( c ) a no contact order prohibiting X from visiting or communicating with Y . (3) An order under subsection (2) may be made — ( a ) on the initiative of the court; or ( b ) on an application by — (i) the applicant for the protection order; or (ii) a protector. (4) An order under subsection (2) may be made — ( a ) when the court makes the expedited order against X ; or ( b ) at any time while the expedited order against X has effect. (5) An order under subsection (2) may be made even if — ( a ) the protection order application has not been served on X ; ( b ) the protection order application has not been served on X within a reasonable time before the hearing of the application; or ( c ) X has been served with the protection order application, but fails to appear at the hearing of the application. (6) An order under subsection (2) has effect from — ( a ) the date on which the order is served on X in the prescribed manner; or ( b ) any later date specified in the order. (7) The following supplementary provisions apply in relation to a domestic exclusion order: ( a ) the order may be made in respect of the whole or any part of Y ’s home; ( b ) the order may be made regardless of who has a title or interest in Y ’s home; ( c ) except to the extent provided for in the order, the order does not affect any title or interest that the excluded person or any other person might have in Y ’s home. (8) An order under subsection (2) may be varied, suspended or revoked by the court — ( a ) on its own initiative; or ( b ) on an application by — (i) X ; (ii) the applicant for the protection order; or (iii) a protector. (9) If the expedited order against X ceases to have effect, an order under subsection (2) also ceases to have effect. (10) A person who knowingly contravenes an order under subsection (2) commits a family violence offence punishable under section 63C. [Act 21 of 2023 wef 02/01/2025] Division 5 &#x2014; Emergency orders against family violence, etc. [Act 21 of 2023 wef 02/01/2025]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s62
chapter: PART 7 - PROTECTION AGAINST FAMILY VIOLENCE
section: 62
title: Protectors may make emergency orders
content:
62. —(1) A protector may make an emergency order to restrain X from committing family violence against Y if the protector is satisfied that — ( a ) there is a danger that X will commit family violence against Y in the next 14 days; and ( b ) the emergency order is necessary for the protection or personal safety of Y , having regard to — (i) the time needed to obtain a protection order or expedited order; and (ii) all other relevant circumstances. (2) An emergency order may also require X not to incite or assist any other person to commit family violence against Y . (3) An emergency order must be in the prescribed form. (4) A person who knowingly contravenes an emergency order commits a family violence offence punishable under section 63C. [Act 21 of 2023 wef 02/01/2025]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s62A
chapter: PART 7 - PROTECTION AGAINST FAMILY VIOLENCE
section: 62A
title: Emergency orders may include domestic exclusion, stay away and no contact orders
content:
62A. —(1) An emergency order that restrains X from committing family violence against Y may also include one or more of the following orders if the protector considers it necessary for the protection or personal safety of Y : ( a ) a domestic exclusion order excluding X from Y ’s home; ( b ) a stay away order prohibiting X from entering and remaining in an area outside Y ’s home or any other place frequented by Y ; ( c ) a no contact order prohibiting X from visiting or communicating with Y . (2) The following supplementary provisions apply in relation to a domestic exclusion order: ( a ) the order may be made in respect of the whole or any part of Y ’s home; ( b ) the order may be made regardless of who has a title or interest in Y ’s home; ( c ) except to the extent provided for in the order, the order does not affect any title or interest that the excluded person or any other person might have in Y ’s home. (3) To avoid doubt — ( a ) the orders in subsection (1) have effect as part of the emergency order against X ; and ( b ) a contravention of any of those orders is a contravention of the emergency order against X . [Act 21 of 2023 wef 02/01/2025]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s62B
chapter: PART 7 - PROTECTION AGAINST FAMILY VIOLENCE
section: 62B
title: Service and duration of emergency orders
content:
62B. —(1) This section applies if an emergency order is made against X to restrain X from committing family violence against Y . (2) The emergency order takes effect when it is served on X . (3) The emergency order may only be served in one of the following ways: ( a ) by serving the emergency order on X personally; ( b ) by affixing the emergency order in the prescribed manner at X ’s home. (4) The person serving the emergency order must explain to X — ( a ) what the emergency order requires of X ; and ( b ) the consequences of contravening the emergency order. (5) However, failure to comply with subsection (4) does not invalidate the service of the emergency order. (6) Subject to subsection (7), the emergency order has effect for 14 days (including the day on which it is served). (7) The emergency order ceases to have effect if — ( a ) the court makes a protection order or expedited order restraining X from committing family violence against Y ; or ( b ) a protector cancels the emergency order by written notice to X . (8) Subject to section 62C, the expiry or cancellation of the emergency order does not prevent any protector from issuing a fresh emergency order. [Act 21 of 2023 wef 02/01/2025]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s62C
chapter: PART 7 - PROTECTION AGAINST FAMILY VIOLENCE
section: 62C
title: Restrictions on power to make emergency orders
content:
62C. —(1) A protector must not make an emergency order to restrain X from committing family violence against Y if, within the last 3 months, 4 emergency orders have been made to restrain X from committing family violence against Y . (2) An emergency order must not require a person to do or not do anything that would cause him or her to contravene any order of the court under Division 3 or 4. (3) An emergency order is void to the extent that it does not comply with this section. [Act 21 of 2023 wef 02/01/2025] Division 6 &#x2014; Supplementary provisions
for Divisions 3, 4 and 5 [Act 21 of 2023 wef 02/01/2025]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s63
chapter: PART 7 - PROTECTION AGAINST FAMILY VIOLENCE
section: 63
title: Litigation representative not needed for persons 18 years of age and above
content:
63. If a person has attained 18 years of age and is not under any legal disability apart from his or her age, the person does not need a litigation representative for the purposes of any proceedings under Division 3 or 4. [Act 21 of 2023 wef 02/01/2025]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s63A
chapter: PART 7 - PROTECTION AGAINST FAMILY VIOLENCE
section: 63A
title: Orders by court and protectors may be subject to conditions, etc.
content:
63A. —(1) This section applies in relation to — ( a ) an order by the court under Division 3 or 4; and ( b ) an order by a protector under Division 5. (2) An order — ( a ) may be made subject to specified conditions and exceptions; and ( b ) may include specified directions necessary for carrying out the order. (3) Any condition, exception or direction specified under subsection (2) has effect as part of the order. [Act 21 of 2023 wef 02/01/2025]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s63B
chapter: PART 7 - PROTECTION AGAINST FAMILY VIOLENCE
section: 63B
title: Restriction on publishing identifying information about protected persons
content:
63B. —(1) In this section, “identifying information”, in relation to a person, means any information or image that identifies, or is likely to identify, the person as being or having been protected by a protection order, expedited order or emergency order. (2) Identifying information in relation to a person must not be published or broadcast unless — ( a ) the person — (i) has attained 18 years of age; (ii) does not lack mental capacity; and (iii) has consented to the publication or broadcast; and ( b ) subject to subsection (3), the Director‑General approves the publication or broadcast. (3) The Minister may prescribe one or more classes of cases in which the Director‑General’s approval is not required. Offence (4) If any identifying information is published or broadcast in contravention of subsection (2) — ( a ) in the case of the publication of the identifying information as part of a newspaper or periodical publication — each proprietor, editor, publisher and distributor of the newspaper or periodical publication; ( b ) in the case of the publication of the identifying information otherwise than as part of a newspaper or periodical publication — the person who publishes or distributes the identifying information; or ( c ) in the case of the broadcast of the identifying information — each person who transmits or provides the programme in which the identifying information is broadcast, and each person having functions in relation to the programme corresponding to those of the editor of a newspaper or periodical publication, shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $5,000 and, in the case of a second or subsequent conviction, to a fine not exceeding $10,000. (5) In proceedings for an offence under subsection (4), the court may, whether or not there is a conviction for the offence, order a person to remove the publication, or cease the broadcast, of any identifying information that is in contravention of subsection (2). Application to remove contravening publication or broadcast (6) The court may, on an application, order a person to remove a publication, or cease a broadcast, that contravenes subsection (2). (7) An application under subsection (6) may be made by — ( a ) a protector; or ( b ) the person whose identifying information was published or broadcast. (8) The court may make an order under subsection (6) even if — ( a ) the application is not served on the person against whom the order is sought (called in this section the respondent) or is not served on the respondent within a reasonable time before the hearing of the application; or ( b ) where the application has been served on the respondent — the respondent does not appear at the hearing of the application, so long as the court is satisfied, on a balance of probabilities, that the order is necessary for the protection or personal safety of the person whose identifying information was published or broadcast. Definitions (9) In this section — “broadcast” means sounds or visual images or both — ( a ) broadcast by wireless telegraphy, or by means of a high frequency distribution system over wire or other paths provided by a material substance, and intended for general reception; ( b ) broadcast through the Internet or any website, web service or Internet application, whether or not intended for general reception; or ( c ) broadcast through any messaging system; “court”, in subsection (5), means a court of competent jurisdiction; “publish”, in relation to any information or picture, means to bring the information or picture to the notice of the public or a section of the public by any means, including (to avoid doubt) through — ( a ) the Internet or any website, web service or Internet application; or ( b ) any messaging system. [Act 21 of 2023 wef 02/01/2025]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s63C
chapter: PART 7 - PROTECTION AGAINST FAMILY VIOLENCE
section: 63C
title: Punishment for family violence offences
content:
63C. —(1) A person who is guilty of a family violence offence shall be liable on conviction — ( a ) if the offence is aggravated — to a fine not exceeding $10,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 18 months or to both; and ( b ) in all other cases — to a fine not exceeding $10,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or to both. (2) For the purposes of subsection (1), a family violence offence is aggravated if — ( a ) the offence involves the contravention of an order that protects a vulnerable adult; and ( b ) the offender has been convicted of another family violence offence that involves the contravention of the same order or another order that also protects a vulnerable adult. [Act 21 of 2023 wef 02/01/2025]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s63D
chapter: PART 7 - PROTECTION AGAINST FAMILY VIOLENCE
section: 63D
title: Family violence offences to be arrestable
content:
63D. A family violence offence is arrestable for the purposes of the Criminal Procedure Code 2010. [Act 21 of 2023 wef 02/01/2025] Division 7 &#x2014; Powers of enforcement officers [Act 21 of 2023 wef 02/01/2025]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s64
chapter: PART 7 - PROTECTION AGAINST FAMILY VIOLENCE
section: 64
title: Purpose for which powers are exercisable
content:
64. An enforcement officer may exercise the powers in this Division to detect and investigate any offence under this Part. [Act 21 of 2023 wef 02/01/2025]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s64A
chapter: PART 7 - PROTECTION AGAINST FAMILY VIOLENCE
section: 64A
title: Power to enter premises and make records, etc.
content:
64A. —(1) If an enforcement officer reasonably believes that evidence of an offence under this Part could be found in any premises, the enforcement officer may do one or both of the following: ( a ) at any time of the day or night and without notice, enter, inspect and search the premises; ( b ) photograph or film, or make a record or sketches of, any part of the premises or any person or thing at the premises. (2) To gain entry into the premises, the enforcement officer may — ( a ) break open any door, window, lock, fastener or any other thing; and ( b ) use any other reasonable means. (3) However, the means referred to in subsection (2) may be used only if the enforcement officer — ( a ) has stated his or her authority and demanded entry; but ( b ) is not given and is unable to obtain entry. [Act 21 of 2023 wef 02/01/2025]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s64B
chapter: PART 7 - PROTECTION AGAINST FAMILY VIOLENCE
section: 64B
title: Power to inspect, seize, preserve and require production of evidence
content:
64B. —(1) If an enforcement officer reasonably believes that a document or thing could be evidence of an offence under this Part, the enforcement officer may do one or more of the following: ( a ) inspect and make copies of, or take extracts from, the document or thing, even if the person who is in possession or control of the document or thing has not given prior consent; ( b ) seize the document or thing; ( c ) issue a written notice requiring a person whom the enforcement officer reasonably believes to be in possession or control of the document or thing — (i) to produce without charge, that document or thing at the time and place stated in the notice; or (ii) to give the enforcement officer, without charge, access to that document or thing; ( d ) take any step that appears to be necessary to preserve or prevent interference with the document or thing. (2) Without limiting subsection (1), if an enforcement officer reasonably believes that any information in electronic form could be evidence of an offence under this Part, the enforcement officer may — ( a ) access any equipment (including a computer or mobile telephone) in which the information is stored or from which the information may be accessed; ( b ) issue a written notice requiring a person having charge of, or otherwise concerned with the operation of, the equipment to help in gaining access to the equipment (whether by disclosing any password or access code or by any other means); ( c ) copy or extract the information (for example by transferring the information to a disc, tape or other storage device); and ( d ) if it is not possible to copy or extract the information, seize the equipment. (3) If a person refuses to comply with a written notice under subsection (1)( c ) or (2)( b ), the enforcement officer may report the matter to a Magistrate who may then issue a warrant ordering the person to comply. [Act 21 of 2023 wef 02/01/2025]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s64C
chapter: PART 7 - PROTECTION AGAINST FAMILY VIOLENCE
section: 64C
title: Power to require attendance of witnesses
content:
64C. —(1) An enforcement officer may issue a written notice requiring a person within the limits of Singapore, who appears to be acquainted with any of the facts or circumstances of an offence under this Part, to attend before the enforcement officer at the time and place stated in the notice. (2) If the person fails to attend as required, the enforcement officer may report the matter to a Magistrate who may then issue a warrant ordering the person to attend. [Act 21 of 2023 wef 02/01/2025]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s64D
chapter: PART 7 - PROTECTION AGAINST FAMILY VIOLENCE
section: 64D
title: Power to examine witnesses
content:
64D. —(1) An enforcement officer may require a person whom the officer reasonably believes to be acquainted with any of the facts or circumstances of an offence under this Part, to answer any question to the best of the person’s knowledge, information and belief, immediately or at a time and place specified in writing. (2) The person must state truly what the person knows of those facts and circumstances, except that the person need not say anything that might expose the person to a criminal charge, penalty or forfeiture. (3) The statement of the person must be — ( a ) reduced to writing; ( b ) read over to the person; ( c ) if the person does not understand English, interpreted in a language that the person understands; and ( d ) signed by the person after any necessary correction. [Act 21 of 2023 wef 02/01/2025]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s64E
chapter: PART 7 - PROTECTION AGAINST FAMILY VIOLENCE
section: 64E
title: Power to arrest without warrant
content:
64E. —(1) An enforcement officer may arrest, without warrant, a person whom the enforcement officer reasonably believes is committing or has committed a family violence offence. (2) If the enforcement officer reasonably believes that the person is inside a place, the enforcement officer may enter the place to arrest the person. (3) In arresting the person, the enforcement officer — ( a ) must touch or confine the body of the person unless the person submits to arrest by word or action; ( b ) may, if the person forcibly resists or tries to evade arrest, use all reasonable means to make the arrest; ( c ) may use handcuffs or any other similar means of restraint on the person to prevent the person from — (i) inflicting bodily injury to himself or herself, or others; (ii) damaging any property; (iii) creating any disturbance; or (iv) escaping from custody; and ( d ) must not restrain the person more than is necessary. (4) After the person is arrested — ( a ) the person must as soon as reasonably practicable be brought to a police station; ( b ) the person may, if required by a police officer or an enforcement officer, be released on bail or on the person’s own bond (with or without surety) to appear before a Magistrate; ( c ) subject to paragraph ( d ), the person must not be detained for a longer period than is reasonable under all the circumstances of the case; and ( d ) the person must, unless earlier released, be brought before a Magistrate’s Court within 48 hours of the arrest (excluding the time needed for the journey to the Magistrate’s Court). (5) A person who appears or is brought before a Magistrate’s Court under subsection (4) may — ( a ) be ordered to be detained in custody until he or she can be tried; or ( b ) if required by the Magistrate, be released on bail, or on the person’s own bond (with or without surety), to appear before a Magistrate’s Court. [Act 21 of 2023 wef 02/01/2025]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s64F
chapter: PART 7 - PROTECTION AGAINST FAMILY VIOLENCE
section: 64F
title: Power to search arrested person; power to seize offensive weapons
content:
64F. —(1) An enforcement officer may exercise the powers under the following provisions of the Criminal Procedure Code 2010 against a person arrested under section 64E as if the officer were a police officer: ( a ) section 78(1) (power to search arrested person, etc.); ( b ) section 79 (power to seize offensive weapons from arrested person). (2) A search of a woman under subsection (1) must comply with section 83 of the Criminal Procedure Code 2010 (mode of searching women). [Act 21 of 2023 wef 02/01/2025]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s64G
chapter: PART 7 - PROTECTION AGAINST FAMILY VIOLENCE
section: 64G
title: Disposal of seized documents or thing
content:
64G. —(1) A document or thing taken into possession or seized under this Part must — ( a ) if the document or thing is produced in any criminal trial, be dealt with in accordance with section 364 of the Criminal Procedure Code 2010 (order for disposal of property by court); or ( b ) in any other case, be returned to the owner or reported to a Magistrate. (2) A Magistrate is to deal with a document or thing reported under subsection (1)( b ) in accordance with section 370 of the Criminal Procedure Code 2010 as if the report was made by a law enforcement officer under that section. (3) This section does not affect any right to retain or dispose of any property that may exist in law apart from this section. [Act 21 of 2023 wef 02/01/2025] Division 8 &#x2014; Administration [Act 21 of 2023 wef 02/01/2025]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s65
chapter: PART 7 - PROTECTION AGAINST FAMILY VIOLENCE
section: 65
title: Administration of this Part
content:
65. —(1) The Director‑General is, subject to the general or special directions of the Minister, responsible for the administration of this Part. (2) The Director‑General may — ( a ) appoint any person with suitable qualifications and experience as a protector under this Part; or ( b ) authorise any person with suitable qualifications and experience to exercise one or more specified functions of a protector under this Part, subject to any conditions or limitations specified by the Director‑General. (3) A person authorised under subsection (2)( b ) is to be called an approved welfare officer. (4) The Director‑General may — ( a ) appoint any public officer with suitable qualifications and experience as an enforcement officer under this Part; or ( b ) authorise any public officer with suitable qualifications and experience to exercise one or more specified functions of an enforcement officer under this Part, subject to any conditions or limitations specified by the Director‑General. (5) The Director‑General may exercise the functions of a protector or an enforcement officer under this Part. (6) The Director‑General may give general or specific directions to a person appointed or authorised under subsection (2) or (4) on the exercise of the person’s functions under this Part. (7) The Minister may prescribe one or more classes of persons to be support persons for the purposes of this Part. (8) The Director‑General may appoint any person with suitable qualifications and experience to be a support person for the purposes of this Part. (9) The following persons are taken to be public servants within the meaning of the Penal Code 1871 when exercising their functions under this Part: ( a ) the Director‑General; ( b ) a person appointed or authorised under subsection (2) or (4). [Act 21 of 2023 wef 02/01/2025]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s65A
chapter: PART 7 - PROTECTION AGAINST FAMILY VIOLENCE
section: 65A
title: Provisions relating to enforcement officers
content:
65A. —(1) The Director‑General must issue to each enforcement officer an identification card. (2) When a person ceases to be an enforcement officer, he or she must return to the Director‑General the identification card issued to him or her under subsection (1). (3) If asked to do so, an enforcement officer must produce his or her identification card for inspection before exercising a function under this Part. (4) An enforcement officer may carry or have in his or her possession or under his or her control any truncheon, handcuffs or other similar means of restraint for the purposes of exercising his or her functions under this Part. (5) To avoid doubt, this section applies to and in relation to a person authorised to exercise the functions of an enforcement officer under section 65(4)( b ). [Act 21 of 2023 wef 02/01/2025]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s65B
chapter: PART 7 - PROTECTION AGAINST FAMILY VIOLENCE
section: 65B
title: Power to record, etc.
content:
65B. —(1) A relevant person may take photographs, or make an audio or video recording of any person, place or thing if the relevant person reasonably believes that the taking of the photographs or the making of the recording is relevant to and necessary for the exercise of the relevant person’s functions under this Part. (2) In this section, “relevant person” means the Director‑General, a protector or an enforcement officer. [Act 21 of 2023 wef 02/01/2025]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s65C
chapter: PART 7 - PROTECTION AGAINST FAMILY VIOLENCE
section: 65C
title: Offence of obstructing Director‑General, etc.
content:
65C. —(1) A person commits an offence if the person refuses to give access to, or obstructs, hinders or delays, any of the following persons in the discharge of their duties or the exercise of their powers under this Part: ( a ) the Director‑General; ( b ) a person appointed or authorised under section 65(2) or (4); ( c ) a support person. (2) A person who is guilty of an offence under subsection (1) shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $5,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or to both. [Act 21 of 2023 wef 02/01/2025] Division 9 &#x2014; Transitional provisions [Act 21 of 2023 wef 02/01/2025]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s66
chapter: PART 7 - PROTECTION AGAINST FAMILY VIOLENCE
section: 66
title: Saving and transitional provisions
content:
66. —(1) The Minister may, by rules made under section 180, prescribe provisions of a saving or transitional nature consequent on the replacement of the former Part 7 with this Part. (2) Without limiting subsection (1), rules made for the purpose of that subsection may — ( a ) provide that a pending application is deemed, from the appointed date, to be an application for an order under this Part; ( b ) provide that an order made on or after the appointed date in a pending application is deemed to be an order made under this Part; ( c ) provide that an existing order is deemed, from the appointed date, to be an order made under this Part; ( d ) modify how this Part applies to an existing order or a pending application; or ( e ) prescribe the persons who may apply to vary, suspend or revoke an existing order. (3) Family Justice Rules may provide for the substitution of an applicant for the variation, suspension or revocation of an existing order. (4) In this section — “appointed date” means the date of commencement of section 2 of the Women’s Charter (Family Violence and Other Matters) (Amendment) Act 2023; “existing order” means an order under the former Part 7 that is in effect immediately before the appointed date; “former Part 7” means Part 7 of this Act in force immediately before the appointed date; “pending application” means an application under the former Part 7 that is pending immediately before the appointed date. [Act 21 of 2023 wef 02/01/2025] 67. [ Repealed by Act 21 of 2023 wef 02/01/2025 ]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s68
chapter: PART 8 - MAINTENANCE OF WIFE,
section: 68
title: Duty of parents to maintain children
content:
68. Except where an agreement or order of court otherwise provides, it shall be the duty of a parent to maintain or contribute to the maintenance of his or her children, whether they are in his or her custody or the custody of any other person, and whether they are legitimate or illegitimate, either by providing them with such accommodation, clothing, food and education as may be reasonable having regard to his or her means and station in life or by paying the cost thereof.


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s69
chapter: PART 8 - MAINTENANCE OF WIFE,
section: 69
title: Court may order maintenance of wife, incapacitated husband and children
content:
69. —(1) The court may, on the application of a wife, and on due proof that her husband has neglected or refused to provide reasonable maintenance for her, order the husband to pay monthly sums or a lump sum for the maintenance of that wife. [7/2016] [Act 18 of 2023 wef 31/01/2024] (1A) The court may, on the application of an incapacitated husband, and on due proof that his wife has neglected or refused to provide reasonable maintenance for him, order the wife to pay monthly sums or a lump sum for the maintenance of that husband. [7/2016] [Act 18 of 2023 wef 31/01/2024] (1B) The court may make an order under subsection (1) or (1A) regardless when the marriage was solemnised, whether before, on or after 1 July 2016. [7/2016] (2) The court may, on due proof that a parent has neglected or refused to provide reasonable maintenance for his or her child who is unable to maintain himself or herself, order that parent to pay monthly sums or a lump sum for the maintenance of that child. [27/2014] [Act 18 of 2023 wef 31/01/2024] (3) An application for the maintenance of a child under subsection (2) may be made by — ( a ) any person who is a guardian or has the actual custody of the child; ( b ) where the child has attained 21 years of age, by the child himself or herself; ( c ) where the child is below 21 years of age, any of his or her siblings who has attained 21 years of age; or ( d ) any person appointed by the Minister. (4) The court, when ordering maintenance for a wife, an incapacitated husband or a child under this section, is to have regard to all the circumstances of the case including the following matters: ( a ) the financial needs of the wife, incapacitated husband or child; ( b ) the income, earning capacity (if any), property and other financial resources of the wife, incapacitated husband or child; ( c ) any physical or mental disability of the wife, incapacitated husband or child; ( d ) the age of each party to the marriage and the duration of the marriage; ( e ) the contributions made by each of the parties to the marriage to the welfare of the family, including any contribution made by looking after the home or caring for the family; ( f ) the standard of living enjoyed — (i) by the wife before her husband neglected or refused to provide reasonable maintenance for her; (ii) by the incapacitated husband before his wife neglected or refused to provide reasonable maintenance for him; or (iii) by the child before a parent neglected or refused to provide reasonable maintenance for the child; ( g ) in the case of a child, the manner in which the child was being, and in which the parties to the marriage expected the child to be, educated or trained; and ( h ) the conduct of each of the parties to the marriage, if the conduct is such that it would in the opinion of the court be inequitable to disregard it. [7/2016] (5) The court shall not make an order under subsection (2) for the benefit of a child who has attained 21 years of age or for a period that extends beyond the day on which the child will attain that age unless the court is satisfied that the provision of the maintenance is necessary because — ( a ) of a mental or physical disability of the child; ( b ) the child is or will be serving full-time national service; ( c ) the child is or will be or (if an order were made under subsection (2)) would be receiving instruction at an educational establishment or undergoing training for a trade, profession or vocation, whether or not while in gainful employment; or ( d ) special circumstances, other than those stated in paragraphs ( a ), ( b ) and ( c ), exist which justify the making of the order. (6) An order under subsection (2) ceases to be in force on the day on which the child attains 21 years of age unless the order is expressed to continue in force for a period ending after that day. (7) An order under subsection (2) may direct payment to the person having custody or care and control of the child or the trustees of the child. (8) When ordering the payment of maintenance under this section or at any time after the making of the order, the court may, if it considers just, order the person liable to pay the maintenance to secure the whole or any part of it by vesting any property belonging to the person in trustees upon trust to pay the maintenance or any part of it out of the income from the property, and subject thereto, in trust for the settlor. (9) [ Deleted by Act 18 of 2023 wef 16/01/2025 ]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s70
chapter: PART 8 - MAINTENANCE OF WIFE,
section: 70
title: Duty to maintain child accepted as member of family
content:
70. —(1) Where a person has accepted a child who is not his or her child as a member of the person’s family, it shall be the person’s duty to maintain that child while he or she remains a child, so far as the father or the mother of the child fails to do so, and the court may make such orders as may be necessary to ensure the welfare of the child, which may include an order that the person pay a monthly sum or lump sum for the maintenance of the child. [Act 18 of 2023 wef 16/01/2025] (2) The duty imposed by subsection (1) ceases if the child is taken away by his or her father or mother. (3) The court, when making any order under subsection (1) that the person pay a monthly sum or lump sum for the maintenance of the child, is to have regard to all the circumstances of the case, including the matters in section 69(4) where appropriate and with the necessary modifications. [Act 18 of 2023 wef 16/01/2025] (4) An application for an order under subsection (1) may be made by — ( a ) any person who is a guardian or has the actual custody of the child; ( b ) where the child has attained 21 years of age, the child himself or herself; ( c ) where the child is below 21 years of age, any of his or her siblings who has attained 21 years of age; or ( d ) any person appointed by the Minister. (5) Subsections (5) to (8) of section 69 apply, with the necessary modifications, to the making of an order under this section. [Act 18 of 2023 wef 16/01/2025]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s70A
chapter: PART 8 - MAINTENANCE OF WIFE,
section: 70A
title: Recovery of sums expended to maintain child accepted as member of family
content:
70A. —(1) The court may, on an application by a person maintaining a child by virtue of his or her duty under section 70(1), order the father or mother of the child, or both, to pay to that person an amount specified by the court, being the sum or part of the sum expended by the person in the maintenance of that child. (2) The court, when making an order under subsection (1), is to have regard to all the circumstances of the case, including the matters in section 69(4) where appropriate and with the necessary modifications. (3) No sum expended by a person in the maintenance of a child is recoverable in any application under subsection (1) if the sum was expended more than 3 years before the making of the application unless the court, under special circumstances, otherwise allows. (4) Any sums ordered to be paid by the court under subsection (1) are recoverable as a debt in accordance with the Family Justice Rules. [Act 18 of 2023 wef 16/01/2025]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s71
chapter: PART 8 - MAINTENANCE OF WIFE,
section: 71
title: Court’s power to make attachment of earnings order for maintenance under section 69 or 70, etc.
content:
71. —(1) A court may, when making a maintenance order under section 69 or 70 or at any time thereafter, if the court considers just, make an attachment of earnings order under this section to secure payment of any maintenance that will become payable under the maintenance order. (2) A Family Court may make an attachment of earnings order under this section to secure payments payable under a maintenance order made under section 69 or 70 by the General Division of the High Court. (3) No application for an attachment of earnings order under subsection (1) or (2) in respect of a maintenance order, and no application to vary or discharge such an attachment of earnings order, may be made if proceedings under Part 9 for the enforcement of the same maintenance order are pending. (4) Sections 91C to 91K apply, with the necessary modifications, to an attachment of earnings order under subsection (1) or (2). (5) In this section, “attachment of earnings order” has the meaning given by section 76(1). [Act 18 of 2023 wef 16/01/2025] 71A. [ Repealed by Act 18 of 2023 wef 16/01/2025 ] 71B. [ Repealed by Act 18 of 2023 wef 16/01/2025 ] 71C. [ Repealed by Act 18 of 2023 wef 16/01/2025 ]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s72
chapter: PART 8 - MAINTENANCE OF WIFE,
section: 72
title: Rescission and variation of order
content:
72. —(1) On the application of any person receiving or ordered to pay monthly sums under this Part and on proof of a change in the circumstances of that person, or that person’s wife, incapacitated husband or child, or for other good cause being shown to the satisfaction of the court, the court by which the order was made may rescind the order or may vary it as it thinks fit. [7/2016] [Act 18 of 2023 wef 31/01/2024] (2) Without affecting the extent of the discretion conferred upon the court by subsection (1), the court may, in considering any application made under this section, take into consideration any change in the general cost of living which may have occurred between the date of the making of the order sought to be varied and the date of the hearing of the application.


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s73
chapter: PART 8 - MAINTENANCE OF WIFE,
section: 73
title: Power of court to vary agreement for maintenance of child
content:
73. The court may, at any time and from time to time, vary the terms of any agreement relating to the maintenance of a child, whether made before or after 1 June 1981, despite any provision to the contrary in that agreement, where it is satisfied that it is reasonable and for the welfare of the child to do so. 74. [ Repealed by Act 18 of 2023 wef 16/01/2025 ]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s75
chapter: PART 8 - MAINTENANCE OF WIFE,
section: 75
title: Application of Act to orders made under repealed Minor Offences Ordinance, etc.
content:
75. —(1) All orders made under section 37 of the repealed Minor Offences Ordinance (Cap. 24, 1936 Revised Edition) or under section 2 of the repealed Married Women and Children (Maintenance) Ordinance (Cap. 44, 1955 Revised Edition) and in force on 15 September 1961 are deemed to have been made under this Part by a court, and the provisions of this Part and Parts 9 and 9A apply to the same accordingly. [27/2014] [Act 18 of 2023 wef 16/01/2025] (2) Upon an application to vary any order made under section 37 of the repealed Minor Offences Ordinance (Cap. 24, 1936 Revised Edition) or under section 2 of the repealed Married Women and Children (Maintenance) Ordinance (Cap. 44, 1955 Revised Edition), the court may make under section 72 any order which it could have made upon an application under section 69 or under section 2 of the repealed Married Women and Children (Maintenance) Ordinance (Cap. 44, 1955 Revised Edition).


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s76
chapter: PART 9 - ENFORCEMENT OF MAINTENANCE ORDERS
section: 76
title: Interpretation of this Part
content:
76. —(1) In this Part — “applicant” means a person who makes a maintenance enforcement application; “appointed day” means the date of commencement of section 24 of the Family Justice Reform Act 2023; “attachment of earnings order” means an order by a court requiring the person to whom the order in question is directed (being a person appearing to the court to be a respondent’s employer) to make payments in satisfaction of the order out of the earnings falling to be paid to the respondent; “conciliation session” means a session under section 88; “consent order” means an order under section 81(1)( d ); “earnings”, in relation to a respondent, means any sums payable to the respondent — ( a ) by way of wages or salary, including any fees, bonus, commission, overtime pay or other emoluments payable in addition to wages or salary by the person paying the wages or salary or payable under a contract of service; or ( b ) by way of pension, including an annuity in respect of past services, whether or not the services were rendered to the person paying the annuity, and including periodical payments by way of compensation for the loss, abolition or relinquishment, or any diminution in the emoluments, of any office or employment; “employer” means a person by whom, as a principal and not as an employee or agent, earnings fall to be paid to a respondent, and references to payment of earnings are to be construed accordingly; “maintenance arrears” means payments due and payable under a maintenance order, whether secured or unsecured; “maintenance enforcement application” means an application under section 80; “maintenance enforcement officer” or “MEO” means an individual appointed under section 77(1), and includes the chief maintenance enforcement officer or “Chief MEO”; “maintenance enforcement order” means an order mentioned in section 91B(1); “maintenance enforcement proceedings” means the proceedings in court arising from any application under this Part, including any appeal against any decision made by the court on the application; “maintenance order” means any of the following orders, whether made before, on or after the appointed day: ( a ) an order for the payment of monthly sums or a lump sum for the maintenance of a wife, an incapacitated husband or a child, made or deemed to be made by a court under Part 8; ( b ) an order for the payment of monthly or periodical sums or a lump sum by way of maintenance or alimony to a wife or former wife or an incapacitated husband or incapacitated former husband, or by way of maintenance for the benefit of any child, under Part 10; ( c ) an order for maintenance made by the Syariah Court under the Administration of Muslim Law Act 1966; ( d ) an order for the payment of money in respect of the maintenance of an infant made under the Guardianship of Infants Act 1934; ( e ) an order for maintenance made under the Maintenance of Parents Act 1995; ( f ) a maintenance order, as defined in section 2 of the Maintenance Orders (Reciprocal Enforcement) Act 1975, which is registered or confirmed by the court under that Act; “MEO’s report” means any report prepared for the purposes of section 89(1), (2) or (3); “payable maintenance” means any amount that has not fallen due but will become due and payable by a respondent, under a maintenance order, by such date or dates as the court may specify in a show‑payment order; “referred application” means a maintenance enforcement application referred by the court to an MEO under section 84(1); “regulations” means regulations made under section 91A; “related attachment of earnings order”, in relation to a maintenance order, means an attachment of earnings order made for the purpose of securing payment of any part of the maintenance payable under the maintenance order, and a “related maintenance order” in relation to an attachment of earnings order is to be construed accordingly; “respondent”, in relation to a maintenance order or a maintenance enforcement application in respect of a maintenance order, means the person liable to make payments under the maintenance order; “show‑payment order” means an order under section 81(2)( c ) or (4)( a )(i). (2) In this Part — ( a ) a reference to any information includes a reference to a document; and ( b ) a reference to the submission of any information includes, in relation to information that is contained in a document, a reference to submitting the document. [Act 18 of 2023 wef 16/01/2025]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s77
chapter: PART 9 - ENFORCEMENT OF MAINTENANCE ORDERS
section: 77
title: Appointment of Chief MEO and other MEO
content:
77. —(1) The Minister may, for the purposes of this Part, appoint any number of individuals that the Minister considers necessary as maintenance enforcement officers, of whom one is to be appointed by the Minister as the chief maintenance enforcement officer. (2) Every appointment under subsection (1) may be on any terms or conditions that may be specified by the Minister. (3) The Chief MEO is to exercise his or her powers, and to perform his or her functions and duties, under this Part subject to the general or special directions of the Minister insofar as the directions are not inconsistent with this Act. (4) Every MEO (except the Chief MEO) is to exercise his or her powers, and to perform his or her functions and duties, under this Part subject to the general or special directions of the Chief MEO insofar as the directions are not inconsistent with this Act or the general or special directions of the Minister. (5) Every individual appointed under subsection (1) — ( a ) has the powers, functions and duties of an MEO; and ( b ) is deemed to be a public servant for the purposes of the Penal Code 1871 when exercising the powers or performing the functions or duties of an MEO. (6) No liability shall lie personally against an MEO or the Chief MEO (as the case may be) for anything that is done or purported to be done, or omitted to be done, in good faith and with reasonable care in — ( a ) the exercise or purported exercise of any power under this Part; or ( b ) the performance or purported performance of any function or duty under this Part. (7) Notice of the appointments made under subsection (1) must be published in the Gazette or in a manner that brings the appointments to the general notice of the public, which may include publication on a website. (8) In this section, a reference to the Minister includes a reference to any of the following persons designated by the Minister to exercise the power under subsection (1) (including the power to specify terms and conditions under subsection (2) or to give any general or special directions under subsection (3) or (4)): ( a ) a Second Minister, Minister of State or Senior Minister of State for the Ministry under the charge of the Minister; ( b ) a Parliamentary Secretary, Senior Parliamentary Secretary or Permanent Secretary to the Ministry under the charge of the Minister. [Act 18 of 2023 wef 16/01/2025]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s78
chapter: PART 9 - ENFORCEMENT OF MAINTENANCE ORDERS
section: 78
title: Enforcement of maintenance orders made by General Division of High Court
content:
78. A maintenance order made by the General Division of the High Court may be enforced by a Family Court in accordance with this Part as if that order had been made by the Family Court, except that a Family Court has no power to vary an order of the General Division of the High Court. [Act 18 of 2023 wef 16/01/2025]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s79
chapter: PART 9 - ENFORCEMENT OF MAINTENANCE ORDERS
section: 79
title: Powers of court relating to witnesses in maintenance enforcement proceedings
content:
79. —(1) The court may, in any maintenance enforcement proceedings, do all or any of the following despite any provision of the Evidence Act 1893 or any rule of law to the contrary concerning the examination of witnesses: ( a ) dispense with the examination‑in‑chief or cross‑examination (or any part of the examination‑in‑chief or cross‑examination) of a witness; ( b ) pose any question directly to a witness; ( c ) determine the order in which witnesses are to be produced or examined. (2) Subsection (1) does not apply in relation to any maintenance enforcement proceedings in the General Division of the High Court hearing an appeal from any decision of a Family Court. (3) Subsection (1) does not limit any powers of the court in furtherance of a judge‑led approach under the Family Justice Rules. [Act 18 of 2023 wef 16/01/2025] 79A. [ Repealed by Act 7 of 2016 ] Division 2 &#x2014; Maintenance enforcement application and
court’s powers on application


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s80
chapter: PART 9 - ENFORCEMENT OF MAINTENANCE ORDERS
section: 80
title: Application for maintenance enforcement order — by and to whom
content:
80. —(1) Any of the following persons may make an application to the court for enforcement of a maintenance order that the person alleges to have been breached: ( a ) the person who applied for the maintenance order; ( b ) a person who is a payee under the maintenance order for the benefit of a child and who is — (i) a person having custody or care and control of the child; or (ii) subject to subsection (2) — a trustee of the child; ( c ) without limiting paragraph ( b ), where the maintenance order was applied for by the person appointed by the Minister under section 69(3)( d ) (called the appointed person) — a person who is a payee under the maintenance order and who is the person nominated by the appointed person to receive payment under the maintenance order; ( d ) any other person who has a right under any other written law to enforce the maintenance order. (2) Any person wishing to make an application under subsection (1), who is a trustee of a child jointly with one or more other persons, must obtain the consent of all the other trustees. [Act 18 of 2023 wef 16/01/2025]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s81
chapter: PART 9 - ENFORCEMENT OF MAINTENANCE ORDERS
section: 81
title: Court orders on maintenance enforcement application
content:
81. —(1) Subject to the provisions of this Part, the court may do one or more of the following on a maintenance enforcement application: ( a ) if the court is satisfied that the maintenance order in question has been breached — make one or more maintenance enforcement orders in respect of the maintenance order in question; ( b ) where the maintenance order in question is made by the Family Court under Part 8 or 10 or the Guardianship of Infants Act 1934 and the prescribed circumstances exist — vary, suspend, discharge, rescind, set aside or revoke the maintenance order on the application of the applicant or respondent; ( c ) dismiss the maintenance enforcement application; ( d ) make a consent order based on the terms of any agreement between the applicant and respondent on — (i) the following amounts to be paid under the maintenance order in question: (A) the amount of maintenance arrears (if any) under the maintenance order in question as at the date of the consent order; (B) the amount of payable maintenance (if any) under the maintenance order in question; and (ii) any other detail concerning the mode or the date or dates by which the amount of maintenance is to be paid; ( e ) where the maintenance order in question is made by the Family Court under Part 8 or 10 or the Guardianship of Infants Act 1934 and the prescribed circumstances exist — make an order to vary, suspend, discharge, rescind, set aside or revoke the maintenance order based on the terms of any agreement between the applicant and respondent; ( f ) if the applicant has been absent from a conciliation session on any date fixed for the session — strike out the maintenance enforcement application. (2) Where the court is satisfied that the maintenance order in question has been breached and no consent order is made on the application and the application is not dismissed under subsection (1)( c ) or struck out under subsection (1)( f ), the court must make an order — ( a ) declaring the amount of maintenance arrears (if any) under the maintenance order as at the date of the declaration; ( b ) requiring the respondent to make payment of the maintenance arrears declared under paragraph ( a ) in a lump sum or in instalments by such mode and on such date or dates as the court may specify; ( c ) requiring the respondent to prove any payment of maintenance arrears under paragraph ( b ) or any payable maintenance, in such manner and on such date or dates as the court may specify; and ( d ) subject to subsection (5), specifying a term of imprisonment for the purposes of section 91O in respect of the respondent. (3) To avoid doubt, the court may make an order under subsection (1)( a ) or ( b ) in addition to any order that the court must make under subsection (2). (4) If the court makes a consent order, the court may also do one or both of the following: ( a ) make an order — (i) requiring the respondent to prove, in such manner and on such date or dates as the court may specify — (A) that any maintenance arrears or payable maintenance agreed between the applicant and respondent to be paid has been paid by the date or dates agreed between the applicant and respondent and as recorded in the consent order; and (B) that the maintenance mentioned in sub‑paragraph (A) has been paid in the mode specified by the court; and (ii) subject to subsection (5), specifying a term of imprisonment for the purposes of section 91O in respect of the respondent; ( b ) make any maintenance enforcement order, except a maintenance enforcement order mentioned in section 91B(1)( b ). (5) The term of imprisonment specified under subsection (2)( d ) or (4)( a )(ii) must not exceed the following: ( a ) for each failure to prove payment of any maintenance arrears in accordance with subsection (2)( c ) or (4)( a )(i) (as the case may be) — 6 months; ( b ) for each failure to prove payment of any payable maintenance in accordance with subsection (2)( c ) or (4)( a )(i) (as the case may be) — one month for each month’s worth of payable maintenance (or any part thereof). (6) In subsection (5)( b ), a reference to each month’s worth of payable maintenance is a reference to the total amount of maintenance that is required to be paid by the respondent in a month under the maintenance order in question. (7) The court must not make any order under subsection (2)( d ) or (4)( a )(ii) specifying any term of imprisonment if special circumstances exist which render the making of the order inappropriate. (8) The special circumstances to which the court may have regard for the purposes of subsection (7) include the respondent’s age and the respondent’s state of health and physical condition. (9) Where a show‑payment order is made in relation to a maintenance order, no further maintenance enforcement application may be made in relation to the same maintenance order in respect of any maintenance required to be proved to be paid by the respondent under the show‑payment order, until the expiry of the latest of the following dates: ( a ) every date specified by the court in the show‑payment order on which the maintenance is required to be proved to have been paid; ( b ) in a case where the respondent fails to prove payment of any maintenance on any date mentioned in paragraph ( a ) — the date of the hearing in which the respondent is required to show good cause for his or her failure to prove such payment. (10) At any time after the making of an order under subsection (2) or (4)( a ), the court may, on the application of a respondent and upon being satisfied that there is good reason to do so, specify in respect of any payment (or any part of the payment) mentioned in that order, one or more of the following: ( a ) a different mode of the payment for the purposes of subsection (2)( b ) or (4)( a )(i); ( b ) a later date or dates on which the respondent is required to make such payment; ( c ) a later date or dates for proving such payment as required under subsection (2)( c ) or (4)( a )(i), as the case may be. [Act 18 of 2023 wef 16/01/2025] 81A. [ Repealed by Act 18 of 2023 wef 16/01/2025 ]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s82
chapter: PART 9 - ENFORCEMENT OF MAINTENANCE ORDERS
section: 82
title: Reinstatement of maintenance enforcement application
content:
82. The court may, if it thinks fit, reinstate a maintenance enforcement application struck out under section 81(1)( f ) upon an application by the applicant for the reinstatement. [Act 18 of 2023 wef 16/01/2025]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s83
chapter: PART 9 - ENFORCEMENT OF MAINTENANCE ORDERS
section: 83
title: Arrears report to designated credit bureau
content:
83. —(1) If the court has declared under section 81(2)( a ) the amount of maintenance arrears under a maintenance order, and any of that amount remains in arrears, any of the following persons may lodge a report with a designated credit bureau, stating the amount that remains in arrears as at the date of the report (called in this section an arrears report): ( a ) the person to whom or for whose benefit the maintenance is payable; ( b ) the caregiver of a person mentioned in paragraph ( a ); ( c ) an authorised representative of a person mentioned in paragraph ( a ); ( d ) an MEO. (2) Subject to subsection (3), the designated credit bureau may provide to a member of the designated credit bureau information in an arrears report in relation to a respondent, either on its own or consolidated with other information pertaining to the credit payment history of the respondent. (3) Where, subsequent to the lodging of an arrears report, the designated credit bureau has received any report updating the amount that remains in arrears in relation to a respondent (called in this section an updating report), any information that the designated credit bureau may provide to its member under subsection (2) may be consolidated with the information in the updating report. (4) Regulations may provide for the following matters: ( a ) the information to be submitted in or with an arrears report or updating report; ( b ) the procedure for the lodging of an arrears report or updating report, including any requirement to file a declaration as to the accuracy of the information in the arrears report or updating report; ( c ) the persons who may apply for a copy of an arrears report or updating report; ( d ) the procedure for a respondent who is the subject of an arrears report or updating report to challenge the accuracy of any information in an arrears report or updating report. (5) In this section, “designated credit bureau” means an entity that — ( a ) collects and maintains information about the credit payment history of a person and provides the information to its members for the purpose of enabling its members to assess the creditworthiness of a person; and ( b ) has been designated by the Minister as a credit bureau for the purposes of receiving an arrears report under subsection (1). [Act 18 of 2023 wef 16/01/2025] Division 3 &#x2014; Role of MEO Subdivision (1) &#x2014; Referred applications and
information‑gathering by MEO, etc.


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s84
chapter: PART 9 - ENFORCEMENT OF MAINTENANCE ORDERS
section: 84
title: Referral to MEO
content:
84. —(1) The court may, at any time after a maintenance enforcement application is made, refer the application to an MEO in order that the MEO may — ( a ) ascertain the facts and circumstances that could be relevant to the referred application; ( b ) conduct conciliation between the parties; ( c ) assist the court in matters relating to the referred application; and ( d ) generally perform the functions of an MEO under this Part. (2) Where the court refers a maintenance enforcement application to an MEO under subsection (1), the court may direct the applicant and respondent — ( a ) to provide the MEO with any information that may be prescribed by the regulations within the time specified by the court; and ( b ) to attend before an MEO for a conciliation session on any date or dates and at any place or through any electronic means of communication, specified by the MEO. [Act 18 of 2023 wef 16/01/2025]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s85
chapter: PART 9 - ENFORCEMENT OF MAINTENANCE ORDERS
section: 85
title: Referral by MEO for financial assistance
content:
85. —(1) An MEO may, in relation to a referred application — ( a ) refer the applicant or respondent (as the case may be) to a social service officer for any financial assistance; and ( b ) disclose to the social service officer any information provided or obtained under section 84(2) or 86 that the MEO thinks is relevant to the referral. (2) In this section, “social service officer” means any individual who is authorised under the Community Care Endowment Fund Act 2005 to make payment out of the Community Care Endowment Fund established by section 3(1) of that Act and includes any other prescribed individual. [Act 18 of 2023 wef 16/01/2025]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s86
chapter: PART 9 - ENFORCEMENT OF MAINTENANCE ORDERS
section: 86
title: Powers of MEO and court to direct, require or order provision of information, etc.
content:
86. —(1) Subject to subsection (5), an MEO may, in relation to a referred application — ( a ) direct the applicant or respondent to provide the MEO with any information; or ( b ) for the purpose of obtaining information from the applicant or respondent, direct the applicant or respondent (as the case may be) to attend an interview with the MEO. (2) The court may, on its own motion or at the request of an MEO in relation to a referred application, order the applicant or respondent to provide the MEO with any information in the possession, custody or power of the applicant or respondent (as the case may be) that the court considers relevant to the referred application. (3) Subject to subsection (6), an MEO may, in relation to a referred application, request the court to order a bank to provide the MEO with any information if such conditions as may be prescribed by the regulations in relation to the bank are met. (4) Subject to subsections (5) and (6), where an MEO requires any information from a third party in relation to a referred application, the MEO may — ( a ) where the third party is a prescribed third party and the conditions prescribed by the regulations in relation to the prescribed third party (if any) are met — direct that prescribed third party to provide the MEO with the information; ( b ) where the third party is a prescribed third party, and — (i) the information is made available to the MEO by the prescribed third party on a prescribed data‑sharing platform; and (ii) the conditions prescribed by the regulations in relation to the prescribed third party (if any) are met, obtain the information from the prescribed data‑sharing platform; or ( c ) request the court for an order that the third party provide the MEO with the information. (5) The MEO must not — ( a ) direct the provision of any information under subsection (1)( a ); ( b ) obtain any information from the applicant or respondent at an interview under subsection (1)( b ); ( c ) request for an order under subsection (3) or (4)( c ) for the provision of any information; or ( d ) direct the provision of, or obtain, any information under subsection (4)( a ) or ( b ) by or from a prescribed third party, unless the MEO has reasonable grounds to believe that the information is relevant to the referred application. (6) The MEO must not — ( a ) request for an order under subsection (3) for the provision of any information; or ( b ) direct the provision of, or obtain, any information under subsection (4)( a ) or ( b ) by or from a prescribed third party, unless the information belongs to a category of information that is prescribed by the regulations in relation to the bank or prescribed third party, as the case may be. (7) The court must not make an order under subsection (3) or (4)( c ) for the provision of any information unless the court is satisfied that the MEO who made the request has reasonable grounds to believe that the information is relevant to the referred application. (8) Any person directed or ordered to provide information to an MEO under subsection (1)( a ), (2), (3) or (4)( a ) or ( c ) must do so in the manner and within the time specified by the MEO or the court, as the case may be. (9) This section applies — ( a ) despite any other written law; and ( b ) whether or not any person accessing, using or disclosing information under this section is under any obligation (imposed by any written law or otherwise) not to access, use or disclose the information. (10) This section does not affect the exercise of any right or authority under any other written law or rule of law to access, use or disclose confidential information. (11) In this section — “bank” has the meaning given by section 2(1) of the Banking Act 1970; “prescribed data‑sharing platform” means any information system, on which information is made available by one or more prescribed third parties, that may be prescribed by the regulations; “prescribed third party” means any third party prescribed by the regulations; “third party”, in relation to a referred application, means a person other than the applicant and respondent, but excludes a bank. [Act 18 of 2023 wef 16/01/2025]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s87
chapter: PART 9 - ENFORCEMENT OF MAINTENANCE ORDERS
section: 87
title: Non‑compliance with directions given under section 86(1)
content:
87. Where an applicant or a respondent fails to comply with any direction of an MEO under section 86(1), the court may draw any adverse inference against the applicant or respondent (as the case may be) that the court thinks fit in the determination of the maintenance enforcement application in question. [Act 18 of 2023 wef 16/01/2025] Subdivision (2) &#x2014; Conciliation session by MEO


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s88
chapter: PART 9 - ENFORCEMENT OF MAINTENANCE ORDERS
section: 88
title: Purpose and scope of conciliation session, etc.
content:
88. —(1) An MEO may conduct a conciliation session on one or more dates with an applicant and a respondent (called in this section the parties) for the purpose of facilitating an agreement between the parties on any issue concerning a maintenance enforcement application. (2) Without limiting subsection (1), an MEO conducting the conciliation session may make recommendations to the parties as to how to resolve any dispute between them on any issue concerning the application. (3) If the respondent has been absent from a conciliation session on any date fixed for the session, the court may direct the respondent to attend the conciliation session on a later date specified by the court. [Act 18 of 2023 wef 16/01/2025] Subdivision (3) &#x2014; MEO’s report


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s89
chapter: PART 9 - ENFORCEMENT OF MAINTENANCE ORDERS
section: 89
title: Submission of MEO’s report
content:
89. —(1) Unless otherwise specified by the court, an MEO must, in relation to a referred application under section 84(1), submit to the court a report containing the following matters and information: ( a ) all the information provided to the MEO under section 84(2) or 86 in relation to the maintenance enforcement application; ( b ) any other matters and information in relation to the maintenance enforcement application as may be prescribed. (2) Subject to the regulations mentioned in subsection (4), where an MEO thinks that any information ought to be brought to the attention of the parties before submitting a report under subsection (1) in relation to a referred application, the MEO may prepare an interim report containing the information to be provided to the parties. (3) In addition to or instead of a report under subsection (1) or (2), the court may direct an MEO to submit a report containing any other matters relating to the referred application that the court may require. (4) Regulations may provide for — ( a ) the circumstances in which an MEO may provide a copy of an interim report mentioned in subsection (2) — (i) to an applicant only; or (ii) to an applicant before a copy of the same is provided to a respondent; and ( b ) where an interim report mentioned in subsection (2) is provided by an MEO to the applicant before the respondent — the time within which a copy of an interim report must be provided to a respondent. (5) The Family Justice Rules may provide for — ( a ) the circumstances under which the court may direct an MEO to submit an interim report mentioned in subsection (2); ( b ) the manner of submission of any MEO’s report and any documentary evidence or other evidence in support of the information in the report, to the court; and ( c ) any other information or documents required to be submitted to the court with any MEO’s report. [Act 18 of 2023 wef 16/01/2025]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s90
chapter: PART 9 - ENFORCEMENT OF MAINTENANCE ORDERS
section: 90
title: Redaction, significance and sharing of MEO’s report, etc.
content:
90. —(1) If any document to be submitted to the court with an MEO’s report contains any matter, information or material that is not relevant to the maintenance enforcement proceedings in question, the MEO may redact the parts of the document containing the matter, information or material. (2) If the court is of the opinion that any redacted part of the document contains any matter, information or material that may be relevant to the maintenance enforcement proceedings in question, the court may direct an MEO to resubmit a copy of the document without the redaction. (3) The court is to give due consideration to an MEO’s report in determining what order or orders ought to be made on the maintenance enforcement application, including whether the maintenance order in question ought to be varied. (4) In any maintenance enforcement proceedings — ( a ) a copy of an MEO’s report in relation to the maintenance enforcement application is admissible as evidence of the opinion of the MEO who prepared the report and of the facts upon which the MEO’s opinion is based in relation to any matter contained in the report; ( b ) an MEO who prepared or submitted an MEO’s report need not be called as a witness unless the MEO is to be examined by the court or, with the permission of the court, by the applicant or respondent; and ( c ) the court may, after giving due consideration to an MEO’s report, make any order as it thinks fit without any further evidence of the matters in the MEO’s report. (5) Where the court has made a maintenance enforcement order mentioned in section 91B(1)( e ) against a respondent, the court may direct an MEO to share such parts of an MEO’s report with such persons as the court may specify to facilitate the administration of the maintenance enforcement order. [Act 18 of 2023 wef 16/01/2025]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s91
chapter: PART 9 - ENFORCEMENT OF MAINTENANCE ORDERS
section: 91
title: Reliance on previous MEO’s reports in subsequent enforcement proceedings, etc.
content:
91. —(1) This section applies where a maintenance enforcement application (called the previous application) was made in respect of a maintenance order, and — ( a ) a maintenance enforcement application is subsequently made in respect of the same maintenance order (called the subsequent maintenance enforcement application); or ( b ) any prescribed proceedings involving the same parties as those in the previous application arise subsequently (called the subsequent proceedings). (2) In a case where subsection (1)( a ) applies — ( a ) a copy of an MEO’s report submitted in relation to the previous application (called a previous report) is admissible in the proceedings in the subsequent maintenance enforcement application as evidence of the opinion of the MEO who prepared the report and of the facts upon which the MEO’s opinion is based in relation to any matter contained in the report; ( b ) an MEO who prepared the previous report need not be called as a witness unless the MEO is to be examined by the court or, with the permission of the court, by the applicant or respondent; and ( c ) the court may, if no evidence has been adduced to prove that there has been a material change in the circumstances of the applicant or respondent since the previous report was submitted by an MEO — make any order that it thinks fit based on the matters in the previous report, without any further evidence of the matters in the MEO’s report. (3) In a case where subsection (1)( b ) applies — ( a ) a copy of an MEO’s report submitted in relation to the previous application (called a previous report) is admissible in the subsequent proceedings as evidence of the opinion of the MEO who prepared the report and of the facts upon which the MEO’s opinion is based in relation to any matter contained in the report; but ( b ) the MEO who prepared the previous report is not to be called as a witness or be examined by the court or any of the parties in the subsequent proceedings. (4) In this section, “prescribed proceedings” means such proceedings in a Family Court or the General Division of the High Court of the class of proceedings prescribed by regulations. [Act 18 of 2023 wef 16/01/2025] Subdivision (4) &#x2014; Regulations by Minister


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s91A
chapter: PART 9 - ENFORCEMENT OF MAINTENANCE ORDERS
section: 91A
title: Minister’s power to make regulations for purposes of this Division and sections 77 and 83
content:
91A. —(1) The Minister may make regulations — ( a ) to prescribe anything that is required or permitted by this Division or section 77 or 83 to be prescribed by regulations made under this section; or ( b ) generally for the purposes of this Division or section 77 or 83. (2) Without limiting subsection (1), regulations may — ( a ) provide for the qualifications or experience of persons to be appointed as an MEO; ( b ) prescribe the fees payable to an MEO and the persons by whom the fees are so payable; ( c ) provide for the waiver, refund or remission (whether in whole or in part) of any prescribed fee; ( d ) provide for the conduct of any interview by an MEO under section 86(1)( b ) and the convening and conduct of any conciliation session, including by using any remote communication technology; and ( e ) prescribe that any act or omission in contravention of any provision of regulations made under this section shall be an offence punishable with a fine not exceeding $500 or with imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or with both. (3) The powers conferred by subsection (1)( b ) or (2)( e ) do not extend to any matter — ( a ) for which Family Justice Rules may be made under section 179A; or ( b ) for which rules may be made under section 180(1) or (1A). (4) Regulations made under subsection (1) — ( a ) must be presented to Parliament as soon as possible after publication in the Gazette ; and ( b ) may be revoked (wholly or partly) by a resolution of Parliament. (5) A resolution under subsection (4)( b ) — ( a ) must specify the date from which the regulations are revoked; and ( b ) may only be passed on a motion for which notice is given on or before the first available sitting day of Parliament after the expiry of one month after the date on which the regulations were presented to Parliament. (6) If Parliament passes a resolution under subsection (4)( b ) — ( a ) the regulations are revoked with effect from the date specified in the resolution; ( b ) the revocation does not affect the validity of anything done before the specified date; and ( c ) the Minister is not prevented from making new regulations. [Act 18 of 2023 wef 16/01/2025] Division 4 &#x2014; Orders to enforce payment of maintenance Subdivision (1) &#x2014; What are maintenance enforcement orders


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s91B
chapter: PART 9 - ENFORCEMENT OF MAINTENANCE ORDERS
section: 91B
title: Meaning of “maintenance enforcement order”
content:
91B. —(1) For the purposes of this Part, each of the following is a maintenance enforcement order: ( a ) a warrant directing that maintenance arrears be levied in the manner by law provided for levying fines imposed by a Magistrate’s Court; ( b ) an order sentencing the respondent to imprisonment for maintenance arrears as at the time the maintenance enforcement application in question is made; ( c ) an order for attachment of a debt made in accordance with the Family Justice Rules; ( d ) an order requiring the respondent to furnish security against any future default in maintenance payments by means of a banker’s guarantee; ( e ) an order requiring the respondent to undergo financial counselling or any other similar or related programme that the court may direct if the court considers it in the interests of the parties in the maintenance enforcement proceedings or their children to do so; ( f ) a community service order requiring the respondent to perform unpaid community service; ( g ) an attachment of earnings order. (2) To avoid doubt — ( a ) an order mentioned in subsection (1)( d ), ( e ) or ( f ) may be made on a maintenance enforcement application even though any maintenance arrears as at the time of making of the application have been paid up in part or in whole by the time the order is made; and ( b ) an order mentioned in subsection (1)( e ) or ( f ) may be made on a maintenance enforcement application even though the respondent is no longer liable to make any payment under the maintenance order in question by the time the order is made. [Act 18 of 2023 wef 16/01/2025] Subdivision (2) &#x2014; Provisions relating to attachment of
earnings orders


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s91C
chapter: PART 9 - ENFORCEMENT OF MAINTENANCE ORDERS
section: 91C
title: Amount of payment to be directed under attachment of earnings order
content:
91C. The amount that the court may order in an attachment of earnings order is a sum that seems reasonable to the court, after taking into account the resources and needs of the respondent and the needs of persons for whom the respondent must or reasonably should provide. [Act 18 of 2023 wef 16/01/2025]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s91D
chapter: PART 9 - ENFORCEMENT OF MAINTENANCE ORDERS
section: 91D
title: Discharge, variation or cessation of attachment of earnings order made
content:
91D. —(1) The court by which an attachment of earnings order has been made may, if it thinks fit, on the application of the respondent or a person entitled to receive payments under the related maintenance order, make an order discharging or varying the attachment of earnings order. (2) An attachment of earnings order or any such order as varied under subsection (1) need not be complied with until the expiry of 7 days after the date on which a copy of the attachment of earnings order or the order as so varied (as the case may be) is served on the person to whom the attachment of earnings order or the order as so varied (as the case may be) is directed. (3) An attachment of earnings order ceases to have effect upon the rescission of the related maintenance order. [Act 18 of 2023 wef 16/01/2025]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s91E
chapter: PART 9 - ENFORCEMENT OF MAINTENANCE ORDERS
section: 91E
title: Duty to comply with attachment of earnings order
content:
91E. —(1) A person to whom an attachment of earnings order is directed must, despite anything in any other written law but subject to the provisions of this Subdivision, comply with the order or, if the order is subsequently varied under section 91D(1), with the order as so varied. (2) Where, on any occasion on which earnings fall to be paid to a respondent, there are in force 2 or more attachment of earnings orders relating to those earnings, then, for the purpose of complying with subsection (1), the person to whom those orders are directed must — ( a ) deal with those orders according to the respective dates on which they came into force, disregarding any later order until all earlier orders have been dealt with; and ( b ) deal with any later order as if the earnings to which it relates were the residue of the respondent’s earnings after the making of any payment pursuant to any earlier order. (3) A person who makes a payment pursuant to an attachment of earnings order must give to the respondent a statement in writing specifying the amount of that payment. (4) A person to whom an attachment of earnings order is directed who, at the time when a copy of the order is served on the person, is not and has not during the period of one month immediately preceding that time been the respondent’s employer must forthwith give notice in writing to that effect in the prescribed form to the court which made the order. [Act 18 of 2023 wef 16/01/2025]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s91F
chapter: PART 9 - ENFORCEMENT OF MAINTENANCE ORDERS
section: 91F
title: Additional powers of court to obtain information relating to attachment of earnings order
content:
91F. —(1) The court may, when considering whether to make, discharge or vary an attachment of earnings order in respect of a respondent — ( a ) order the respondent to give to the court, within the period specified by the order, a statement signed by the respondent of — (i) the name, address and other contact details of the respondent’s employer, or of each of the respondent’s employers if he or she has more than one; (ii) any particulars as to the respondent’s earnings specified by the order; and (iii) any prescribed particulars specified by the order for the purpose of enabling the respondent to be identified by any employer of his or hers; ( b ) order any person appearing to the court to be an employer of the respondent to give to the court, within the period specified by the order, a statement signed by the person or on the person’s behalf of any particulars that may be so specified of all earnings of the respondent which fell to be paid by that person during the period specified by the order; and ( c ) order the Central Provident Fund Board to provide a statement to the applicant stating the following information, if the information is available to the Board based on records kept by the Board: (i) the name and address of the respondent’s employer or employers or, if the respondent is unemployed, the respondent’s last known employer or employers in the 12 months immediately preceding the date of the order; (ii) the contributions (if any) made by the respondent or his or her employer to the respondent’s Central Provident Fund account in the 12 months immediately preceding the date of the order. (2) A document purporting to be a statement mentioned in subsection (1)( a ), ( b ) or ( c ) is to be received in evidence in the proceedings before the court and is presumed to be such a statement without further proof unless the contrary is shown. (3) In subsection (1)( c ), “employer” has the meaning given by section 2(1) of the Central Provident Fund Act 1953. [Act 18 of 2023 wef 16/01/2025]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s91G
chapter: PART 9 - ENFORCEMENT OF MAINTENANCE ORDERS
section: 91G
title: Obligation to notify changes of employment and earnings
content:
91G. While an attachment of earnings order is in force — ( a ) the respondent must from time to time notify in writing the court which made the order of every occasion on which the respondent’s employment is terminated or otherwise ends, or the respondent becomes employed or re‑employed, not later (in each case) than 7 days after the date on which the respondent did so; ( b ) the respondent must, on any occasion when the respondent becomes employed or re‑employed, include in his or her notification under paragraph ( a ) particulars of his or her earnings and anticipated earnings from the relevant employment; and ( c ) any person who becomes the respondent’s employer and knows that the order is in force and by what court it was made must, within 7 days after the date that the person becomes the respondent’s employer or acquires that knowledge (whichever is the later), notify that court in writing that the person is the respondent’s employer, and include in that notification a statement of the respondent’s earnings and anticipated earnings. [Act 18 of 2023 wef 16/01/2025]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s91H
chapter: PART 9 - ENFORCEMENT OF MAINTENANCE ORDERS
section: 91H
title: Power of court to determine what are earnings
content:
91H. —(1) The person to whom an attachment of earnings order is directed, the respondent, or the person in whose favour the order was made, may apply to the court by which the order has been made for a determination as to whether payments to the respondent of a particular class or description specified by the application are earnings for the purposes of that order. (2) Where a determination is made by the court under subsection (1), the person to whom the attachment of earnings order is directed is entitled to give effect to any determination for the time being in force under subsection (1). (3) A person to whom an attachment of earnings order is directed who makes an application under subsection (1) does not incur any liability for failing to comply with the order as regards any payments of the class or description specified by the application which are made by the person to the respondent while the application, or any appeal in consequence of the application, is pending. (4) Subsection (3) does not apply as regards the payments mentioned in that subsection if the person to whom the attachment of earnings order is directed subsequently withdraws the application or abandons the appeal, as the case may be. [Act 18 of 2023 wef 16/01/2025]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s91I
chapter: PART 9 - ENFORCEMENT OF MAINTENANCE ORDERS
section: 91I
title: Treatment of moneys received under attachment of earnings order
content:
91I. Any sums received by a person by virtue of an attachment of earnings order are treated as payments made by the respondent, so as to discharge — ( a ) first — any sums for the time being due and unpaid under the related maintenance order (a sum due at an earlier date being discharged before a sum due at a later date); and ( b ) second — any costs incurred in proceedings relating to the related maintenance order which were payable by the respondent when the attachment of earnings order was made or last varied. [Act 18 of 2023 wef 16/01/2025]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s91J
chapter: PART 9 - ENFORCEMENT OF MAINTENANCE ORDERS
section: 91J
title: Earnings paid by Government or out of Consolidated Fund
content:
91J. —(1) In relation to earnings falling to be paid by the Government or out of the Consolidated Fund pursuant to an attachment of earnings order, the earnings are to be treated as falling to be paid by the chief officer for the time being of the department, office or other body concerned. (2) If any question arises, in connection with any maintenance enforcement proceedings, as to what department, office or other body is concerned for the purposes of this section, or as to who for those purposes is the chief officer thereof, that question is to be referred to and determined by the Minister charged with the responsibility for finance, but that Minister is not under any obligation to consider a reference under this subsection unless it is made by a court. (3) A document purporting to set out a determination of the Minister charged with the responsibility for finance under subsection (2) and to be signed by an official of the Ministry under the charge of that Minister is, in any such proceedings as are mentioned in that subsection, admissible in evidence and presumed to contain an accurate statement of such a determination unless the contrary is shown. [Act 18 of 2023 wef 16/01/2025]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s91K
chapter: PART 9 - ENFORCEMENT OF MAINTENANCE ORDERS
section: 91K
title:
Penalties for non‑compliance with attachment of earnings order and for giving false notice or statement

content:
91K. —(1) Any person who — ( a ) fails to comply with section 91E(1) or (4) or 91G, or an order of a court under section 91F(1); ( b ) gives a notice mentioned in section 91E(4) or a statement pursuant to an order of a court under section 91F(1), which notice or statement the person knows to be false in a material particular; or ( c ) recklessly gives a notice mentioned in section 91E(4) or a statement pursuant to an order of a court under section 91F(1), which is false in a material particular, shall, subject to subsection (2), be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $2,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or to both. (2) It is a defence for a person charged with failing to comply with section 91E(1) to prove that the person took all reasonable steps to comply with the attachment of earnings order to which the failure relates. [Act 18 of 2023 wef 16/01/2025] Subdivision (3) &#x2014; Provisions relating to other maintenance
enforcement orders (except imprisonment)


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s91L
chapter: PART 9 - ENFORCEMENT OF MAINTENANCE ORDERS
section: 91L
title: Banker’s guarantee
content:
91L. —(1) This section applies where a respondent has been ordered by the court to furnish a banker’s guarantee mentioned in section 91B(1)( d ). (2) The banker’s guarantee furnished by the respondent — ( a ) must be valid for a period specified by the court (not exceeding 3 years), starting on the date the order for security is made; and ( b ) must be for an amount specified by the court not exceeding 3 months of maintenance payable under the maintenance order. (3) The respondent must make the original banker’s guarantee available to the person to whom maintenance is owed (called in this section a maintenance claimant) within one month from the date of the order. (4) Where — ( a ) a maintenance claimant makes a demand on the banker’s guarantee and no maintenance arrears are owing to the claimant at the time of the demand; or ( b ) the amount paid out under a banker’s guarantee to a maintenance claimant exceeds the actual amount of maintenance arrears owing to the claimant at the time the claimant’s demand was made on the banker’s guarantee, any amount that is payable or paid that is in excess of the amount of maintenance arrears owing (called in this section the excess) must be set off against the amount of any maintenance which becomes payable by the respondent to the maintenance claimant at any time on or after the date of the demand on the banker’s guarantee (called in this section future maintenance liability). (5) Where there is no future maintenance liability against which the excess may be offset, the maintenance claimant who made the demand on the banker’s guarantee giving rise to that excess must, upon demand by the respondent, refund the excess to the respondent. (6) Where a refund is not made as required under subsection (5), the respondent may recover the amount due to the respondent under that subsection from the maintenance claimant as if the amount were a civil debt due to the respondent. [Act 18 of 2023 wef 16/01/2025]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s91M
chapter: PART 9 - ENFORCEMENT OF MAINTENANCE ORDERS
section: 91M
title: Financial counselling
content:
91M. Where a court has made a maintenance enforcement order mentioned in section 91B(1)( e ) requiring a respondent to attend financial counselling or any other similar or related programme but the respondent fails to comply with the order, any of the following persons may make a complaint to the court regarding the non‑compliance: ( a ) the person who is to have provided the financial counselling or conducted the similar or related programme ordered by the court; ( b ) the Director‑General or any person appointed by the Director‑General, where the court has ordered the respondent to attend financial counselling or any other similar or related programme under the direction or supervision of the Director‑General. [Act 18 of 2023 wef 16/01/2025]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s91N
chapter: PART 9 - ENFORCEMENT OF MAINTENANCE ORDERS
section: 91N
title: Community service orders
content:
91N. —(1) A community service order mentioned in section 91B(1)( f ) must not exceed 40 hours. (2) A court must not make a community service order mentioned in section 91B(1)( f ) against a respondent unless the court is satisfied that suitable arrangements can be made for the respondent to perform the community service under the supervision of a community service officer. (3) Even though a community service order mentioned in section 91B(1)( f ) has been made, the court may, upon an application by a community service officer and upon being satisfied that the respondent concerned is medically unfit to comply with the community service order, rescind the order. (4) The Minister may — ( a ) appoint any person to be a community service officer for the purposes of this section; ( b ) prescribe by rules under section 180(1) the duration within which community service to be performed under a community service order must be completed; and ( c ) make rules under section 180(1), not inconsistent with the provisions of this Part, to make further provisions for the manner in which a community service order may be performed, including the imposition of additional requirements and the service of any instructions or notice on a respondent in respect of whom such an order has been made. [Act 18 of 2023 wef 16/01/2025] Division 5 &#x2014; Provisions relating to
imprisonment under this Part


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s91O
chapter: PART 9 - ENFORCEMENT OF MAINTENANCE ORDERS
section: 91O
title: Imprisonment for breaching show‑payment order
content:
91O. —(1) Where a court has specified a term of imprisonment under section 81(2)( d ) or (4)( a )(ii) in respect of a respondent, the court may sentence the respondent to imprisonment if — ( a ) the respondent fails to prove to the satisfaction of the court, by any date specified under section 81(2)( c ) or (4)( a )(i) in respect of an amount to be paid, that the respondent has paid that amount by the date specified in the order under section 81(2)( b ) or (4)( a )(i)(A) (as the case may be) for payment of that amount; and ( b ) the court is satisfied that the respondent has shown no good cause for his or her failure mentioned in paragraph ( a ). (2) The sentence of imprisonment given under subsection (1) must not exceed the term of imprisonment specified under section 81(2)( d ) or (4)( a )(ii). (3) To avoid doubt, an exercise of the power under section 81(10)( b ) or ( c ) by a court in respect of only part of a payment does not affect the court’s power to sentence the respondent to imprisonment under subsection (1) in respect of any other part of the payment. (4) For the purposes of determining whether an amount has been paid under subsection (1), any payment of maintenance by the respondent is to be treated as payment towards the satisfaction of — ( a ) first — any maintenance arrears required to be proved to be paid under section 81(2)( c ) or (4)( a )(i), as the case may be; and ( b ) second — any payable maintenance required to be proved to be paid under section 81(2)( c ) or (4)( a )(i), as the case may be. (5) A sentence of imprisonment imposed on a respondent under subsection (1) does not affect or diminish the obligation of the respondent to pay any amount to be paid under the maintenance order that he or she has failed to pay. [Act 18 of 2023 wef 16/01/2025]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s91P
chapter: PART 9 - ENFORCEMENT OF MAINTENANCE ORDERS
section: 91P
title: Imprisonment for breaching maintenance order
content:
91P. —(1) The sentence of imprisonment mentioned in section 91B(1)( b ) that the court may impose must not exceed — ( a ) one month for each month’s worth of maintenance arrears (or any part thereof); or ( b ) in a case where the maintenance order in question requires the payment of maintenance in a lump sum — 6 months. (2) In subsection (1), a reference to each month’s worth of maintenance arrears is a reference to the total amount of maintenance that is required to be paid by the respondent in a month under the maintenance order in question. (3) To avoid doubt, the court — ( a ) may impose a sentence mentioned in section 91B(1)( b ) on a respondent in respect of a maintenance enforcement application even though the maintenance arrears as at the time of making of the application have been paid up in part or in whole by the time the sentence is imposed; and ( b ) subject to subsection (4), may impose a sentence of imprisonment mentioned in section 91B(1)( b ) and a sentence of imprisonment under section 91O(1) on a respondent in respect of the same maintenance enforcement application. (4) The court must not impose a sentence of imprisonment mentioned in section 91B(1)( b ) after the date that the court has made a show‑payment order in respect of the same maintenance enforcement application. (5) A sentence of imprisonment mentioned in section 91B(1)( b ) imposed on a respondent does not affect or diminish the obligation of the respondent to make the payment or payments under the maintenance order which he or she has failed to make. Illustration 1. A maintenance order was made against R , requiring R to pay a monthly sum of $1,000 to A , for the maintenance of R ’s child, on the first day of every month. 2. R fails to pay any maintenance between 1 February and 1 June (both dates inclusive) which amounts to $5,000 (being 5 months of the monthly sum of $1,000 required to be paid under the maintenance order). A makes a maintenance enforcement application under section 80 on 5 June. 3. R also fails to pay the maintenance that is required under the maintenance order to be paid on 1 July. 4. On 15 July, the court hearing the maintenance enforcement application makes the following orders: ( a ) an order under section 81(2)( a ), declaring that the maintenance arrears owed by R is $6,000 (being the sum of $5,000 for maintenance arrears as at the date of the maintenance enforcement application and $1,000 which is the maintenance required to be paid on 1 July) as at the date of the declaration; ( b ) an order under section 81(1)( a ) read with section 91B(1)( b ), imposing a term of imprisonment of 2 months for R ’s breach of the maintenance order by failing to pay maintenance arrears of $5,000 as at the time the maintenance enforcement application is made; ( c ) an order under section 81(2)( b ), requiring R to pay the arrears of $6,000 in 2 monthly instalments of $3,000 each by 1 August and 1 September (which is in addition to the payable maintenance of $1,000 per month required to be paid under the maintenance order on 1 August and 1 September); ( d ) an order under section 81(2)( c ), requiring R to prove to the court on 4 August and 4 September that R has made payment in accordance with the order under section 81(2)( b ) and payment of payable maintenance under the maintenance order; ( e ) an order under section 81(2)( d ), specifying a term of imprisonment for the purposes of section 91O if R fails to prove payment in accordance with the order under section 81(2)( c ). 5. On 4 August, R proves to the court that R has made payment of $4,000 on 1 August (being the sum of one instalment of $3,000 and the payable maintenance required to be paid under the maintenance order on 1 August). 6. On 4 September, R fails to prove to the court that R has made payment of $4,000 on 1 September (being the sum of one instalment of $3,000 and the payable maintenance required to be paid under the maintenance order on 1 September). R fails to show good cause for failing to prove the payment. Pursuant to section 91O, the court orders R to serve the term of imprisonment specified in the order under section 81(2)( d ) made on 15 July for failing on 4 September to prove payment of the arrears of $3,000, and the term of imprisonment specified in that order under section 81(2)( d ) for failing on 4 September to prove payment of the payable maintenance of $1,000. 7. After R is sentenced to imprisonment for R ’s failure on 4 September to prove payment, R continues to fail to pay any maintenance for which R had been so sentenced. R also fails to pay any maintenance of $1,000 required to be paid under the maintenance order on 1 October, 1 November and 1 December. 8. On 3 December, A makes a second maintenance enforcement application against R for R ’s failure to pay the following sums: ( a ) $4,000 (comprising the maintenance arrears of $3,000 required to be paid by 1 September under the order made under section 81(2)( b ) on 15 July and the maintenance of $1,000 required to be paid by 1 September under the maintenance order) (called previous arrears); ( b ) $3,000 (comprising the maintenance required to be paid under the maintenance order on 1 October, 1 November and 1 December) (called fresh arrears). 9. The court may sentence R to imprisonment under section 81(1)( a ) read with section 91B(1)( b ) for the previous arrears and fresh arrears pursuant to this second maintenance enforcement application. [Act 18 of 2023 wef 16/01/2025]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s91Q
chapter: PART 9 - ENFORCEMENT OF MAINTENANCE ORDERS
section: 91Q
title: Other orders on sentences of imprisonment
content:
91Q. —(1) Where, at any hearing, a respondent is sentenced to — ( a ) one or more terms of imprisonment mentioned in section 91B(1)( b ); ( b ) one or more terms of imprisonment under section 91O; or ( c ) a combination of sentences mentioned in paragraphs ( a ) and ( b ), the court imposing the sentences may direct any 2 or more of the sentences to run consecutively in the order that the court directs, and the court may direct any 2 or more of the sentences to run concurrently. (2) Unless the court directs otherwise, a sentence of imprisonment mentioned in section 91B(1)( b ) or under section 91O takes effect on the day the sentence is passed. [Act 18 of 2023 wef 16/01/2025] Division 6 &#x2014; Miscellaneous


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s91R
chapter: PART 9 - ENFORCEMENT OF MAINTENANCE ORDERS
section: 91R
title: Recovery of maintenance arrears
content:
91R. —(1) This section applies to maintenance arrears under any maintenance order. (2) Subject to subsection (4), unsecured maintenance arrears, whether payable by agreement or under an order of court — ( a ) are recoverable as a debt from the defaulter; ( b ) where they accrued due before the making of a bankruptcy order against the defaulter — are provable in the defaulter’s bankruptcy; and ( c ) where they accrued due before the defaulter’s death — are a debt due from the defaulter’s estate. (3) Subject to subsection (4), unsecured maintenance arrears which accrued due before the death of the person entitled to the maintenance are recoverable as a debt in civil proceedings mentioned in subsection (6)( b ) by the legal personal representatives of that person. (4) Maintenance arrears are not recoverable in any proceedings (whether commenced before, on or after the date of commencement of section 24 of the Family Justice Reform Act 2023) from the defaulter if the amount accrued due more than 3 years before the commencement of the proceedings, unless — ( a ) other proceedings to recover the amount from the defaulter had previously been commenced within 3 years (or any longer period that the court in those proceedings may have allowed) after the amount accrued due; or ( b ) the court, under special circumstances, otherwise allows. (5) Subsection (4) does not apply to any amount owing as maintenance under a maintenance order (as defined in section 2 of the Maintenance Orders (Reciprocal Enforcement) Act 1975 and which is registered or confirmed by the court under that Act) in respect of which civil proceedings mentioned in subsection (6)( b ) have been commenced before the date of commencement of section 24 of the Family Justice Reform Act 2023. (6) In subsection (4), a reference to proceedings to recover any amount owing as maintenance is a reference to — ( a ) proceedings under this Act to enforce the payment of the amount; or ( b ) any other civil proceedings to recover the amount. [Act 18 of 2023 wef 16/01/2025]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s91S
chapter: PART 9 - ENFORCEMENT OF MAINTENANCE ORDERS
section: 91S
title: Immunity and offence relating to access, use or disclosure of information under this Part
content:
91S. —(1) Subject to subsections (2), (3) and (4), any person who — ( a ) knowing that any information about any other person was provided or obtained under any provision of section 84(2) or 86, accesses, uses or discloses the information, without the written consent of that other person; or ( b ) accesses, uses or discloses any MEO’s report or any information in an MEO’s report, without the written consent of the applicant and respondent to whom the MEO’s report or the information relates, shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $5,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2 years or to both. (2) Subsection (1) does not apply in relation to any information or any MEO’s report that is publicly available, whether for a fee or otherwise. (3) No person shall be guilty of an offence under any written law or of any breach of confidence, shall incur any civil liability or shall be liable to any disciplinary action, by virtue merely of doing any of the following in good faith and with reasonable care: ( a ) complying with a direction under section 86(4)( a ); ( b ) complying with an order of the court under section 86(3) or (4)( c ) or a direction of the court under section 90(5); ( c ) making information available to an MEO on a prescribed data‑sharing platform for the purpose of section 86(4)( b ); ( d ) accessing or using information provided or obtained under any provision of section 84(2) or 86, or using any MEO’s report or any information in an MEO’s report, in relation to a maintenance enforcement application for the purpose of — (i) assessing whether financial assistance ought to be provided to the applicant or respondent in the application and, if so, the terms of the financial assistance; (ii) conducting or facilitating a conciliation session under section 88 in relation to that application; (iii) preparing or assisting in the preparation of an MEO’s report, in relation to that application, for submission to the court, or provision to an applicant or a respondent, under section 89 in relation to that application; or (iv) administering any maintenance enforcement order mentioned in section 91B(1)( e ) made by the court against a respondent; ( e ) submitting an MEO’s report to the court in proceedings in any subsequent maintenance enforcement application under section 91(2) or in any subsequent proceedings under section 91(3). (4) In addition, where — ( a ) a direction under section 86(4)( a ) is given to a prescribed third party; ( b ) an order of the court under section 86(3) or (4)( c ) or a direction of the court under section 90(5) is directed to a bank, a third party or an MEO; or ( c ) information is made available by a prescribed third party to an MEO on a prescribed data‑sharing platform for the purpose of section 86(4)( b ), no person who is an officer, employee or agent of that prescribed third party, bank, third party or MEO (as the case may be) (called in this subsection the principal), shall be guilty of an offence under any written law or of any breach of confidence, shall incur any civil liability or shall be liable to any disciplinary action, by virtue merely of doing any thing in good faith and with reasonable care, for the purpose of the principal complying with that order or direction, or making the information available to the MEO, as the case may be. (5) For the purposes of subsection (3)( d )(iii), a person assists in the preparation of an MEO’s report only if that person — ( a ) is authorised by the Minister (or by any person authorised by the Minister) to provide administrative support services to enable any MEO to carry out, or otherwise facilitate the carrying out of, an MEO’s functions and duties; and ( b ) provides the assistance upon the request of an MEO. (6) Subsections (3) and (4) apply — ( a ) despite any other written law; and ( b ) whether or not any person accessing, using or disclosing information under those provisions is under any obligation (imposed by any written law or otherwise) not to access, use or disclose the information. [Act 18 of 2023 wef 16/01/2025]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s91T
chapter: PART 9 - ENFORCEMENT OF MAINTENANCE ORDERS
section: 91T
title: Contempt of court orders under this Part
content:
91T. —(1) Subject to subsection (2), the following provisions do not affect the powers of the court in relation to the punishment for a contempt of court: ( a ) section 81(1)( a ) read with section 91B(1)( b ), in the context of a breach of a maintenance order; ( b ) section 91O(1), in the context of a breach of a show‑payment order and a failure to show good cause for the breach. (2) Where a person is sentenced to a term of imprisonment under the provisions mentioned in subsection (1)( a ) or ( b ) in respect of any breach of an order, that breach is not punishable as a contempt of court. (3) A person cannot be sentenced to imprisonment under the provisions mentioned in subsection (1)( a ) or ( b ) in respect of any breach of an order which has been punished as a contempt of court. [Act 18 of 2023 wef 16/01/2025]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s91U
chapter: PART 9A - ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO
section: 91U
title:
Power of Family Court to refuse order where proceedings more convenient in General Division of High Court

content:
91U. —(1) If, in the opinion of the Family Court, the matters in question between the parties or any of them would be more conveniently dealt with by the General Division of the High Court, the Family Court may refuse to make an order and in that case there is no appeal from its decision. (2) The General Division of the High Court has power, by order in any proceedings in the General Division of the High Court relating to or comprising the same subject matter as the application refused or any part thereof under subsection (1), to direct the Family Court to rehear or determine the same. [Act 18 of 2023 wef 16/01/2025] Division 2 &#x2014; Provisions applicable to Parts 7, 8 and 9


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s91V
chapter: PART 9A - ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO
section: 91V
title: Appeal
content:
91V. —(1) Subject to the provisions of Parts 7, 8 and 9, an appeal lies from any order or the refusal of any order by a Family Court under those Parts to the General Division of the High Court exercising appellate civil jurisdiction under section 23 of the Family Justice Act 2014. (2) All appeals brought under this section are to be by way of rehearing and the General Division of the High Court has the like powers and jurisdiction on the hearing of such appeals as the Appellate Division of the High Court has on the hearing of appeals from the General Division of the High Court under the Supreme Court of Judicature Act 1969. (3) No appeal from any order under Parts 7, 8 and 9 operates as a stay of the order unless the General Division of the High Court or the Family Court so directs. [Act 18 of 2023 wef 16/01/2025]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s91W
chapter: PART 9A - ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO
section: 91W
title: Costs of proceedings
content:
91W. A court before which any application under this Part or Part 7, 8 or 9 is heard may make any order as to costs that the court thinks fit. [Act 18 of 2023 wef 16/01/2025]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s91X
chapter: PART 9A - ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO
section: 91X
title: Division not applicable to criminal proceedings
content:
91X. This Division does not apply to or in relation to criminal proceedings. [Act 21 of 2023 wef 16/01/2025] [30/2019]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s92
chapter: PART 9A - ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO
section: 92
title: Interpretation of this Part
content:
92. In this Part, unless the context otherwise requires — “child of the marriage” means any child of the husband and wife, and includes any adopted child and any other child (whether or not a child of the husband or of the wife) who was a member of the family of the husband and wife at the time when they ceased to live together or at the time immediately preceding the institution of the proceedings, whichever first occurred; and for the purposes of this definition, the parties to a purported marriage that is void are deemed to be husband and wife; “desertion” implies an abandonment against the wish of the person charging it; “judgment of judicial separation” includes a decree of judicial separation granted in proceedings for judicial separation commenced before 1 April 2006; “originating application” means an originating application for divorce, presumption of death and divorce, judicial separation, nullity of marriage or rescission of a judgment of judicial separation, as the case may be. [Act 18 of 2023 wef 15/10/2024] [27/2014]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s93
chapter: PART 9A - ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO
section: 93
title: Jurisdiction of court in matrimonial proceedings
content:
93. —(1) Subject to subsection (2), the court has jurisdiction to hear proceedings for divorce, presumption of death and divorce, judicial separation or nullity of marriage only if either of the parties to the marriage is — ( a ) domiciled in Singapore at the time of the commencement of the proceedings; or ( b ) habitually resident in Singapore for a period of 3 years immediately preceding the commencement of the proceedings. (2) In proceedings for nullity of marriage on the ground that the marriage is void or voidable, the court may, even though the requirements in subsection (1) are not fulfilled, grant the relief sought where both parties to the marriage reside in Singapore at the time of the commencement of the proceedings. (3) For the purposes of proceedings for nullity of marriage, “marriage” includes a marriage which is not valid by virtue of any of the provisions of this Act.


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s94
chapter: PART 9A - ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO
section: 94
title: Restriction on filing of originating application for divorce during first 3 years of marriage
content:
94. —(1) No originating application for divorce is to be filed in the court unless at the date of the filing of the originating application 3 years have passed since the date of the marriage. [Act 18 of 2023 wef 15/10/2024] (2) The court may, upon application being made in accordance with the Family Justice Rules, allow an originating application to be filed before 3 years have passed on the ground that the case is one of exceptional hardship suffered by the applicant or of exceptional depravity on the part of the respondent, but if it appears to the court at the hearing of the proceedings that the applicant obtained permission to file the originating application by any misrepresentation or concealment of the nature of the case, the court may — ( a ) if it grants an interim judgment, do so subject to the condition that no application to make the judgment final may be made until after the expiration of 3 years from the date of the marriage; or ( b ) dismiss the proceedings without prejudice to any proceedings which may be brought after the expiration of the said 3 years upon the same, or substantially the same, facts as those proved in support of the proceedings so dismissed. [27/2014] [Act 18 of 2023 wef 15/10/2024] [Act 25 of 2021 wef 15/10/2024] [Act 18 of 2023 wef 16/01/2025] (3) In determining any application under this section for permission to file an originating application before the expiration of 3 years from the date of the marriage, the court is to have regard to the interest of any child of the marriage and to the question whether there is reasonable probability of a reconciliation between the parties before the expiration of the said 3 years. [Act 18 of 2023 wef 15/10/2024] [Act 25 of 2021 wef 15/10/2024] (4) The court may, before determining an application under this section, refer the differences between the parties to a conciliation officer so that a reconciliation between the parties might be effected. [Act 3 of 2022 wef 30/12/2022] (5) Nothing in this section is deemed to prohibit the filing of an originating application based upon matters which have occurred before the expiration of 3 years from the date of the marriage. [Act 18 of 2023 wef 15/10/2024]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s94A
chapter: PART 9A - ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO
section: 94A
title: Parenting programme
content:
94A. —(1) Every prescribed party must complete a parenting programme within the time prescribed by rules made under section 180. [7/2016] (2) For the purposes of subsection (1), different times may be prescribed for different prescribed parties. [7/2016] (3) No originating application for divorce, and no cross‑application in proceedings for divorce, is to be filed in the court by a prescribed party, unless the prescribed party — ( a ) has completed a parenting programme; ( b ) is an excluded party; or ( c ) is allowed by the court under subsection (4) to do so. [7/2016] [Act 18 of 2023 wef 15/10/2024] (4) Despite subsection (3)( a ) and ( b ), even though a prescribed party has not completed a parenting programme and is not an excluded party, a court may — ( a ) upon the application of the prescribed party, and on such terms as the court thinks fit, allow the prescribed party to file in the court an originating application for divorce; and [Act 18 of 2023 wef 15/10/2024] ( b ) upon the application of the prescribed party or on the court’s own motion, and on such terms as the court thinks fit, allow the prescribed party to file in the court a cross‑application in proceedings for divorce. [7/2016] [Act 18 of 2023 wef 15/10/2024] (5) A court hearing any proceedings for divorce may, if the court considers that doing so is in the interests of the parties to the marriage and any child of the marriage, at any stage in those proceedings order either or both of the parties to the marriage to complete a parenting programme. [7/2016] (6) Where any party who is required or ordered under this section to complete a parenting programme fails to do so, the court may make such orders as the court thinks fit. [7/2016] (7) Without limiting subsection (6), the orders which the court may make under that subsection include the following orders: ( a ) a stay of the proceedings for divorce until the defaulting party in that subsection completes the parenting programme; ( b ) such order as to costs as the court thinks appropriate against the defaulting party in that subsection. [7/2016] (8) Anything said, any document prepared, and any information provided, by any person for the purposes of or in the course of participating in a parenting programme is not to be admitted in evidence in any court. [7/2016] (9) The Minister may — ( a ) determine the form, contents and duration of a parenting programme; and ( b ) appoint any person to conduct a parenting programme. [7/2016] (10) Each person appointed under subsection (9)( b ) to conduct a parenting programme is to determine whether any person who attends that programme has completed that programme. [7/2016] (11) Any person who is dissatisfied with a determination under subsection (10) may appeal to the Minister, whose decision is final. [7/2016] (12) The Minister may designate the following persons to consider and determine, in his or her place, any appeal under subsection (11): ( a ) any Minister of State or Senior Minister of State, for his or her Ministry; ( b ) any Parliamentary Secretary or Senior Parliamentary Secretary, for his or her Ministry, and any reference in that subsection to the Minister includes a reference to the Minister of State or Senior Minister of State, or the Parliamentary Secretary or Senior Parliamentary Secretary, so designated for that appeal. [7/2016] (13) No liability shall lie personally against any person appointed under subsection (9)( b ) to conduct a parenting programme who, acting in good faith and with reasonable care, does or omits to do anything for the purposes of that parenting programme. [7/2016] (14) In this section — “excluded party” means a prescribed party who is exempted, by rules made under section 180, from subsection (1); “parenting programme” means a programme — ( a ) which provides information on matters relating to marriage, divorce and how divorce may affect a child of a marriage; and ( b ) the form, contents and duration of which are determined by the Minister under subsection (9)( a ); “prescribed party” means a party to a marriage who is prescribed, by rules made under section 180, for the purposes of this section. [7/2016]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s95
chapter: PART 9A - ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO
section: 95
title: Divorce may be granted only if marriage has irretrievably broken down, etc.
content:
95. —(1) Either party to a marriage may apply to the court for a divorce. (2) A divorce is to be granted if and only if the court is satisfied that — ( a ) the marriage has irretrievably broken down; [Act 21 of 2023 wef 01/07/2024] ( b ) if the applicant is relying on section 95A(1)( a ), ( b ) or ( c ) — the applicant is not relying on his or her own adultery, behaviour or desertion, as the case may be; and [Act 21 of 2023 wef 01/07/2024] ( c ) it is just and reasonable to grant the divorce, having regard to all relevant circumstances, including — (i) the conduct of the parties; and (ii) how a divorce would affect the parties and any child of the marriage. [Act 21 of 2023 wef 01/07/2024] (3) The court must dismiss an application for divorce if it is not satisfied as to the matters in subsection (2). (4) The court may grant an interim judgment for divorce (which may be subject to terms). [Act 3 of 2022 wef 01/07/2024]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s95A
chapter: PART 9A - ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO
section: 95A
title: What constitutes the irretrievable breakdown of a marriage
content:
95A. —(1) For the purposes of this Act, a marriage between X and Y is taken to have irretrievably broken down if and only if — ( a ) X has committed adultery and Y finds it intolerable to live with X ; ( b ) X has behaved in such a way that Y cannot reasonably be expected to live with X ; ( c ) X has deserted Y for a continuous period of 2 or more years immediately before the application for divorce; ( d ) X and Y — (i) have lived apart for a continuous period of 3 or more years immediately before the application for divorce; and (ii) consent to a divorce being granted by the court; ( e ) X and Y have lived apart for a continuous period of 4 or more years immediately before the application for divorce; or ( f ) subject to subsection (6)( c ), X and Y agree that the marriage has irretrievably broken down. (2) For the purposes of subsection (1)( a ) — ( a ) if Y continues to live together with X for a total of 6 months or less despite knowing that X has committed an act of adultery, the fact that Y continued to live with X must be ignored in deciding whether Y finds it intolerable to live with X ; and ( b ) if Y continues to live together with X for more than 6 months despite knowing that X has committed an act of adultery, Y may not rely on that act of adultery. (3) For the purposes of subsection (1)( b ), if Y continues to live together with X for a total of 6 months or less after the most recent instance of the relevant behaviour by X , the fact that Y continued to live together with X must be ignored in deciding whether Y can reasonably be expected to live with X . (4) For the purposes of subsection (1)( c ) — ( a ) a period of desertion is still taken to be continuous even if X and Y lived together for a total of 6 months or less during that period; but ( b ) the period during which X and Y lived together does not count towards the length of the period of desertion. (5) For the purposes of subsection (1)( d ) and ( e ) — ( a ) a period of living apart is still taken to be continuous even if X and Y lived together for a total of 6 months or less during that period; but ( b ) the period during which X and Y lived together does not count towards the length of the period of living apart. (6) For the purposes of subsection (1)( f ) — ( a ) an agreement must be in writing and must state the following matters: (i) the reasons leading X and Y to conclude that their marriage has irretrievably broken down; (ii) the efforts X and Y have made to reconcile; (iii) the consideration X and Y have given to the arrangements to be made in relation to their financial affairs and any child of the marriage; ( b ) the court must consider the stated matters in deciding whether to exercise its powers under Divisions 3 and 4 of Part 10A (amicable settlement of disputes); and ( c ) the court must not accept the agreement if it considers, in all the circumstances of the case, that there remains a reasonable possibility that X and Y might reconcile. (7) In this section, “live together” means live together in the same household. [Act 3 of 2022 wef 01/07/2024]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s96
chapter: PART 9A - ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO
section: 96
title: Rules to provide for agreements to be referred to court
content:
96. Provision may be made by the Family Justice Rules for enabling the parties to a marriage, or either of them, on application made either before or after the filing of the originating application for divorce, to refer to the court any agreement or arrangement made or proposed to be made between them, being an agreement or arrangement which relates to, arises out of, or is connected with, the proceedings for divorce which are contemplated or have begun (as the case may be), and for enabling the court to express an opinion, should the court think it desirable to do so, as to the reasonableness of the agreement or arrangement and to give such directions (if any) in the matter as the court thinks fit. [27/2014] [Act 18 of 2023 wef 15/10/2024] [Act 18 of 2023 wef 16/01/2025]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s97
chapter: PART 9A - ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO
section: 97
title: Intervention of Attorney-General
content:
97. —(1) In the case of any proceedings for divorce — ( a ) the court may, if it thinks fit, direct all necessary papers to be sent to the Attorney‑General, and the Attorney‑General may argue before the court any question in relation to the matter which the court considers it necessary or expedient to be fully argued; and ( b ) any person may, at any time during the progress of the proceedings or before the interim judgment is made final, give information to the Attorney‑General on any matter material to the due decision of the case, and the Attorney‑General may thereupon take such steps as he or she considers necessary or expedient. (2) If the Attorney‑General intervenes or shows cause against an interim judgment in any proceedings for divorce, the court may order one or more of the parties to the proceedings to pay the costs of the Attorney‑General.


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s98
chapter: PART 9A - ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO
section: 98
title: Relief for other party in divorce proceedings
content:
98. —(1) This section applies where — ( a ) one party to a marriage ( X ) applies for a divorce; and ( b ) the other party to the marriage ( Y ) alleges and proves that the marriage has irretrievably broken down. (2) The court may give to Y any relief to which Y would be entitled if Y had applied for a divorce. [Act 3 of 2022 wef 01/07/2024]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s99
chapter: PART 9A - ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO
section: 99
title: Interim judgment and proceedings thereafter
content:
99. —(1) Every judgment of divorce is in the first instance an interim judgment and must not be made final before the expiration of 3 months from its grant unless the court by general or special order from time to time fixes a shorter period. (2) Where a judgment of divorce has been granted but not made final, then without prejudice to section 97, any person may show cause why the judgment should not be made final by reason of the material facts not having been brought before the court, and in such a case the court may — ( a ) notwithstanding subsection (1), make the judgment final; ( b ) rescind the interim judgment; ( c ) require further inquiry; or ( d ) otherwise deal with the case as it thinks fit. (3) Where an interim judgment of divorce has been granted and no application for it to be made final has been made by the party to whom it was granted, then, at any time after the expiration of 3 months from the earliest date on which that party could have made such an application, the party against whom it was granted may make an application to the court and on that application the court may — ( a ) notwithstanding subsection (1), make the judgment final; ( b ) rescind the interim judgment; ( c ) require further inquiry; or ( d ) otherwise deal with the case as it thinks fit.


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s100
chapter: PART 9A - ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO
section: 100
title: Proceedings for interim judgment of presumption of death and divorce
content:
100. —(1) Any married person who alleges that reasonable grounds exist for supposing that the other party to the marriage is dead may file an originating application to have it presumed that the other party is dead and to have the marriage dissolved, and the court, if satisfied that such reasonable grounds exist, may make an interim judgment of presumption of death and of divorce. [Act 18 of 2023 wef 15/10/2024] (2) In any such proceedings, the fact that for a period of 7 years or more the other party to the marriage has been continually absent from the applicant, and the applicant has no reason to believe that the other party has been living within that time, is evidence that the other party is dead until the contrary is proved. [Act 18 of 2023 wef 15/10/2024] (3) Section 99 applies to an originating application and a judgment under this section as it applies to an originating application for divorce and a judgment of divorce, respectively. [Act 18 of 2023 wef 15/10/2024]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s100A
chapter: PART 9A - ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO
section: 100A
title: Rescission of interim judgment in certain circumstances where one party misled by other party
content:
100A. —(1) This section applies where — ( a ) the court has granted an interim judgment of divorce; and ( b ) the interim judgment is given only on the ground that the marriage has irretrievably broken down under the circumstances mentioned in section 95A(1)( d ) or ( f ) (and under no other circumstances). (2) The court may rescind the interim judgment if — ( a ) the court is satisfied that — (i) the party who applied for divorce ( X ) misled (whether intentionally or not) the other party ( Y ) about any matter; and (ii) Y took that matter into account in consenting to the grant of the divorce or agreeing that the marriage has irretrievably broken down, as the case may be; and ( b ) Y has applied for rescission of the interim judgment at any time before the interim judgment is made final. [Act 3 of 2022 wef 01/07/2024] CHAPTER 2 — JUDICIAL SEPARATION


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s101
chapter: PART 9A - ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO
section: 101
title: Judicial separation
content:
101. —(1) Either party to a marriage may apply for judicial separation on the ground and circumstances set out in section 95A, and sections 95 and 95A are to apply (with the necessary modifications) in relation to an application for judicial separation as they apply to an application for divorce. [Act 3 of 2022 wef 01/07/2024] (2) Where a court grants a judgment of judicial separation, it is no longer obligatory for the applicant to cohabit with the respondent. [Act 18 of 2023 wef 15/10/2024] (3) The court may, on an application by an originating application of the spouse against whom a judgment of judicial separation has been made and on being satisfied that the allegations in the originating application are true, rescind the judgment at any time on the ground that it was obtained in the absence of the applicant or, if desertion was the ground of the judgment, that there was reasonable cause for the alleged desertion. [Act 18 of 2023 wef 15/10/2024]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s102
chapter: PART 9A - ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO
section: 102
title: Judicial separation no bar to originating application for divorce
content:
102. —(1) A person is not prevented from filing an originating application for divorce, or the court from pronouncing a judgment of divorce, by reason only that the applicant or respondent has at any time been granted a judicial separation upon the same or substantially the same facts as those proved in support of the originating application for divorce. [Act 18 of 2023 wef 15/10/2024] (2) On any such originating application for divorce, the court may treat the judgment of judicial separation as sufficient proof of the adultery, desertion or other ground on which it was granted, but the court must not grant a judgment of divorce without receiving evidence from the applicant. [Act 18 of 2023 wef 15/10/2024] (3) For the purposes of any such originating application for divorce, a period of desertion immediately preceding the institution of proceedings for a judgment of judicial separation is, if the parties have not resumed cohabitation and the judgment has been continuously in force since it was granted, deemed immediately to precede the filing of the originating application for divorce. [Act 18 of 2023 wef 15/10/2024]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s103
chapter: PART 9A - ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO
section: 103
title: Judicially separated spouses not entitled to claim in intestacy of each other
content:
103. If, while a judgment of judicial separation is in force and the separation is continuing, either of the parties whose marriage is the subject of the judgment dies intestate after 1 June 1981, all or any of his or her movable or immovable property devolves as if the other party to the marriage had been then dead. CHAPTER 3 — NULLITY OF MARRIAGE


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s104
chapter: PART 9A - ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO
section: 104
title: Originating application for nullity of marriage
content:
104. Any husband or wife may file an originating application for nullity in respect of his or her marriage. [Act 18 of 2023 wef 15/10/2024]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s105
chapter: PART 9A - ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO
section: 105
title: Grounds on which marriage is void
content:
105. A marriage which takes place after 1 June 1981 is void on the following grounds only: ( a ) that it is not a valid marriage by virtue of sections 3(4), 5, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13; [Act 3 of 2022 wef 25/09/2023] ( aa ) where the marriage was solemnised on or after 1 October 2016, that it is not a valid marriage by virtue of section 11A. [Act 3 of 2022 wef 30/12/2022] ( b ) [ Deleted by Act 3 of 2022 wef 30/12/2022 ]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s106
chapter: PART 9A - ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO
section: 106
title: Grounds on which marriage is voidable
content:
106. A marriage which takes place after 1 June 1981 is voidable on the following grounds only: ( a ) that the marriage has not been consummated owing to the incapacity of either party to consummate it; ( b ) that the marriage has not been consummated owing to the wilful refusal of the respondent to consummate it; [Act 18 of 2023 wef 15/10/2024] ( c ) that either party to the marriage did not validly consent to it, whether in consequence of duress, mistake, mental disorder or otherwise; ( d ) that at the time of the marriage either party, though capable of giving a valid consent, was suffering (whether continuously or intermittently) from mental disorder within the meaning of the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) Act 2008 of such a kind or to such an extent as to be unfit for marriage; ( e ) that at the time of the marriage the respondent was suffering from venereal disease in a communicable form; [Act 18 of 2023 wef 15/10/2024] ( f ) that at the time of the marriage the respondent was pregnant by some person other than the applicant. [21/2008] [Act 18 of 2023 wef 15/10/2024]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s107
chapter: PART 9A - ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO
section: 107
title: Bars to relief where marriage is voidable
content:
107. —(1) The court shall not, in proceedings instituted after 1 June 1981, grant a judgment of nullity on the ground that a marriage is voidable (whether the marriage took place before or after that date) if the respondent satisfies the court that — ( a ) the applicant, with knowledge that it was open to him or her to have the marriage avoided, so conducted himself or herself in relation to the respondent as to lead the respondent reasonably to believe that the applicant would not seek to do so; and [Act 18 of 2023 wef 15/10/2024] ( b ) it would be unjust to the respondent to grant the judgment. [Act 18 of 2023 wef 15/10/2024] (2) Without prejudice to subsection (1), the court shall not grant a judgment of nullity on the grounds mentioned in section 106( c ), ( d ), ( e ) or ( f ) unless it is satisfied that proceedings were instituted within 3 years from the date of the marriage. (3) Without prejudice to subsections (1) and (2), the court shall not grant a judgment of nullity on the grounds mentioned in section 106( e ) or ( f ) unless it is satisfied that the applicant was, at the time of the marriage, ignorant of the facts alleged. [Act 18 of 2023 wef 15/10/2024] (4) Subsection (1) replaces, in relation to the grounds mentioned in section 106, any rule of law whereby a judgment may be refused by reason of approbation, ratification or lack of sincerity on the part of the applicant or on similar grounds. [Act 18 of 2023 wef 15/10/2024]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s108
chapter: PART 9A - ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO
section: 108
title: Marriage governed by foreign law
content:
108. —(1) Where, apart from this Act, any matter affecting the validity of a marriage would fall to be determined (in accordance with the rules of private international law) by reference to the law of a country outside Singapore, nothing in section 105, 106 or 107 — ( a ) precludes the determination of the matter as aforesaid; or ( b ) requires the application to the marriage of the grounds or bars to relief mentioned in those sections except so far as are applicable in accordance with those rules. [Act 3 of 2022 wef 30/12/2022] (2) To avoid doubt, subsection (1) does not prevent any provision of this Act from being construed, for the purposes of the rules of private international law, as — ( a ) a forum mandatory provision; or ( b ) representing a fundamental public policy of Singapore. [Act 3 of 2022 wef 30/12/2022]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s109
chapter: PART 9A - ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO
section: 109
title: Application of sections 97 and 99 to nullity proceedings
content:
109. Sections 97 and 99 apply in relation to proceedings for nullity of marriage as if for any reference in those sections to divorce there were substituted a reference to nullity of marriage.


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s110
chapter: PART 9A - ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO
section: 110
title: Effect of judgment of nullity in case of voidable marriage
content:
110. —(1) If the court finds that the applicant’s case has been proved, it shall grant a judgment of nullity. [Act 18 of 2023 wef 15/10/2024] (2) A judgment of nullity granted after 1 June 1981 on the ground that a marriage is voidable operates to annul the marriage only as respects any time after the judgment has been made final, and the marriage shall, despite the judgment, be treated as if it had existed up to that time.


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s111
chapter: PART 9A - ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO
section: 111
title: Legitimacy of children of annulled marriages
content:
111. —(1) Where a marriage is annulled, any child who would have been the legitimate child of the parties to the marriage if it had been dissolved, instead of being annulled, at the date of the judgment is deemed to be their legitimate child, despite the annulment. (2) The child of a void marriage born on or after 2 May 1975 is deemed to be the legitimate child of his or her parents if, at the date of such void marriage, both or either of the parties reasonably believed that the marriage was valid. CHAPTER 4 — FINANCIAL PROVISIONS
CONSEQUENT ON MATRIMONIAL
PROCEEDINGS


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s112
chapter: PART 9A - ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO
section: 112
title: Power of court to order division of matrimonial assets
content:
112. —(1) The court has power, when granting or subsequent to the grant of a judgment of divorce, judicial separation or nullity of marriage, to order the division between the parties of any matrimonial asset or the sale of any such asset and the division between the parties of the proceeds of the sale of any such asset in such proportions as the court thinks just and equitable. (2) It is the duty of the court in deciding whether to exercise its powers under subsection (1) and, if so, in what manner, to have regard to all the circumstances of the case, including the following matters: ( a ) the extent of the contributions made by each party in money, property or work towards acquiring, improving or maintaining the matrimonial assets; ( b ) any debt owing or obligation incurred or undertaken by either party for their joint benefit or for the benefit of any child of the marriage; ( c ) the needs of the children (if any) of the marriage; ( d ) the extent of the contributions made by each party to the welfare of the family, including looking after the home or caring for the family or any aged or infirm relative or dependant of either party; ( e ) any agreement between the parties with respect to the ownership and division of the matrimonial assets made in contemplation of divorce; ( f ) any period of rent-free occupation or other benefit enjoyed by one party in the matrimonial home to the exclusion of the other party; ( g ) the giving of assistance or support by one party to the other party (whether or not of a material kind), including the giving of assistance or support which aids the other party in the carrying on of his or her occupation or business; and ( h ) the matters referred to in section 114(1) so far as they are relevant. (3) The court may make all such other orders and give such directions as may be necessary or expedient to give effect to any order made under this section. (4) The court may, at any time it thinks fit, extend, vary, revoke or discharge any order made under this section, and may vary any term or condition upon or subject to which any such order has been made. (5) In particular, but without limiting subsections (3) and (4), the court may make any one or more of the following orders: ( a ) an order for the sale of any matrimonial asset or any part thereof, and for the division, vesting or settlement of the proceeds; ( b ) an order vesting any matrimonial asset owned by both parties jointly in both the parties in common in such shares as the court considers just and equitable; ( c ) an order vesting any matrimonial asset or any part thereof in either party; ( d ) an order for any matrimonial asset, or the sale proceeds thereof, to be vested in any person (including either party) to be held on trust for such period and on such terms as may be specified in the order; ( e ) an order postponing the sale or vesting of any share in any matrimonial asset, or any part of such share, until such future date or until the occurrence of such future event or until the fulfilment of such condition as may be specified in the order; ( f ) an order granting to either party, for such period and on such terms as the court thinks fit, the right personally to occupy the matrimonial home to the exclusion of the other party; ( g ) an order for the payment of a sum of money by one party to the other party. (6) Where under any order made under this section one party is or may become liable to pay to the other party a sum of money, the court may direct that it must be paid either in one sum or in instalments, and either with or without security, and otherwise in such manner and subject to such conditions (including a condition requiring the payment of interest) as the court thinks fit. (7) Where, pursuant to this section, the court makes an order for the sale of any matrimonial asset and for the division, application or settlement of the proceeds, the court may appoint a person to sell the asset and divide, apply or settle the proceeds accordingly; and the execution of any instrument by the person so appointed has the same force and validity as if it had been executed by the person in whom the asset is vested. (8) Any order under this section may be made upon such terms and subject to such conditions (if any) as the court thinks fit. (9) Where the court, by any order under this section, appoints a person (including the Registrar or other officer of the court) to act as a trustee or to sell any matrimonial asset and to divide, apply and settle the proceeds thereof, the court may make provision in that order for the payment of remuneration to that person and for the reimbursement of that person’s costs and expenses. (10) In this section, “matrimonial asset” means — ( a ) any asset acquired before the marriage by one party or both parties to the marriage — (i) ordinarily used or enjoyed by both parties or one or more of their children while the parties are residing together for shelter or transportation or for household, education, recreational, social or aesthetic purposes; or (ii) which has been substantially improved during the marriage by the other party or by both parties to the marriage; and ( b ) any other asset of any nature acquired during the marriage by one party or both parties to the marriage, but does not include any asset (not being a matrimonial home) that has been acquired by one party at any time by gift or inheritance and that has not been substantially improved during the marriage by the other party or by both parties to the marriage.


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s113
chapter: PART 9A - ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO
section: 113
title: Power of court to order maintenance
content:
113. —(1) The court may order a man to pay maintenance to his wife or former wife, or order a woman to pay maintenance to her incapacitated husband or incapacitated former husband — ( a ) during the course of any matrimonial proceedings; or ( b ) when granting or subsequent to the grant of a judgment of divorce, judicial separation or nullity of marriage. [7/2016] (2) The court may make an order under this section regardless when the marriage was solemnised, whether before, on or after 1 July 2016. [7/2016]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s114
chapter: PART 9A - ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO
section: 114
title: Assessment of maintenance
content:
114. —(1) In determining the amount of any maintenance to be paid by a man to his wife or former wife, or by a woman to her incapacitated husband or incapacitated former husband, the court must have regard to all the circumstances of the case including the following matters: ( a ) the income, earning capacity, property and other financial resources which each of the parties to the marriage has or is likely to have in the foreseeable future; ( b ) the financial needs, obligations and responsibilities which each of the parties to the marriage has or is likely to have in the foreseeable future; ( c ) the standard of living enjoyed by the family before the breakdown of the marriage; ( d ) the age of each party to the marriage and the duration of the marriage; ( e ) any physical or mental disability of either of the parties to the marriage; ( f ) the contributions made by each of the parties to the marriage to the welfare of the family, including any contribution made by looking after the home or caring for the family; and ( g ) in the case of proceedings for divorce or nullity of marriage, the value to either of the parties to the marriage of any benefit (for example, a pension) which, by reason of the dissolution or annulment of the marriage that party will lose the chance of acquiring. [7/2016] (2) In exercising its powers under this section, the court is to endeavour to place the parties, so far as it is practicable and, having regard to their conduct, just to do so, in the financial position in which they would have been if the marriage had not broken down and each had properly discharged his or her financial obligations and responsibilities towards the other.


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s115
chapter: PART 9A - ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO
section: 115
title: Power of court to order security for maintenance
content:
115. —(1) A maintenance order may provide for the payment of a lump sum or such periodical payment as the court may determine. (2) The court may, when awarding maintenance, order the person liable to pay such maintenance to secure the whole or any part of it by vesting any property in trustees upon trust to pay the maintenance or part thereof out of the income from that property and, subject thereto, in trust for the settlor.


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s116
chapter: PART 9A - ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO
section: 116
title: Compounding of maintenance
content:
116. An agreement for the payment, in money or other property, of a capital sum in settlement of all future claims to maintenance, is not effective until it has been approved, or approved subject to conditions, by the court, but when so approved is a good defence to any claim for maintenance.


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s117
chapter: PART 9A - ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO
section: 117
title: Duration of orders for maintenance
content:
117. Except where an order for maintenance is expressed to be for any shorter period or where any such order has been rescinded, an order for maintenance expires — ( a ) if the maintenance was unsecured — (i) on the death of either spouse or former spouse; (ii) in the case of maintenance payable to a former wife — upon her remarriage; or (iii) in the case of maintenance payable to an incapacitated former husband — upon his remarriage; or ( b ) if the maintenance was secured — (i) in the case of maintenance payable to a wife — on her death; (ii) in the case of maintenance payable to a former wife — on her death or upon her remarriage; (iii) in the case of maintenance payable to an incapacitated husband — on his death; or (iv) in the case of maintenance payable to an incapacitated former husband — on his death or upon his remarriage. [7/2016]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s118
chapter: PART 9A - ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO
section: 118
title: Power of court to vary orders for maintenance
content:
118. The court may at any time vary or rescind any subsisting order for maintenance, whether secured or unsecured, on the application of the person in whose favour or of the person against whom the order was made, or, in respect of secured maintenance, of the legal personal representatives of the latter, where it is satisfied that the order was based on any misrepresentation or mistake of fact or where there has been any material change in the circumstances.


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s119
chapter: PART 9A - ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO
section: 119
title: Power of court to vary agreements for maintenance
content:
119. Subject to section 116, the court may at any time and from time to time vary the terms of any agreement as to maintenance made between husband and wife, whether made before or after 1 June 1981, where it is satisfied that there has been any material change in the circumstances and despite any provision to the contrary in any such agreement.


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s120
chapter: PART 9A - ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO
section: 120
title: Maintenance payable under order of court to be inalienable
content:
120. Maintenance payable to any person under any order of court is not assignable or transferable or liable to be attached, sequestered or levied upon for, or in respect of, any debt or claim whatsoever. 121. [ Repealed by Act 18 of 2023 wef 16/01/2025 ] CHAPTER 4A — FINANCIAL RELIEF
CONSEQUENTIAL ON FOREIGN
MATRIMONIAL PROCEEDINGS


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s121A
chapter: PART 9A - ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO
section: 121A
title: Interpretation and application of this Chapter
content:
121A. —(1) In this Chapter, unless the context otherwise requires — “applicant” means the person who applies for an order for financial relief; “country” includes a territory; “judicial or other proceedings” includes acts which constitute the means by which a divorce, an annulment of marriage or a legal separation may be obtained in a country and which are done in compliance with the law of that country; “matrimonial asset” has the meaning given by section 112(10); “order for financial relief” means an order made under section 121G of a description mentioned in that section. [2/2011] (2) This Chapter only applies to proceedings, decrees, orders or judgments commenced, made or given (as the case may be) on or after 1 June 2011. [2/2011]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s121B
chapter: PART 9A - ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO
section: 121B
title: Applications for financial relief after overseas divorce, etc.
content:
121B. Where — ( a ) a marriage has been dissolved or annulled, or the parties to a marriage have been legally separated, by means of judicial or other proceedings in a foreign country; and ( b ) the divorce, annulment or judicial separation is entitled to be recognised as valid in Singapore under Singapore law, either party to the marriage may apply to the court in the manner prescribed in the Family Justice Rules for an order for financial relief under this Chapter. [2/2011; 27/2014] [Act 18 of 2023 wef 16/01/2025]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s121C
chapter: PART 9A - ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO
section: 121C
title: Jurisdiction of court
content:
121C. The court has jurisdiction to hear an application for an order for financial relief only if — ( a ) one of the parties to the marriage was domiciled in Singapore on the date of the application for permission under section 121D or was so domiciled on the date on which the divorce, annulment or judicial separation obtained in a foreign country took effect in that country; or [Act 25 of 2021 wef 15/10/2024] ( b ) one of the parties to the marriage was habitually resident in Singapore for a continuous period of one year immediately preceding the date of the application for permission under section 121D or was so resident for a continuous period of one year immediately preceding the date on which the divorce, annulment or judicial separation obtained in a foreign country took effect in that country. [2/2011] [Act 25 of 2021 wef 15/10/2024]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s121D
chapter: PART 9A - ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO
section: 121D
title: Permission of court required for applications for financial relief
content:
121D. —(1) No application for an order for financial relief is to be made unless the permission of the court has been obtained in accordance with the Family Justice Rules. [2/2011; 27/2014] [Act 25 of 2021 wef 15/10/2024] [Act 18 of 2023 wef 16/01/2025] (2) The court shall not grant permission unless it considers that there is substantial ground for the making of an application for such an order. [2/2011] [Act 25 of 2021 wef 15/10/2024] (3) The court may grant permission under this section even though an order has been made by a court of competent jurisdiction in a foreign country requiring the other party to the marriage to make any payment or transfer any matrimonial asset to the applicant or a child of the marriage. [2/2011] [Act 25 of 2021 wef 15/10/2024] (4) Permission under this section may be granted subject to such conditions as the court thinks fit. [2/2011] [Act 25 of 2021 wef 15/10/2024]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s121E
chapter: PART 9A - ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO
section: 121E
title: Interim orders for financial provision
content:
121E. —(1) Where permission is granted under section 121D and it appears to the court that the applicant or any child of the marriage is in immediate financial need, the court may make an interim order for — ( a ) a man to make financial provision for his wife or former wife (as the case may be) or any child of the marriage; ( aa ) a woman to make financial provision for her incapacitated husband or incapacitated former husband (as the case may be) or for any child of the marriage; or ( b ) a parent to make financial provision for any child of the marriage. [2/2011; 7/2016] [Act 25 of 2021 wef 15/10/2024] (2) An interim order under subsection (1) may be made for such term, being a term beginning not earlier than the date of the grant of permission and ending with the date of the determination of the application for an order for financial relief, as the court thinks reasonable. [2/2011] [Act 25 of 2021 wef 15/10/2024] (3) An interim order under subsection (1) may be made subject to such conditions as the court thinks fit. [2/2011]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s121F
chapter: PART 9A - ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO
section: 121F
title: Duty of court to consider whether Singapore is appropriate forum for application
content:
121F. —(1) Before making an order for financial relief, the court is to consider whether in all the circumstances of the case, it would be appropriate for such an order to be made by a court in Singapore, and if the court is not satisfied that it would be appropriate, the court must dismiss the application. [2/2011] (2) The court is to, in particular, have regard to the following matters: ( a ) the connection which the parties to the marriage have with Singapore; ( b ) the connection which those parties have with the country in which the marriage was dissolved or annulled or in which judicial separation was obtained; ( c ) the connection which those parties have with any other foreign country; ( d ) any financial benefit which the applicant or a child of the marriage has received, or is likely to receive, in consequence of the divorce, annulment or judicial separation, by virtue of any agreement or the operation of the law of a foreign country; ( e ) in a case where an order has been made by a court of competent jurisdiction in a foreign country requiring the other party to the marriage to make any payment or transfer any property for the benefit of the applicant or a child of the marriage, the financial relief given by the order and the extent to which the order has been complied with or is likely to be complied with; ( f ) any right which the applicant has, or has had, to apply for financial relief from the other party to the marriage under the law of any foreign country, and if the applicant has omitted to exercise that right, the reason for that omission; ( g ) the availability in Singapore of any matrimonial asset in respect of which an order made under section 121G in favour of the applicant could be made; ( h ) the extent to which any order made under section 121G is likely to be enforceable; ( i ) the length of time which has elapsed since the date of the divorce, annulment or judicial separation. [2/2011]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s121G
chapter: PART 9A - ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO
section: 121G
title: Orders for financial relief
content:
121G. —(1) On an application by a party to a marriage for an order for financial relief, the court may make any one or more of the orders which it could have made under section 112, 113 or 127(1) in the like manner as if a decree of divorce, nullity or judicial separation in respect of the marriage had been granted in Singapore. [2/2011] (2) Sections 91R, 112(2) to (10), 114 to 120 and 127(2) apply, with the necessary modifications, and as appropriate, to an order made under subsection (1). [2/2011] [Act 18 of 2023 wef 16/01/2025] (3) Upon the court making a secured order under subsection (1) or at any time thereafter, the court may make any order which the court could have made if the secured order had been made under section 112, 115 or 127. [2/2011] CHAPTER 5 — WELFARE OF CHILDREN


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s122
chapter: PART 9A - ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO
section: 122
title: Meaning of “child”
content:
122. In this Chapter, wherever the context so requires, “child” means a child of the marriage as defined in section 92 but who is below 21 years of age.


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s123
chapter: PART 9A - ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO
section: 123
title: Arrangements for welfare of children
content:
123. —(1) Subject to this section, the court shall not make final any judgment of divorce or nullity of marriage or grant a judgment of judicial separation unless the court is satisfied as respects every child — ( a ) that arrangements have been made for the welfare of the child and that those arrangements are satisfactory or are the best that can be devised in the circumstances; or ( b ) that it is impracticable for the party or parties appearing before the court to make any such arrangements. (2) The court may, if it thinks fit, proceed without observing the requirements of subsection (1) if — ( a ) it appears that there are circumstances making it desirable that the interim judgment be made final or (as the case may be) that the judgment of judicial separation should be granted without delay; and ( b ) the court has obtained a satisfactory undertaking from either or both of the parties to bring the question of the arrangements for the child before the court within a specified time. (3) In this section and section 124, “welfare”, in relation to a child, includes the custody and education of the child and financial provision for him or her.


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s124
chapter: PART 9A - ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO
section: 124
title: Orders on welfare of children
content:
124. In any proceedings for divorce, judicial separation or nullity of marriage, the court may, at any stage of the proceedings, or after a final judgment has been granted, make such orders as it thinks fit with respect to the welfare of any child and may vary or discharge the said orders, and may, if it thinks fit, direct that proceedings be commenced for placing the child under the protection of the court. [7/2016]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s125
chapter: PART 9A - ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO
section: 125
title: Paramount consideration to be welfare of child
content:
125. —(1) The court may at any time by order place a child in the custody, or in the care and control, of the child’s father or mother or (where there are exceptional circumstances making it undesirable that the child be entrusted to either parent) of any other relative of the child or of any organisation or association the objects of which include child welfare, or of any other suitable person. [7/2016] (2) In deciding in whose custody, or in whose care and control, a child should be placed, the paramount consideration is to be the welfare of the child and subject to this, the court is to have regard — ( a ) to the wishes of the parents of the child; and ( b ) to the wishes of the child, where he or she is of an age to express an independent opinion. [7/2016]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s126
chapter: PART 9A - ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO
section: 126
title: Orders subject to conditions
content:
126. —(1) An order for custody may be made subject to such conditions as the court may think fit to impose and, subject to such conditions (if any) as may from time to time apply, entitles the person given custody to decide all questions relating to the upbringing and education of the child. (2) Without limiting subsection (1), an order for custody may — ( a ) contain conditions as to the place where the child is to reside, as to the manner of his or her education and as to the religion in which he or she is to be brought up; ( b ) provide for the child to be temporarily in the care and control of some person other than the person given custody; ( c ) provide for the child to visit a parent deprived of custody, or any member of the family of a parent who is dead or has been deprived of custody, at such times and for such periods as the court may consider reasonable; ( d ) give a parent deprived of custody or any member of the family of a parent who is dead or has been deprived of custody the right of access to the child at such times and with such frequency as the court may consider reasonable; or ( e ) prohibit the person given custody from taking the child out of Singapore. (2A) An order for the care and control of a child may be made subject to such conditions as the court may think fit to impose. [7/2016] (2B) Without limiting subsection (2A), an order for the care and control of a child may — ( a ) contain conditions as to the place where the child is to reside; ( b ) provide for the child to visit a parent who does not have custody or care and control of the child, or any member of the family of a parent who is dead or does not have custody or care and control of the child, at such times and for such periods as the court may consider reasonable; ( c ) give a parent who does not have custody or care and control of the child, or any member of the family of a parent who is dead or does not have custody or care and control of the child, the right of access to the child at such times and with such frequency as the court may consider reasonable; or ( d ) prohibit the person given care and control of the child from taking the child out of Singapore. [7/2016] (3) Despite subsections (1) and (2A), where an order for custody, or an order for care and control, is in force, a person must not take the child who is the subject of the order out of Singapore, except with the written consent of both parents or the permission of the court. [7/2016] [Act 25 of 2021 wef 15/10/2024] (4) Subsection (3) does not prevent the taking out of Singapore for a period of less than one month of the child by the person given custody, or care and control, of the child or by any other person who has the written consent of the person given custody, or care and control, of the child to take the child out of Singapore. [7/2016] (5) Any person who contravenes subsection (3) shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $5,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or to both.


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s126A
chapter: PART 9A - ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO
section: 126A
title: Enforcement of custody order, etc.
content:
126A. —(1) This section applies where — ( a ) the court makes an order for a child to be placed in the custody, or the care and control, of a person; and ( b ) the child leaves, or is removed from, the physical custody of that person. (2) To enforce the order, the court may — ( a ) order that the child be returned to the physical custody of the person mentioned in subsection (1)( a ); and ( b ) direct the bailiff to seize the child and deliver the child to the physical custody of that person. [Act 3 of 2022 wef 02/01/2025]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s126B
chapter: PART 9A - ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO
section: 126B
title: Enforcement of child access order
content:
126B. —(1) This section applies where — ( a ) the court makes an order under section 126 (called in this section the access order) giving a person ( X ) access to a child; and [Act 32 of 2024 wef 02/01/2025] ( b ) the order is breached by the person ( Y ) who is required by the order to give X access to the child. (2) X may apply to the court to enforce the access order against Y . (3) Without limiting any other power of the court, the court may do all or any of the following in an application under subsection (2): ( a ) order Y to give X additional access to the child to make up for the access denied to X as a result of the breach; ( b ) order Y to compensate X for any reasonable expenses incurred by X as a result of the breach; ( c ) order X , Y and the child (or any of them) to attend all or any of the following: (i) counselling; (ii) mediation; (iii) a therapeutic or an educational programme specified by the court; (iv) a family support programme as defined in section 139A; ( d ) order Y to execute a bond, with or without sureties or security, as the court may determine, to secure Y ’s future compliance with the access order; ( e ) for every breach of the access order by Y , sentence Y to a fine not exceeding $20,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or to both. (4) To avoid doubt, an order under subsection (3)( a ) must not give X more access than what X is entitled to under the access order. (5) The court may, in making any order under subsection (3)( a ), ( b ), ( c ) or ( d ) in respect of a breach of the access order — ( a ) reserve the question whether Y should also be sentenced under subsection (3)( e ) for that breach; and ( b ) return to the question subsequently (without X having to make a fresh application). (6) In respect of a breach of an access order, X may do either, but not both, of the following: ( a ) make an application under subsection (2); ( b ) bring proceedings to punish Y for contempt of court in respect of that breach. [Act 3 of 2022 wef 02/01/2025] (7) Despite section 47(1) of the Family Justice Act 2014, an access order made by the General Division of the High Court (whether before, on or after 1 October 2014) may be enforced by a Family Court in accordance with this section as if the access order had been made by the Family Court, except that a Family Court has no power to vary an order of the General Division of the High Court. [Act 18 of 2023 wef 02/01/2025]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s127
chapter: PART 9A - ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO
section: 127
title: Power of court to order maintenance for children
content:
127. —(1) During the pendency of any matrimonial proceedings or when granting or at any time subsequent to the grant of a judgment of divorce, judicial separation or nullity of marriage, the court may order a parent to pay maintenance for the benefit of his or her child in such manner as the court thinks fit. (2) The provisions of Parts 8 and 9 apply, with the necessary modifications, to an application for maintenance and a maintenance order made under subsection (1).


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s128
chapter: PART 9A - ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO
section: 128
title: Power of court to vary order for custody, etc.
content:
128. The court may at any time vary or rescind any order for the custody, or the care and control, of a child on the application of any interested person, where it is satisfied that the order was based on any misrepresentation or mistake of fact or where there has been any material change in the circumstances. [7/2016]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s129
chapter: PART 9A - ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO
section: 129
title: Power of court to vary agreement for custody, etc.
content:
129. The court may, at any time and from time to time, vary the terms of any agreement relating to the custody, or the care and control, of a child, regardless when the agreement was made, despite any provision to the contrary in that agreement, where it is satisfied that it is reasonable and for the welfare of the child to do so. [7/2016]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s130
chapter: PART 9A - ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO
section: 130
title: Court to have regard to advice of welfare officers, etc.
content:
130. When considering any question relating to the custody, or the care and control, of any child, the court is to, whenever it is practicable, have regard to the advice of a person, whether or not a public officer, who is trained or experienced in child welfare but is not bound to follow such advice. [2/2011; 7/2016]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s131
chapter: PART 9A - ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO
section: 131
title: Power of court to restrain taking of child out of Singapore
content:
131. —(1) The court may, on the application of the father or mother of a child — ( a ) where any matrimonial proceedings are pending; or ( b ) where, under any agreement or order of court, one parent has custody, or care and control, of the child to the exclusion of the other, issue an injunction restraining the other parent from taking the child out of Singapore or may give permission for such child to be taken out of Singapore either unconditionally or subject to such conditions or such undertaking as the court may think fit. [7/2016] [Act 25 of 2021 wef 15/10/2024] (2) The court may, on the application of any interested person, issue an injunction restraining any person, other than a person having custody, or care and control, of a child, from taking the child out of Singapore. [7/2016] 132. [ Repealed by Act 18 of 2023 wef 16/01/2025 ]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s132A
chapter: PART 9A - ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO
section: 132A
title: Programmes for children
content:
132A. —(1) In any proceedings for divorce, judicial separation or nullity of marriage where the parties have a child falling within a prescribed class of children, the court may advise one or both parties to secure the child’s completion of a programme for children. (2) Advice under subsection (1) may be given at any stage of the proceedings or after a final judgment has been granted. (3) Despite the provisions of the Administration of Justice (Protection) Act 2016, failure to comply with any advice under subsection (1) is not a contempt of court. (4) If any advice under subsection (1) is not complied with, the court may make any order it sees fit. (5) In this section, “programme for children” means any programme, counselling, psychological service, assessment or other activity — ( a ) carried out for the purpose of helping a child handle the impact of — (i) the dissolution or annulment of his or her parents’ marriage; or (ii) his or her parents’ judicial separation; and ( b ) the form, contents and duration of which are determined by the Minister. [Act 3 of 2022 wef 30/12/2022] CHAPTER 6 — GENERAL PROVISIONS


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s133
chapter: PART 9A - ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO
section: 133
title: Procedure
content:
133. Subject to the provisions of this Part, all proceedings under this Part are regulated by the Family Justice Rules. [27/2014] [Act 18 of 2023 wef 16/01/2025]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s134
chapter: PART 9A - ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO
section: 134
title: Evidence
content:
134. —(1) In proceedings under this Part, the parties and the husbands and wives of such parties are competent and compellable to give evidence. (2) No witness whether a party to the proceedings or not shall be liable to be asked or bound to answer any question tending to show that he or she has been guilty of adultery unless such witness has already given evidence in the same proceedings in disproof of his or her alleged adultery. 135. [ Repealed by Act 27 of 2014 ] 136. [ Repealed by Act 3 of 2022 wef 01/07/2024 ]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s137
chapter: PART 9A - ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO
section: 137
title: Appeals
content:
137. —(1) All judgments and orders made by the court in proceedings under this Part are to be enforced, and may be appealed from, as if they were judgments or orders made by the court in the exercise of its original civil jurisdiction. (2) There shall be no appeal on the subject of costs only.


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s138
chapter: PART 9A - ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO
section: 138
title: Power to allow intervention on terms
content:
138. In any case in which any person is alleged to have committed adultery with any party to any proceedings under this Part, or in which the court considers, in the interest of any person not already a party to the proceedings, that that person should be made a party to the proceedings, the court may, if it thinks fit, allow that person to intervene upon such terms (if any) as the court thinks just. 139. [ Repealed by Act 18 of 2023 wef 16/01/2025 ]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s139A
chapter: PART 10A - AMICABLE SETTLEMENT OF DISPUTES
section: 139A
title: Interpretation of this Part
content:
139A. In this Part, unless the context otherwise requires — “counselling” does not include any counselling that is part of a programme for children as defined in section 132A; “family support programme” means any programme or activity that seeks to address or resolve any relationship issue or relationship problem — ( a ) between spouses or former spouses; ( b ) between siblings; or ( c ) between parent and child; “proceedings” does not include criminal proceedings. [Act 3 of 2022 wef 30/12/2022]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s139B
chapter: PART 10A - AMICABLE SETTLEMENT OF DISPUTES
section: 139B
title: Evidence of things done, etc., under Division 3 or 4 not admissible
content:
139B. —(1) Evidence of — ( a ) anything said or done; ( b ) any document prepared; or ( c ) any information provided, in the course of or for the purpose of — ( d ) any attempt at reconciliation under section 139F; or ( e ) any mediation, counselling or family support programme undertaken under Division 4, is not admissible in any court. [Act 3 of 2022 wef 30/12/2022] [Act 18 of 2023 wef 16/01/2025] (2) In subsection (1), “court” means any court of law. [Act 18 of 2023 wef 16/01/2025] Division 2 &#x2014; Conciliation officers


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s139C
chapter: PART 10A - AMICABLE SETTLEMENT OF DISPUTES
section: 139C
title: Appointment of conciliation officers
content:
139C. —(1) The Minister may appoint a public officer to be a conciliation officer for the purposes of this Act. (2) Notice of an appointment under subsection (1) must be published in the Gazette . [Act 3 of 2022 wef 30/12/2022]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s139D
chapter: PART 10A - AMICABLE SETTLEMENT OF DISPUTES
section: 139D
title: Settlement of differences between husband and wife by conciliation officers
content:
139D. —(1) Either or both parties to a marriage may ask a conciliation officer for advice and assistance on any differences between them. (2) A conciliation officer may, by written notice, require either or both parties to a marriage to meet the conciliation officer (either in person or otherwise) to settle any differences between them. (3) A party required to meet a conciliation officer under subsection (2) is legally bound to — ( a ) do so; and ( b ) answer, to the best of the party’s ability, any question by the conciliation officer in relation to the differences that have arisen in the marriage. [Act 3 of 2022 wef 30/12/2022] Division 3 &#x2014; Opportunity for reconciliation
in certain proceedings


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s139E
chapter: PART 10A - AMICABLE SETTLEMENT OF DISPUTES
section: 139E
title: Proceedings to which this Division applies
content:
139E. This Division applies to the following proceedings: ( a ) proceedings for divorce or judicial separation; ( b ) proceedings, brought by a party to a subsisting marriage, under section 56 or 69 or Division 3 or 4 of Part 7. [Act 3 of 2022 wef 30/12/2022] [Act 21 of 2023 wef 02/01/2025]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s139F
chapter: PART 10A - AMICABLE SETTLEMENT OF DISPUTES
section: 139F
title: Court to consider, and may facilitate, reconciliation
content:
139F. —(1) The court hearing the proceedings must from time to time consider whether the parties might reconcile, having regard to — ( a ) the nature of the case; ( b ) the evidence; and ( c ) the parties’ attitude. (2) If the court considers that there is a reasonable possibility that the parties might reconcile, the court may do all or any of the following things to facilitate a possible reconciliation: ( a ) adjourn the proceedings; ( b ) if the parties consent, interview the parties in chambers (with or without their solicitors); ( c ) nominate a conciliation officer or some other suitable person or organisation to assist the parties; ( d ) advise the parties to attend a family support programme. (3) Despite the provisions of the Administration of Justice (Protection) Act 2016, failure to comply with any advice given under subsection (2)( d ) is not a contempt of court. [Act 3 of 2022 wef 30/12/2022]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s139G
chapter: PART 10A - AMICABLE SETTLEMENT OF DISPUTES
section: 139G
title: Resumption of proceedings
content:
139G. —(1) If proceedings are adjourned by a court under section 139F(2)( a ) — ( a ) a party may make a request for the proceedings to resume, but only if at least 14 days (or any longer period specified by the court) have elapsed; and ( b ) the proceedings are to resume as soon as practicable after the request is made. (2) If the proceedings resume, a judge who interviewed the parties under section 139F(2)( b ) must not (except at the request of the parties to the proceedings) — ( a ) continue to hear the proceedings; or ( b ) determine the proceedings. [Act 3 of 2022 wef 30/12/2022] Division 4 &#x2014; Mediation, counselling and
family support programmes


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s139H
chapter: PART 10A - AMICABLE SETTLEMENT OF DISPUTES
section: 139H
title: Mediation by consent
content:
139H. —(1) This section applies to any proceedings under this Act. (2) The court may — ( a ) consider the possibility of a harmonious resolution; and ( b ) if the parties consent, refer the parties and their children (if any) for mediation by a person — (i) agreed to by the parties; or (ii) in default of agreement, appointed by the court. [Act 3 of 2022 wef 30/12/2022]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s139I
chapter: PART 10A - AMICABLE SETTLEMENT OF DISPUTES
section: 139I
title:
Mediation, counselling and family support programmes in matrimonial proceedings involving prescribed persons

content:
139I. —(1) This section applies to a case — ( a ) where proceedings are brought under Part 10; and ( b ) the parties — (i) have one or more children below 21 years of age; and (ii) fall within a prescribed class of persons. (2) Without limiting any other power of the court, the court — ( a ) must, subject to subsection (3), make either or both of the following orders: (i) an order for the parties or their children (or both) to attend mediation; (ii) an order for the parties or their children (or both) to attend counselling; and ( b ) may, at any stage of the proceedings and if the court considers that doing so is in the interests of the parties or their children, advise all or any of the following persons to attend a family support programme: (i) the parties; (ii) their children; (iii) any person falling within a prescribed class of persons. (3) The court may dispense with the orders under subsection (2)( a ) if the court considers that mediation or counselling would not be in the interest of the parties or their children, as the case may be. (4) Despite the provisions of the Administration of Justice (Protection) Act 2016, failure to comply with any advice under subsection (2)( b ) is not a contempt of court. (5) If any order or advice under subsection (2) (other than advice to a person mentioned in subsection (2)( b )(iii)) is not complied with, the court may — ( a ) stay the proceedings until the order or advice has been complied with; ( b ) order any party responsible for the non‑compliance to pay the costs of the proceedings; or ( c ) make any other order it sees fit. [Act 3 of 2022 wef 30/12/2022]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s139J
chapter: PART 10A - AMICABLE SETTLEMENT OF DISPUTES
section: 139J
title: Mediation, counselling and family support programmes in other proceedings
content:
139J. —(1) This section applies to a case where — ( a ) proceedings are brought under this Act; and ( b ) section 139I does not apply. (2) Without limiting any other power of the court, the court may, if it considers that doing so is in the interests of the parties and their children (if any) — ( a ) advise the parties or their children (or both) to attend mediation; ( b ) advise the parties or their children (or both) to attend counselling; or ( c ) advise all or any of the following persons to attend a family support programme: (i) the parties; (ii) their children (if any); (iii) any person falling within a prescribed class of persons. (3) Despite the provisions of the Administration of Justice (Protection) Act 2016, failure to comply with any advice under subsection (2) is not a contempt of court. (4) If any advice under subsection (2) (other than advice to a person mentioned in subsection (2)( c )(iii)) is not complied with, the court may — ( a ) stay the proceedings until the advice has been complied with; ( b ) order any party responsible for the non‑compliance to pay the costs of the proceedings; or ( c ) make any other order it sees fit. [Act 3 of 2022 wef 30/12/2022]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s139K
chapter: PART 10B - COURT’S POWER TO SET ASIDE AND PREVENT
section: 139K
title: Interpretation of this Part
content:
139K. In this Part — “appointed day” means the date of commencement of section 31 of the Family Justice Reform Act 2023; “maintenance order” means any of the following orders, whether made before, on or after the appointed day: ( a ) an order for the payment of monthly sums or a lump sum for the maintenance of a wife, an incapacitated husband or a child, made or deemed to be made by a court under Part 8; ( b ) an order for the payment of monthly or periodical sums or a lump sum by way of maintenance or alimony to a wife or former wife or an incapacitated husband or incapacitated former husband, or by way of maintenance for the benefit of any child, under Part 10; ( c ) an order for maintenance made by the Syariah Court under the Administration of Muslim Law Act 1966; ( d ) an order for the payment of money in respect of the maintenance of an infant made under the Guardianship of Infants Act 1934; ( e ) an order for maintenance made under the Maintenance of Parents Act 1995; ( f ) a maintenance order, as defined in section 2 of the Maintenance Orders (Reciprocal Enforcement) Act 1975, which is registered or confirmed by the court under that Act. [Act 18 of 2023 wef 16/01/2025]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s139L
chapter: PART 10B - COURT’S POWER TO SET ASIDE AND PREVENT
section: 139L
title: Application of this Part
content:
139L. This Part applies where — ( a ) any matrimonial proceedings are pending; ( b ) an order has been made under section 112 and has not been complied with; ( c ) an order has been made under section 121E or 121G and has not been rescinded or complied with; ( d ) maintenance is payable under any agreement to or for the benefit of a wife or former wife, an incapacitated husband or incapacitated former husband, or a child; or ( e ) a maintenance order has been made and has not been discharged or rescinded. [Act 18 of 2023 wef 16/01/2025]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s139M
chapter: PART 10B - COURT’S POWER TO SET ASIDE AND PREVENT
section: 139M
title: Power of court to set aside or prevent dispositions
content:
139M. —(1) The court has the power on application — ( a ) to set aside any disposition of property by a person (called in this section A ) — if the court is satisfied that the disposition of property has been made within the preceding 3 years immediately before the date of the making of the application, with the object on the part of A to produce the relevant consequence; or ( b ) to grant an injunction preventing any disposition of property by A — if the court is satisfied that A is making the disposition with the object on the part of A to produce the relevant consequence. (2) In a case where a maintenance order has been made and has not been discharged or rescinded, unless the contrary is proved, A is presumed to have made, or to be making, a disposition of property with the object on the part of A to produce the relevant consequence if the court is satisfied that — ( a ) in the case of a disposition mentioned in subsection (1)( a ) — the disposition has had the relevant consequence; or ( b ) in the case of a disposition mentioned in subsection (1)( b ) — the disposition would have (apart from this section) the relevant consequence. (3) The court must not make an order under subsection (1)( a ) setting aside any disposition if the disposition was made for valuable consideration (other than marriage) to a person who, at the time of the disposition, acted in relation to it in good faith and without notice of any object on the part of A to produce the relevant consequence. (4) Where the court makes an order under subsection (1)( a ), the court may give any consequential direction that it thinks fit for giving effect to the order, including any direction for the making of any payment or the disposal of any property. (5) In this section — “disposition” includes a sale, gift, lease, mortgage or any other transaction whereby ownership or possession of the property is transferred or encumbered; “property” means property of any nature, movable or immovable, and includes money; “relevant consequence” means — ( a ) the reduction of A ’s means to pay maintenance; or ( b ) the deprivation of A ’s wife, former wife, incapacitated husband, incapacitated former husband or child, of any rights in relation to property, whether or not the rights have accrued to A ’s wife, former wife, incapacitated husband, incapacitated former husband or child (as the case may be) at the time that the application under subsection (1) is made. [Act 18 of 2023 wef 16/01/2025]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s139N
chapter: PART 10C - REPLACEMENT BECAUSE OF DEATH
section: 139N
title: Interpretation of this Part
content:
139N. In this Part — “appointed day” means the date of commencement of section 32 of the Family Justice Reform Act 2023; “child” means — ( a ) any child below 21 years of age; or ( b ) any child who has attained 21 years of age but in respect of whom any of the circumstances in section 69(5) exists; “maintenance order” means any order for the maintenance of a child, made under section 69(2) or 70(1), whether before, on or after the appointed day. [Act 18 of 2023 wef 16/01/2025]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s139O
chapter: PART 10C - REPLACEMENT BECAUSE OF DEATH
section: 139O
title: Court’s power to order replacement for deceased applicant in proceedings
content:
139O. —(1) This section applies where the applicant for a maintenance order (called in this section the deceased applicant) dies while the application (whether made before, on or after the appointed day) is pending (called in this section the pending application) before a court. (2) A court may, upon the application of any person mentioned in subsection (3) and if it thinks it necessary in order to ensure that all matters in the pending application may be effectually and completely determined and adjudicated upon, order that the person be made the applicant in the pending application in place of the deceased applicant. (3) The persons who may make an application for an order under subsection (2) are as follows: ( a ) any person who is a guardian or has the actual custody of the child for whose maintenance the pending application relates; ( b ) any sibling of the child for whose maintenance the pending application relates and who has attained 21 years of age; ( c ) any person appointed by the Minister. [Act 18 of 2023 wef 16/01/2025]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s139P
chapter: PART 10C - REPLACEMENT BECAUSE OF DEATH
section: 139P
title: Court’s power to order replacement for deceased payee, etc.
content:
139P. —(1) Subject to subsection (2), where a person to whom maintenance is payable under a maintenance order dies (called in this section the deceased payee), the court may on the application of any person specified in subsection (3), make the following orders: ( a ) an order replacing the deceased payee with any other person that the court thinks fit (called in this section the replacement person) and any other orders incidental to the replacement that the court thinks fit; ( b ) an order varying the amount of maintenance payable under the maintenance order, on account of the death of the deceased payee. (2) The court must not make any order under subsection (1)( a ) in respect of any maintenance that accrued due to the deceased payee before his or her death. (3) The persons who may make an application under subsection (1) are as follows: ( a ) the payer under the maintenance order in question; ( b ) any person who is a guardian or has the actual custody of the child for whose maintenance the maintenance order is made; ( c ) where the child for whose maintenance the maintenance order is made has attained 21 years of age, by the child himself or herself; ( d ) where the child for whose maintenance the maintenance order is made is below 21 years of age, any sibling of the child who has attained 21 years of age; ( e ) any person appointed by the Minister. (4) Where an order is made under subsection (1)( a ) in relation to a maintenance order, the replacement person has all the rights of the deceased payee in relation to the maintenance order. (5) Despite section 78 (or section 71(3) as in force immediately before the date of commencement of section 24 of the Family Justice Reform Act 2023), an application under subsection (1) in respect of a maintenance order is to be made to a Family Court, regardless of whether the maintenance order was made by a Family Court or the General Division of the High Court. [Act 18 of 2023 wef 16/01/2025]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s140
chapter: PART 11 - OFFENCES AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS
section: 140
title: Offences relating to prostitution
content:
140. —(1) Any person who — ( a ) sells, lets for hire or otherwise disposes of or buys or hires or otherwise obtains possession of any woman or girl with intent that she is to be employed or used for the purpose of prostitution either within or without Singapore, or knowing or having reason to believe that she will be so employed or used; ( b ) procures any woman or girl to have either within or without Singapore carnal connection except by way of marriage with any male person, or for the purpose of prostitution either within or without Singapore; ( c ) by threats or intimidation procures any woman or girl to have carnal connection except by way of marriage with any male person either within or without Singapore; ( d ) brings into Singapore, receives or harbours any woman or girl knowing or having reason to believe that she seeks entry into, or has entered, Singapore or has been procured for the purpose — (i) of having carnal connection either within or without Singapore, except by way of marriage with any male person; or (ii) of prostitution either within or without Singapore, and with intent to aid such purpose; ( e ) knowing or having reason to believe that any woman or girl has been procured by threats or intimidation for the purpose of having carnal connection except by way of marriage with any male person, either within or without Singapore, receives or harbours her with intent to aid such purpose; ( f ) knowing or having reason to believe that any woman or girl has been brought into Singapore in breach of section 142(1) or has been sold or purchased in breach of paragraph ( a ) receives or harbours her with intent that she may be employed or used for the purpose of prostitution either within or without Singapore; ( g ) detains any woman or girl against her will on any premises with the intention that she is to have carnal connection except by way of marriage with any male person, or detains any woman or girl against her will in a brothel; ( h ) detains any woman or girl in any place against her will with intent that she may be employed or used for the purpose of prostitution or for any unlawful or immoral purpose; ( i ) has carnal connection with any girl below 16 years of age except with a girl who is his spouse and with his spouse’s consent; or ( j ) attempts to do any act in contravention of this section, shall be guilty of an offence. [7/2016; 15/2019; 36/2019] (1A) A person who is guilty of an offence under subsection (1) — ( a ) shall be punished on conviction with imprisonment for a term not exceeding 7 years and shall also be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $100,000; but ( b ) where the person is a repeat offender, shall be punished on conviction with imprisonment for a term not exceeding 10 years and shall also be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $150,000. [36/2019] (1B) A person is a repeat offender in relation to an offence under subsection (1) if the person has been convicted or found guilty (whether before, on or after 7 August 2020) on at least one other earlier occasion of an offence under subsection (1). [36/2019] (2) Any male person who is a repeat offender in relation to an offence under subsection (1)( a ), ( b ), ( c ), ( d ), ( e ) or ( f ) shall, in addition to any term of imprisonment awarded in respect of such offence, be liable to caning. [36/2019] (3) For the purposes of this section, it is presumed until the contrary is proved that — ( a ) a person who takes or causes to be taken into a brothel any woman or girl has disposed of her with the intent or knowledge mentioned in subsection (1)( a ); ( b ) a person who receives any woman or girl into a brothel has obtained possession of her with the intent or knowledge mentioned in subsection (1)( a ); ( c ) a person has detained a woman or girl in any brothel or place against her will if, with intent to compel or induce her to remain therein, that person — (i) withholds from that woman or girl any wearing apparel or any other property belonging to her or any wearing apparel commonly or last used by her; (ii) where wearing apparel or any other property has been lent or hired out or supplied to that woman or girl, threatens her with legal proceedings if she takes away such wearing apparel or property; or (iii) threatens that woman or girl with legal proceedings for the recovery of any debt or alleged debt or uses any other threat whatsoever. (4) Despite section 79 of the Penal Code 1871, a reasonable mistake as to the age of a girl is not a defence to a charge of an offence under subsection (1)( i ). [15/2019]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s141
chapter: PART 11 - OFFENCES AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS
section: 141
title: Traffic in women and girls
content:
141. —(1) Any person who buys, sells, procures, traffics in, or brings into or takes out of Singapore for the purpose of such traffic, and whether or not for the purpose of present or subsequent prostitution, any woman or girl, shall be guilty of an offence. [7/2016; 36/2019] (1A) A person who is guilty of an offence under subsection (1) — ( a ) shall be punished on conviction with imprisonment for a term not exceeding 7 years and shall also be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $100,000; but ( b ) where the person is a repeat offender, shall be punished on conviction with imprisonment for a term not exceeding 10 years and shall also be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $150,000. [36/2019] (1B) A person is a repeat offender in relation to an offence under subsection (1) if the person has been convicted or found guilty (whether before, on or after 7 August 2020) on at least one other earlier occasion of an offence under subsection (1). [36/2019] (2) No person shall be charged with an offence under this section if the person satisfies the Director‑General that the woman or girl brought into or taken out of Singapore by the person or intended to be brought into or taken out of Singapore by the person was so brought into or taken out of Singapore or is intended to be so brought into or taken out of Singapore for the purpose of her marriage or adoption and that such marriage or adoption can be solemnised or made, or has been or will be solemnised or made, under the laws and customs for the time being in force in Singapore. [30/2019] [Act 20 of 2022 wef 15/10/2024]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s142
chapter: PART 11 - OFFENCES AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS
section: 142
title: Importation of woman or girl by false pretences
content:
142. —(1) Any person who by or under false pretence, false representation or fraudulent or deceitful means made or used either within or without Singapore brings into, or takes out of, or assists in bringing into, or assists in taking out of, Singapore any woman or girl — ( a ) with intent that she is to be employed or used for the purpose of prostitution either within or without Singapore; ( b ) knowing or having reason to believe that she will be so employed or used; or ( c ) whether or not for the purpose of present or future prostitution, shall be guilty of an offence. [7/2016; 36/2019] (2) A person who is guilty of an offence under subsection (1) — ( a ) shall be punished on conviction with imprisonment for a term not exceeding 7 years and shall also be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $100,000; but ( b ) where the person is a repeat offender, shall be punished on conviction with imprisonment for a term not exceeding 10 years and shall also be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $150,000. [36/2019] (3) A person is a repeat offender in relation to an offence under subsection (1) if the person has been convicted or found guilty (whether before, on or after 7 August 2020) on at least one other earlier occasion of an offence under subsection (1). [36/2019]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s143
chapter: PART 11 - OFFENCES AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS
section: 143
title: Permitting girl below the age of 16 to use premises for sexual penetration
content:
143. —(1) Any person who is the owner or occupier of any premises, or who has, or acts or assists in, the management or control of any premises, induces or knowingly permits a girl below 16 years of age to resort to or be on those premises for the purpose of engaging in sexual penetration except by way of marriage with any male person shall be guilty of an offence. [36/2019] (2) A person who is guilty of an offence under subsection (1) shall be liable on conviction — ( a ) to a fine not exceeding $100,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 5 years or to both; but ( b ) where the person is a repeat offender, to a fine not exceeding $150,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 7 years or to both. [36/2019] (3) A person is a repeat offender in relation to an offence under subsection (1) if the person has been convicted or found guilty (whether before, on or after 7 August 2020) on at least one other earlier occasion of an offence under subsection (1). [36/2019]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s144
chapter: PART 11 - OFFENCES AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS
section: 144
title: Permitting woman with mental impairment to use premises for sexual penetration
content:
144. —(1) Subject to subsection (2), any person who is the owner or occupier of any premises or who has, or acts or assists in, the management or control of any premises, induces or knowingly permits a woman who has a mental impairment to resort to or be on those premises for the purpose of engaging in sexual penetration except by way of marriage with any male person shall be guilty of an offence. [36/2019] [Act 21 of 2023 wef 02/01/2025] (2) A person shall not be guilty of an offence under this section because he or she induces or knowingly permits a woman who has a mental impairment to resort to or be on any premises for the purpose mentioned, if the person does not know and has no reason to suspect her to have a mental impairment. [Act 21 of 2023 wef 02/01/2025] (3) A person who is guilty of an offence under subsection (1) shall be liable on conviction — ( a ) to a fine not exceeding $100,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 5 years or to both; but ( b ) where the person is a repeat offender, to a fine not exceeding $150,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 7 years or to both. [36/2019] (4) A person is a repeat offender in relation to an offence under subsection (1) if the person has been convicted or found guilty (whether before, on or after 7 August 2020) on at least one other earlier occasion of an offence under subsection (1). [36/2019] (5) In this section, “mental impairment” means an impairment of or a disturbance in the functioning of the mind or brain resulting from any disability or disorder of the mind or brain that impairs the ability to make a proper judgment in the giving of consent to sexual penetration. [Act 21 of 2023 wef 02/01/2025]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s145
chapter: PART 11 - OFFENCES AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS
section: 145
title:
Causing or encouraging prostitution of, girl below the age of 18 or sexual penetration with, or indecent assault on, girl below the age of 16

content:
145. —(1) Any person who causes or encourages the prostitution of a girl below 18 years of age, or the commission of unlawful sexual penetration of or an indecent assault on, a girl below 16 years of age, being in either case a girl for whom that person is responsible, shall be guilty of an offence. [15/2019; 36/2019] (1A) A person who is guilty of an offence under subsection (1) shall be liable on conviction — ( a ) to a fine not exceeding $100,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 5 years or to both; but ( b ) where the person is a repeat offender, to a fine not exceeding $150,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 7 years or to both. [36/2019] (1B) A person is a repeat offender in relation to an offence under subsection (1) if the person has been convicted or found guilty (whether before, on or after 7 August 2020) on at least one other earlier occasion of an offence under subsection (1). [36/2019] (2) Where a girl has become a prostitute, or has engaged in unlawful sexual penetration, or has been indecently assaulted, a person is deemed for the purposes of this section to have caused or encouraged it, if the person knowingly allowed her to consort with or to enter or continue in the employment of, any prostitute or person of known immoral character. (3) The persons who are to be treated for the purposes of this section as responsible for a girl are (subject to subsection (4)) — ( a ) any person who is her parent or legal guardian; ( b ) any person who has actual possession or control of her, or to whose charge she has been committed by her parent or legal guardian or by a person having the custody of her; and ( c ) any other person who has the custody, charge or care of her. (4) In subsection (3) — “legal guardian”, in relation to any girl, means any person who is for the time being her guardian, having been appointed according to law by deed or will or by order of a court of competent jurisdiction; “parent”, in relation to any girl, does not include a person deprived of the custody of her by order of a court of competent jurisdiction but (subject to that), in the case of a girl who has been adopted under the Adoption of Children Act 2022 or any corresponding previous written law, means her adopters and, in the case of a girl who is illegitimate (and has not been so adopted), means her mother and any person who has been adjudged to be her putative father. [Act 20 of 2022 wef 15/10/2024] (5) If, on a charge of an offence against a girl under this section, the girl appears to the court to have been below 16 or 18 years of age (as the case may be) at the time of the offence charged, she shall be presumed for the purposes of this section to have been so, unless the contrary is proved. [15/2019]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s146
chapter: PART 11 - OFFENCES AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS
section: 146
title: Persons living on or trading in prostitution, etc.
content:
146. —(1) Any person who knowingly lives wholly or in part on the earnings of the prostitution of another person (being a woman or girl) shall be guilty of an offence. [7/2016; 36/2019] (1AA) A person who is guilty of an offence under subsection (1) — ( a ) shall be punished on conviction with imprisonment for a term not exceeding 7 years and shall also be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $100,000; but ( b ) where the person is a repeat offender, shall be punished on conviction with imprisonment for a term not exceeding 10 years and shall also be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $150,000. [36/2019] (1A) Any person who knowingly solicits, receives or agrees to receive any gratification as an inducement or reward for providing any service, and who by providing that service does or will aid the prostitution of another person (being a woman or girl), shall be guilty of an offence. [7/2016; 36/2019] (1B) A person who is guilty of an offence under subsection (1A) — ( a ) shall be punished on conviction with imprisonment for a term not exceeding 7 years and shall also be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $100,000; but ( b ) where the person is a repeat offender, shall be punished on conviction with imprisonment for a term not exceeding 10 years and shall also be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $150,000. [36/2019] (1C) A person is a repeat offender in relation to an offence under subsection (1) or (1A) if the person has been convicted or found guilty (whether before, on or after 7 August 2020) on at least one other earlier occasion of an offence under subsection (1) or (1A). [36/2019] (2) Any male person who is a repeat offender in relation to an offence under subsection (1) or (1A) shall, in addition to any term of imprisonment imposed in respect of such offence, be liable to caning. [36/2019] (3) Where any person is proved to live with or be habitually in the company of any prostitute or is proved to have exercised control, direction or influence over the movements of any prostitute in such a manner as to show that the person is aiding, abetting or compelling her prostitution with any other person or generally, the person is, in the absence of proof to the contrary, deemed to be knowingly living on the earnings of prostitution. (4) In this section, “gratification” includes — ( a ) money or any gift, loan, fee, reward, commission, valuable security or other property or interest in property of any description, whether movable or immovable; ( b ) any office, employment or contract; ( c ) any payment, release, discharge or liquidation of any loan, obligation or other liability whatsoever, whether in whole or in part; and ( d ) any other service, favour or advantage of any description whatsoever. [7/2016]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s146A
chapter: PART 11 - OFFENCES AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS
section: 146A
title: Remote communication service used for offering or facilitating provision of sexual services, etc.
content:
146A. —(1) A person in or outside Singapore who, in the course of business, uses a remote communication service with a Singapore link to — ( a ) offer or facilitate the provision by a woman or girl to another person of sexual services in Singapore in return for payment or reward; or ( b ) organise, manage or supervise the provision of sexual services referred to in paragraph ( a ), which may include inviting others to receive or participate in providing those services, shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction — ( c ) to a fine not exceeding $100,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 5 years or to both; but ( d ) where the person is a repeat offender, to a fine not exceeding $150,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 7 years or to both. [7/2016; 36/2019] (1A) A person is a repeat offender in relation to an offence under subsection (1) if the person has been convicted or found guilty (whether before, on or after 7 August 2020) on at least one other earlier occasion of an offence under subsection (1). [36/2019] (1B) However, where a person is charged with an offence under subsection (1), it is a defence for the person charged to prove, on a balance of probabilities, that the person did not know, and could not with reasonable diligence have ascertained, that the remote communication service in question had a Singapore link. [36/2019] (2) To avoid doubt, the reference in subsection (1) to the provision by a woman or girl to another person of sexual services in return for payment or reward includes, but is not limited to, a reference to the prostitution of the woman or girl. [7/2016] (3) In subsection (1), “remote communication service” means — ( a ) any website, web service or Internet application; ( b ) any service using voice telephony; ( c ) any service using a messaging system; or ( d ) any other kind of electronic or other technology for facilitating communication. [7/2016] (4) For the purposes of this section, a remote communication service has a Singapore link if any person physically present in Singapore is capable of having access to any matter communicated using the remote communication service; and in determining whether a person who is physically present in Singapore is capable of having such access, it is to be assumed that the person will not falsify or conceal the person’s identity or location. [36/2019] (5) For the purposes of subsection (4), access includes — ( a ) access that is subject to a precondition, such as the use of a password; ( b ) access by way of push technology; and ( c ) access by way of a standing request. [36/2019] (6) Where an offence under this section is committed by a person outside Singapore, the person may be dealt with in respect of that offence as if it had been committed in Singapore. [36/2019]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s147
chapter: PART 11 - OFFENCES AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS
section: 147
title: Suppression of places of assignation
content:
147. —(1) Any person who keeps, manages or assists in the management of a place of assignation shall be guilty of an offence. [36/2019] (1A) A person who is guilty of an offence under subsection (1) shall be liable on conviction — ( a ) to a fine not exceeding $100,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 5 years or to both; but ( b ) where the person is a repeat offender, to a fine not exceeding $150,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 7 years or to both. [36/2019] (1B) A person is a repeat offender in relation to an offence under subsection (1) if the person has been convicted or found guilty (whether before, on or after 7 August 2020) on at least one other earlier occasion of an offence under subsection (1). [36/2019] (2) Any person who keeps, manages or assists in the management of a club or a place of public resort which is used as a place of assignation shall be guilty of an offence. [36/2019] (3) A person who is guilty of an offence under subsection (2) — ( a ) shall be punished on conviction with imprisonment for a term not exceeding 7 years and shall also be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $100,000; but ( b ) where the person is a repeat offender, shall be punished on conviction with imprisonment for a term not exceeding 10 years and shall also be liable to a fine not exceeding $150,000. [36/2019] (4) A person is a repeat offender in relation to an offence under subsection (2) if the person has been convicted or found guilty (whether before, on or after 7 August 2020) on at least one other earlier occasion of an offence under subsection (2). [36/2019]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s148
chapter: PART 11 - OFFENCES AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS
section: 148
title: Suppression of brothels
content:
148. —(1) Any person who keeps, manages or assists in the management of a brothel shall be guilty of an offence. [36/2019] (2) Any person who is the tenant, lessee, occupier or person in charge of any place which is used as a brothel shall, unless the person proves that the person has no knowledge and could not, with reasonable diligence, have ascertained that the place is used as a brothel, be guilty of an offence. [36/2019] (3) Any person who being the tenant, lessee, occupier or person in charge of any place lets such place or any part thereof shall, despite such letting, be guilty of an offence if the place or any part thereof is used as a brothel, unless the person proves that, when entering into the letting of that place or part thereof, the person had no knowledge and could not with reasonable diligence have ascertained that the place or part thereof is to be used as a brothel. [36/2019] (4) Any person who, being the owner of a place or the agent of an owner of a place, lets the place or any part thereof shall, despite such letting, be guilty of an offence if the place or part thereof is used as a brothel, unless the person proves that, when entering into the letting of that place or part thereof, the person had no knowledge and could not with reasonable diligence have ascertained that the place or part thereof is to be used as a brothel. Examples of reasonable diligence 1. An owner of an apartment or an agent of the owner verifies the identity of a prospective tenant and purpose of the tenancy through personal inspection of the prospective tenant’s documents of identity (such as the NRIC, passport or work permit) and has a face-to-face interview with the prospective tenant, before entering into the tenancy agreement or allowing the prospective tenant to start occupying the apartment. 2. A flat-owner who is not resident in Singapore engages an agent to verify the identity of a prospective tenant of the flat and purpose of the tenancy through personal inspection of the prospective tenant’s documents of identity (such as the NRIC, passport or work permit) and a face-to-face interview with the prospective tenant, and then verifies with the agent that those steps were carried out, before the flat-owner authorises the entry into the tenancy agreement for the flat or the occupation of the flat by the prospective tenant. [36/2019] (5) A person who is guilty of an offence under this section shall be liable on conviction — ( a ) to a fine not exceeding $100,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 5 years or to both; but ( b ) where the person is a repeat offender, to a fine not exceeding $150,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 7 years or to both. [36/2019] (5A) A person is a repeat offender in relation to an offence under subsection (1), (2), (3) or (4) if the person has been convicted or found guilty (whether before, on or after 7 August 2020) on at least one other earlier occasion of an offence under subsection (1), (2), (3) or (4), regardless of the subsection. [36/2019] (6) In any proceedings under this Part, any evidence given by any police officer not below the rank of sergeant that any place has been used as a brothel or a place of assignation is, until the contrary is proved, deemed to be sufficient evidence of the fact.


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s149
chapter: PART 11 - OFFENCES AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS
section: 149
title: Notice to owner and occupier
content:
149. —(1) Where the Director‑General has reason to believe that a place is being used as a brothel or as a place of assignation, the Director‑General may serve or cause to be served a notice in the prescribed form on the owner of the place, as well as the occupier thereof. [30/2019] (2) If the owner or occupier is not otherwise known, service must be made on the person inscribed in the books kept under any written law for the time being in force as the owner or occupier of the place; and if the name of the owner or occupier is not inscribed in those books or if the name of the owner or occupier cannot by the exercise of due diligence be found, then the notice may be served by affixing it to the principal outer door or upon the outside of any door or window or any conspicuous part of the place. (3) Every occupier ( A ) receiving a notice under this section must forthwith inform the owner or the person from whom A rents the place ( B ) of the fact of receipt of the notice, and B must in like manner inform the owner or the person from whom B rents the place and so on till the notice is brought to the knowledge of the owner, each tenant being responsible for bringing the notice to the knowledge of the tenant’s immediate lessor. (4) Any occupier who refuses or omits to inform the owner or the person from whom the occupier rents the premises that a notice under this section has been received shall be liable to prosecution under section 225C of the Penal Code 1871. (5) If, in proceedings under this Part, it is proved that the notice under subsection (1) has been served on the owner or occupier of a place, it shall be presumed that the place is so kept, managed or used to the knowledge or with the permission of the owner or occupier of the place.


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s150
chapter: PART 11 - OFFENCES AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS
section: 150
title: Termination of tenancy of places on conviction for permitting use as brothel, etc.
content:
150. —(1) Upon the conviction of the occupier of any place for any offence under section 147(1) or (2) or 148(1), (2) or (3) in respect of the place, the owner of the place must within one month require the person so convicted to deliver up possession of the place to the owner, and in the event of the person so convicted failing within one month of being so required to deliver up possession as aforesaid, the owner of the place is entitled to terminate the lease or contract of tenancy but without prejudice to the rights or remedies of any party to the lease or contract accrued before the date of such termination. [36/2019] (2) Where the owner of any place has terminated the lease or contract of tenancy in accordance with subsection (1) and the occupier has not delivered up possession of the place after such termination, a Magistrate’s Court may, on the application of the owner, make a summary order for the delivery of possession of the place to the owner. (3) If the occupier disobeys any order made by a Magistrate’s Court under subsection (2), the occupier shall be liable to the penalty prescribed in that behalf in section 188 of the Penal Code 1871.


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s151
chapter: PART 11 - OFFENCES AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS
section: 151
title:
Demolition of structural contrivances for facilitating running of place of assignation or of brothel

content:
151. Whenever it appears to a court, upon the trial of any offence under section 147(1) or (2) or 148(1), (2), (3) or (4), that the place in or in respect of which the offence is alleged to have been committed is a place of assignation or a brothel, and that the same is fitted or provided with any means or contrivances such as staircases, doors and partitions, ladders, planks, platforms, posts, palings, fences, locks, bars, bolts or any other things which appear to it to have been specially erected or constructed for the purpose of facilitating the carrying on of a place of assignation or of a brothel at the place, the court is to order the demolition of such means or contrivances. [36/2019]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s152
chapter: PART 11 - OFFENCES AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS
section: 152
title: Authority of courts to issue arrest and search warrants
content:
152. If any court has reason to believe that any place is used by a woman or girl for the purpose of prostitution and that any other person residing in or frequenting the house is living wholly or in part on the immoral earnings of that woman or girl, the court may issue a warrant authorising the Director‑General or any public officer nominated by the Minister or any police officer not below the rank of sergeant to enter and search the place and to arrest such person. [30/2019]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s153
chapter: PART 11 - OFFENCES AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS
section: 153
title: Trials in private in certain cases
content:
153. —(1) When any person is charged with or convicted of having committed any offence under this Part, or of having committed or attempted to commit or attempted to cause the commission of any offence under section 354, 354A, 375, 376, 376A, 376B, 376C, 376D, 376E, 376F, 376G or 377B of the Penal Code 1871 in respect of any woman or girl, the court conducting a preliminary inquiry into, or trying the offence, or hearing any appeal or special case or any point reserved in relation to the offence, may order that all proceedings before it are to be dealt with in private. [40/2019] [Act 25 of 2021 wef 01/04/2022] (2) Whenever any such order is made, the court is not to be deemed an open court, and the court must order that no person is to have access to or be or remain in the court except such persons as are necessary for the purpose of the proceedings. (3) The court must order proceedings before it to be dealt with in private in any case where the girl in respect of whom an offence referred to in subsection (1) is alleged to have been committed has not attained 16 years of age. [Act 25 of 2021 wef 01/04/2022] (4) A person must not publish or broadcast any information or picture referred to in the following paragraphs: ( a ) the name or address of any woman or girl in respect of whom an offence referred to in subsection (1) is alleged to have been committed; ( b ) any particulars given, in any proceedings in any court relating to an offence referred to in subsection (1), which identify, or are calculated to lead to the identification of, any woman or girl in respect of whom that offence is alleged to have been committed; ( c ) the name and address of any witness, in any proceedings in any court relating to an offence referred to in subsection (1), which may lead to the identification of any woman or girl in respect of whom that offence is alleged to have been committed; ( d ) the particulars of any evidence given by any witness, in any proceedings in any court relating to an offence referred to in subsection (1), which may lead to the identification of any woman or girl in respect of whom that offence is alleged to have been committed; ( e ) any picture of, or any picture including a picture of — (i) any woman or girl in respect of whom an offence referred to in subsection (1) is alleged to have been committed; or (ii) any witness in any proceedings in any court relating to an offence referred to in subsection (1). [7/2016] (5) If any information or picture is published or broadcast in contravention of subsection (4) — ( a ) in the case of the publication of the information or picture as part of a newspaper or periodical publication, every proprietor, editor, publisher or distributor of the newspaper or periodical publication; ( b ) in the case of the publication of the information or picture otherwise than as part of a newspaper or periodical publication, the person who publishes or distributes the information or picture; or ( c ) in the case of the broadcast of the information or picture, every person who transmits or provides the programme in which the information or picture is broadcast, and every person having functions in relation to the programme corresponding to those of the editor of a newspaper or periodical publication, shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $5,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 years or to both. [7/2016] (6) In this section — “broadcast” means sounds or visual images — ( a ) broadcast by wireless telegraphy, or by means of a high frequency distribution system over wire or other paths provided by a material substance, and intended for general reception; ( b ) broadcast through the Internet or any website, web service or Internet application, whether or not intended for general reception; or ( c ) broadcast through any messaging system; “publish”, in relation to any information or picture, means to bring the information or picture to the notice of the public or a section of the public by any means, including (to avoid doubt) through — ( a ) the Internet or any website, web service or Internet application; or ( b ) any messaging system. [7/2016] [Act 25 of 2021 wef 01/04/2022]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s154
chapter: PART 11 - OFFENCES AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS
section: 154
title: Trial of offences
content:
154. —(1) All offences under this Part are triable by a District Court. [15/2010] (2) No prosecution is to be instituted in respect of any such offence without the consent of the Director‑General or the Public Prosecutor or his or her deputy. [15/2010; 30/2019] (3) Any District Court may, despite anything in the Criminal Procedure Code 2010, impose the full punishment prescribed by this Part in respect of any offence. (4) Prosecutions in respect of offences committed under this Part may, with the authorisation of the Public Prosecutor, be conducted by the Director‑General or any public officer of such department that the Minister is charged with responsibility for authorised in writing in that behalf by the Director‑General. [15/2010; 25/2012; 30/2019]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s155
chapter: PART 11 - OFFENCES AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS
section: 155
title: Detention pending judicial proceedings
content:
155. —(1) Any court inquiring into or trying an offence punishable under this Part or under section 312, 313, 317, 354, 370, 371, 372, 373, 373A, 375, 376, 376A, 376B, 376C, 376D, 376E, 376F, 376G or 377B of the Penal Code 1871 or defined in section 321, 322, 339, 340, 350, 351, 360, 361 or 362 of the Penal Code 1871 may order any woman or girl in respect of whom the offence is alleged to have been committed to be detained temporarily until the determination of the proceedings against the person accused. [51/2007; 15/2019] (2) Where an order is made under subsection (1), the Director‑General must receive such woman or girl and must put her in a place of safety and detain her there until the determination of the proceedings. [30/2019] (3) Despite the determination of the proceedings against the accused person, the Director‑General may, by warrant order the detention in a place of safety of any woman or girl referred to in this section whom the Director‑General considers is in need of protection, and thereupon such arrangements must be made for her welfare as the Director‑General considers necessary. [30/2019] [Act 21 of 2023 wef 02/01/2025] (4) In exercising his or her powers under subsection (3), the Director‑General must not contravene section 161. [30/2019]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s156
chapter: PART 11 - OFFENCES AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS
section: 156
title: Director‑General may examine women and girls and person in charge of them
content:
156. —(1) If the Director‑General has reasonable cause to believe that — ( a ) any woman or girl has been brought into Singapore either after having been purchased or by fraud, misrepresentation or any false pretence whether or not for the purpose of prostitution or of being sent from Singapore; ( b ) the custody of any woman or girl has been acquired either after having been purchased or by fraud, misrepresentation or any false pretence whether or not for the purpose of prostitution or of being sent from Singapore; ( c ) any woman or girl has been purchased either within or without Singapore for the purpose of being used, trained or disposed of as a prostitute; or ( d ) any woman or girl is being detained against her will for the purpose of prostitution or of being sent from Singapore for immoral purposes, the Director‑General, or any person authorised in that behalf by him or her in writing, may require the woman or girl and any person who appears to have the custody or control of her to appear before him or her at any reasonable time and at any convenient place. [30/2019] (2) The Director‑General may examine the woman or girl as to her reasons for entering or being in Singapore and may examine the person respecting the woman or girl, and the woman or girl and the person is legally bound to answer such questions truthfully to the best of their ability. [30/2019] (3) The Director‑General may also require any person in whose custody or under whose control the woman or girl appears to be to furnish the Director‑General with copies of her and the person’s photograph and to furnish security to the satisfaction of the Director‑General that she — ( a ) will not leave Singapore without the previous consent in writing of the Director‑General; ( b ) will not be trained or disposed of as a prostitute or for immoral purposes; ( c ) will not, whether by way of adoption, marriage or otherwise, be transferred to the care and custody of any other person without the previous consent in writing of the Director‑General; and ( d ) will be produced before the Director‑General whenever he or she requires it. [30/2019] (4) In default of such photographs and security being given, the Director‑General may by warrant order the woman or girl to be removed to a place of safety and there detained until she can be returned to the place from where she was brought or until other proper provision can be made for her welfare. [30/2019] [Act 21 of 2023 wef 02/01/2025] (5) Where the Director‑General has reason to believe that the woman or girl may be sent from Singapore, the Director‑General may issue an order for her to be detained in a place of safety until the determination of any inquiry or until after such arrangement has been made for her welfare as the Director‑General considers necessary. [30/2019]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s157
chapter: PART 11 - OFFENCES AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS
section: 157
title: Inspection
content:
157. —(1) The Director‑General or any officer generally or specially authorised in that behalf in writing by the Director‑General may at any time visit and inspect the place where any woman or girl in respect of whom security has been furnished under section 156 lives or is believed to live or to be. [30/2019] (2) The Director‑General or any authorised officer may inquire into the condition and circumstances of the woman or girl and for the purposes of the inquiry the Director‑General or officer may require any person to answer any question he or she may think proper to ask. [30/2019] (3) Any person who — ( a ) obstructs or hinders or attempts to obstruct or hinder the Director‑General or any authorised officer in the exercise of the powers conferred by this section; or ( b ) refuses to answer to the best of the person’s knowledge and belief any question which the person is legally bound to answer and which is asked of the person by any officer appointed or authorised under this Part, shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $500 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or to both. [30/2019]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s158
chapter: PART 11 - OFFENCES AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS
section: 158
title: Security on departure of woman or girl from Singapore
content:
158. —(1) Whenever the Director‑General is of opinion that it is in the interests of any woman or girl as is referred to in section 156 that she should be permitted to leave Singapore, the Director‑General may grant permission upon being supplied with such photographs of the woman or girl as the Director‑General may require and upon security being given to the Director‑General’s satisfaction that the person in whose custody or control she appears to be will bring her before such public officer within such period and at such destination as may be specified in the bond. [30/2019] (2) The giving of such further security does not relieve any person who furnished the security required by section 156 from any obligation under the conditions of the bond entered into under that section, other than the condition relating to departure from Singapore, unless the public officer in the territory where such woman or girl then resides obtains fresh security conditioned in the manner specified in that section. (3) A certificate under the hand of the public officer referred to in subsection (1) that such woman or girl has not been brought before the public officer is in any legal proceedings conclusive evidence to that effect, unless the court requires that officer to be called as a witness.


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s159
chapter: PART 11 - OFFENCES AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS
section: 159
title: Woman or girl below the age of 21 trained or used for immoral purposes, etc.
content:
159. —(1) If the Director‑General has reasonable cause to believe that any woman or girl below 21 years of age is being trained or used for immoral purposes or lives in or frequents any brothel or is habitually in the company of prostitutes or brothel keepers or procuresses or persons employed or living in brothels or persons directly interested in the business carried on in brothels or by prostitutes, the Director‑General may, by warrant order the woman or girl to be removed to a place of safety and there temporarily detained until an inquiry has been held by the Director‑General. [30/2019] [Act 21 of 2023 wef 02/01/2025] (2) If the Director‑General after holding such inquiry is satisfied that the woman or girl comes within subsection (1), the Director‑General may, by warrant order the woman or girl to be detained in a place of safety. [30/2019] [Act 21 of 2023 wef 02/01/2025]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s160
chapter: PART 11 - OFFENCES AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS
section: 160
title: Director‑General may order detention or commitment of woman or girl in certain cases
content:
160. —(1) Any woman or girl — ( a ) whose lawful guardian requests the Director‑General in writing to detain her in a place of safety or to commit her to the care of a fit individual; ( b ) whom the Director‑General considers is in need of protection and whose lawful guardian cannot be found; ( c ) whom the Director‑General believes to have been ill‑treated and is in need of protection; or ( d ) whom the Director‑General considers to be in moral danger, may, by warrant of the Director‑General, be ordered to be removed to a place of safety and there detained, or to be committed to the care of a fit individual, until the Director‑General has held an inquiry as to the circumstances of the case. [7/2016; 30/2019] [Act 21 of 2023 wef 02/01/2025] (2) Every such inquiry must be completed within a period of one month from the date of the woman’s or girl’s admission into the place of safety or commitment to the care of the fit individual, as the case may be. [7/2016] (3) If, after holding such inquiry, the Director‑General is satisfied that the woman or girl is in need of protection, the Director‑General may by warrant order that the woman or girl be detained in a place of safety, or committed to the care of a fit individual, for such period as the Director‑General may determine. [7/2016; 30/2019] [Act 21 of 2023 wef 02/01/2025] (4) Where a girl has been detained in a place of safety, or committed to the care of a fit individual, at the request of the girl’s lawful guardian, the girl may be detained or committed for such period as the Director‑General determines is necessary for the girl’s rehabilitation, despite any request made by the girl’s lawful guardian for the girl’s early release. [7/2016; 30/2019]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s160A
chapter: PART 11 - OFFENCES AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS
section: 160A
title: Giving medical treatment, etc., to women and girls detained or committed to care under section 160
content:
160A. —(1) The Director‑General may require a woman or girl who is detained in a place of safety, or committed to the care of a fit individual, under section 160 to be produced before a healthcare professional for treatment. (2) Subject to subsections (4) and (5), the healthcare professional may treat the woman or girl only if there is consent. (3) Consent may be given — ( a ) in the case of a girl below 21 years of age — by her parent or guardian; ( b ) in the case of a woman or girl who lacks the mental capacity to consent — by her donee or deputy in accordance with the Mental Capacity Act 2008; and ( c ) in any other case — by the woman or girl. (4) The healthcare professional may treat the woman or girl without consent if a Family Court — ( a ) is satisfied that it is in the best interests of the woman or girl to receive the treatment; and ( b ) authorises the treatment to be administered. (5) If the woman or girl is below 21 years of age or assessed by a mental capacity assessor to lack the mental capacity to consent, the healthcare professional may treat the woman or girl without consent if — ( a ) one of the following circumstances applies: (i) there is no person who can give consent under subsection (3); (ii) the healthcare professional reasonably believes that consent under subsection (3) cannot be obtained within a reasonable time; (iii) the healthcare professional reasonably believes that consent under subsection (3) is being unreasonably withheld; and ( b ) the healthcare professional reasonably believes that it is in the best interests of the woman or girl to receive the treatment. (6) Rules made under section 180 may prescribe — ( a ) the classes of persons who are recognised as healthcare professionals for the purposes of this section; and ( b ) the persons who may be appointed by the Director‑General as mental capacity assessors for the purposes of this section. (7) In this section — “deputy” has the meaning given by section 2(1) of the Mental Capacity Act 2008; “donee” has the meaning given by section 2(1) of the Mental Capacity Act 2008; “treatment” means any medical, psychological or dental treatment, and includes any assessment for the purposes of deciding whether treatment is needed; and “treat” has a corresponding meaning. [Act 21 of 2023 wef 02/01/2025]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s161
chapter: PART 11 - OFFENCES AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS
section: 161
title: Period of detention or commitment of woman or girl
content:
161. —(1) A woman or girl must not be detained under this Part, except for the purpose of an inquiry, after such arrangements have been made for her welfare as the Director‑General considers necessary or after she attains 21 years of age or marries. [7/2016; 30/2019] (2) A woman or girl must not be committed under section 160(3) to the care of a fit individual, and a woman or girl who has been so committed ceases to be in the care of a fit individual, after the woman or girl attains 21 years of age or marries. [7/2016]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s162
chapter: PART 11 - OFFENCES AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS
section: 162
title: Marriage not to be contracted without consent of Director‑General
content:
162. No woman or girl detained under the provisions of this Part or in respect of whom security has been furnished under section 156(3) may contract any form of marriage without the previous consent in writing of the Director‑General. [30/2019]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s163
chapter: PART 11 - OFFENCES AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS
section: 163
title: Women and girls in urgent need of refuge
content:
163. —(1) Any woman or girl may on her own application be received by the Director‑General into a place of safety, or be committed by the Director‑General to the care of a fit individual, if the Director‑General is satisfied that the woman or girl is in urgent need of refuge. [7/2016; 30/2019] (2) Where the situation warrants it, the person in charge of any place of safety may receive into that place of safety any woman or girl who makes an application to that person. (3) Where the person in charge of a place of safety receives any woman or girl into that place of safety in accordance with subsection (2), that person must, within 48 hours of the admission of the woman or girl, produce her before the Director‑General with a full report of the circumstances. [30/2019] (4) A woman or girl must not be received under this section into a place of safety, or committed under subsection (1) to the care of a fit individual, after the woman or girl attains 21 years of age or marries. [7/2016] (5) A woman or girl who has been received under this section into a place of safety, or committed under subsection (1) to the care of a fit individual, ceases to be in the care of the place of safety or fit individual (as the case may be), after the woman or girl attains 21 years of age or marries. [7/2016]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s164
chapter: PART 11 - OFFENCES AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS
section: 164
title:
Transfer of women or girls from one place of safety to another place of safety within Singapore, etc.

content:
164. —(1) Whenever an order has been made under section 155(3), 156 or 159 for the detention of a woman or girl in a place of safety and it appears to the Director‑General to be expedient in the interests of the woman or girl that she should be transferred from such place of safety to another place of safety within Singapore, it is lawful for the Director‑General to issue an order that she be so transferred. [7/2016; 30/2019] (2) Where an order has been made under section 160 for the detention of a woman or girl in a place of safety, and it appears to the Director‑General that the taking of one of the following courses of action is expedient in the interests of the woman or girl, the Director‑General may order the taking of that course of action: ( a ) the transfer of the woman or girl from that place of safety to another place of safety within Singapore; ( b ) the discharge of the woman or girl from that place of safety, and the commitment of the woman or girl to the care of a fit individual. [7/2016; 30/2019] (3) Where an order has been made under section 160 for the commitment of a woman or girl to the care of a fit individual, and it appears to the Director‑General that the taking of one of the following courses of action is expedient in the interests of the woman or girl, the Director‑General may order the taking of that course of action: ( a ) the transfer of the woman or girl from the care of that fit individual to the care of another fit individual; ( b ) the withdrawal of the woman or girl from the care of that fit individual, and the detention of the woman or girl in a place of safety within Singapore. [7/2016; 30/2019] (4) Where a woman or girl is detained in a place of safety in Singapore on the request in writing of her lawful guardian under section 160(1)( a ), she must not be transferred or discharged from that place of safety under subsection (2), unless her lawful guardian has given approval in writing for that transfer or discharge. [7/2016] (5) Where a woman or girl is committed to the care of a fit individual on the request in writing of her lawful guardian under section 160(1)( a ), she must not be transferred or withdrawn from the care of that fit individual under subsection (3), unless her lawful guardian has given approval in writing for that transfer or withdrawal. [7/2016] 165. [ Repealed by Act 21 of 2023 wef 02/01/2025 ]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s166
chapter: PART 11 - OFFENCES AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS
section: 166
title: Appeal
content:
166. An appeal shall lie from any order made by the Director‑General under this Part to the Minister whose decision is final and is not to be questioned in any court. [30/2019] 167. [ Repealed by Act 21 of 2023 wef 02/01/2025 ] 168. [ Repealed by Act 21 of 2023 wef 02/01/2025 ]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s169
chapter: PART 11 - OFFENCES AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS
section: 169
title: Women and girls detained to be subject to rules
content:
169. —(1) Every woman or girl detained under this Part is to be subject to such rules as are made under section 180. [27/2014] (2) Every woman or girl detained or ordered to be detained under this Part who leaves any place in which she is detained otherwise than in accordance with such rules may be arrested and taken back to such place by any police officer or by any officer duly authorised thereto either specially or generally by the Director‑General. [30/2019] (3) Any person who — ( a ) induces or assists any woman or girl detained under this Part to leave or escape from the place in which she is detained; or ( b ) receives or harbours such woman or girl knowing or having reason to believe that she has escaped from a place of safety, shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $1,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or to both.


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s170
chapter: PART 11 - OFFENCES AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS
section: 170
title: Director‑General may cause persons to be photographed
content:
170. —(1) Whenever the Director‑General, after inquiry, has reason to believe that a breach of any of the provisions of this Part is about to be or has been committed by any person, the Director‑General may direct that the person be photographed, and his or her finger impressions taken. [30/2019] (2) The person so directed must submit to be photographed and to have his or her finger impressions taken at such time and place and in such manner as the Director‑General may think fit and in default of so doing shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $500 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or to both. [30/2019] (3) Any person whose finger impressions and photograph have been taken under subsection (1) may apply on the expiry of 5 years from the date when such finger impressions and photograph were taken for the return of such finger impressions and photograph and the Director‑General must, unless the person has in such period of 5 years been convicted of any offence under this Part, deliver to the person the sheet upon which his or her finger impressions have been made together with the negative and all copies of any photograph taken of him or her, or, if no such application is received within 3 months from the period specified in this subsection, must destroy such sheet and every such negative and photograph. [30/2019]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s171
chapter: PART 11 - OFFENCES AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS
section: 171
title: Power to summon and examine persons in certain circumstances
content:
171. —(1) The Director‑General may summon any person who he or she has reason to believe can give any information — ( a ) regarding any woman or girl in respect of whom he or she has reasonable cause to believe that an offence under this Part is or may be committed or who he or she has reasonable cause to believe is or may be liable to be dealt with under section 156, 159 or 160; or ( b ) regarding any place which he or she has reasonable cause to believe is being used as a brothel, a place of assignation or for the purpose of prostitution. [30/2019] (2) The person so summoned must attend at the time and place specified in the summons and must produce all documents in the person’s custody, possession or control relating to the woman or girl or place (as the case may be) and must answer truthfully all questions which the Director‑General may put to the person respecting the woman or girl or place or in any way relating to the matter being inquired into, and where the inquiry relates to any woman or girl, the person must also, if so required by the Director‑General, produce the woman or girl, unless the person is able to satisfy the Director‑General that he or she is unable to do so. [30/2019] (3) The Director‑General is deemed to be a public servant within the meaning of the Penal Code 1871 and may administer oaths to and examine on oath any person summoned before him or her for the purposes of this Part. [30/2019] (4) Any person summoned who fails to attend at the time and place specified in the summons or to do any of the other acts referred to in subsection (2) shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $500 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or to both. (5) The Director‑General is not compellable in any judicial proceedings to answer any questions as to the grounds of his or her decision or belief in any case dealt with by him or her under this Part or as to anything which came to his or her knowledge in any inquiry made by him or her as Director‑General. [30/2019] (6) The Director‑General may, during or after such inquiry as is referred to in subsection (2), arrest or cause to be arrested any person whom the Director‑General has reasonable cause to believe to be liable to prosecution for any offence under this Part committed in respect of the woman or girl or place, and may seize and detain any article, book, document or account which the Director‑General may have reason to believe to relate to such offence. [30/2019]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s172
chapter: PART 11 - OFFENCES AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS
section: 172
title: Record of evidence
content:
172. The Director‑General must, at any inquiry held by him or her, take down and record the evidence taken by the Director‑General upon such inquiry and of his or her decision thereon and must furnish to the General Division of the High Court a copy of the record if ordered to do so by the General Division of the High Court suppressing in such copy the name of any person from whom information has been derived if he or she thinks it expedient to do so. [30/2019; 40/2019]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s173
chapter: PART 11 - OFFENCES AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS
section: 173
title: Power of search
content:
173. —(1) The Director‑General, or any public officer, being either a police officer not below the rank of sergeant, an immigration officer within the meaning of the Immigration Act 1959 or a public officer of such department that the Minister is charged with responsibility for, and being generally or specially authorised for that purpose in writing by the Director‑General, may enter, and for that purpose use force if necessary, and search — ( a ) any place where the Director‑General, person or officer has reasonable cause to believe that an offence under this Part has been or is being committed; and ( b ) any person in that place, and may remove any woman or girl who is or may be liable to be dealt with under section 156, 159 or 160 to a place of safety to be there detained until her case is inquired into, except that no woman may be searched other than by a woman. [25/2012; 30/2019] (2) Any person who refuses to be searched or refuses the Director‑General, person or officer access to such place or otherwise obstructs or hinders him or her in effecting an entrance to such place or in removing any such woman or girl shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $1,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or to both. [30/2019]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s174
chapter: PART 11 - OFFENCES AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS
section: 174
title: Power of arrest and seizure
content:
174. —(1) The Director‑General, or any public officer, being either a police officer not below the rank of sergeant, an immigration officer within the meaning of the Immigration Act 1959 or a public officer of such department that the Minister is charged with responsibility for, and being generally or specially authorised for that purpose in writing by the Director‑General, may arrest or cause to be arrested any person reasonably believed to be liable to prosecution for an offence under section 140(1), 141(1), 142(1), 143(1), 144(1), 145(1), 146(1) or (1A), 146A(1), 147(1) or (2) or 148(1), (2), (3) or (4) and may seize, and for that purpose use force if necessary, and detain any article, book, document or account which he or she may have reason to believe to relate to such offence. [25/2012; 30/2019; 36/2019] (2) Where any person is arrested by the Director‑General or any person mentioned in subsection (1), the Director‑General or person making the arrest must comply with sections 68 and 85 of the Criminal Procedure Code 2010 as if he or she were a police officer. [15/2010; 30/2019] (3) Any person who obstructs or hinders the Director‑General or any person mentioned in subsection (1) in the arrest of any such suspected person or in the seizure or detention of any such article, book, document or account shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $1,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or to both. [30/2019]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s175
chapter: PART 11 - OFFENCES AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS
section: 175
title: Presumption arising out of warrants
content:
175. —(1) Every warrant or summons purporting to be issued pursuant to this Part by the Director-General is to be received in evidence in any court without further proof and is prima facie evidence of the facts therein stated. [30/2019] [Act 21 of 2023 wef 02/01/2025] (2) All acts done pursuant to such warrant or summons are deemed to have been authorised by law.


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s176
chapter: PART 11 - OFFENCES AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS
section: 176
title: Appointment of officers
content:
176. —(1) The Minister may appoint such officers as the Minister thinks fit for the purposes of this Part and may confer upon those officers all or any of the powers conferred and duties imposed upon the Director‑General by this Part. [Act 5 of 2025 wef 09/03/2025] (2) An appointment of an officer under subsection (1), and the powers conferred and duties imposed on the officer, must be published in the Gazette . [30/2019] [Act 5 of 2025 wef 09/03/2025]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s177
chapter: PART 11 - OFFENCES AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS
section: 177
title: Minister may establish places of safety
content:
177. The Minister may, by order in the Gazette , establish such places of safety as may be necessary for the purposes of this Part.


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s177A
chapter: PART 11 - OFFENCES AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS
section: 177A
title:
Restriction on publishing information, etc., leading to identification of women and girls in places of safety, etc.

content:
177A. —(1) A person must not, without the approval of the Director‑General, publish or broadcast any information that identifies, or is likely to lead to the identification of — ( a ) the location of a place of safety; or ( b ) a woman or girl as being or having been a resident of a place of safety. (2) A person must not, without the approval of the Director‑General, publish or broadcast any information that identifies, or is likely to lead to the identification of — ( a ) a woman or girl as being or having been committed to the care of a fit individual under the provisions of this Part; ( b ) an individual as being an individual to whose care a woman or girl is or was committed under the provisions of this Part; or ( c ) the location of a place where a woman or girl is residing or resided while committed to the care of a fit individual under the provisions of this Part. (3) Subsection (1) does not apply to any of the following: ( a ) the publication in the Gazette (in electronic or other form) of an order under section 177; ( b ) the publication under the Revised Edition of the Laws Act 1983 of a revised edition of subsidiary legislation (in electronic or other form) that relates to an order under section 177; ( c ) the publication of an order under section 177, a revised edition of subsidiary legislation referred to in paragraph ( b ), or any copy of any such order or revised edition of subsidiary legislation, on — (i) any legislation website maintained by the Government; or (ii) any website licensed by the Government to maintain a collection of subsidiary legislation made under this Act. Offence (4) If any information is published or broadcast in contravention of subsection (1) or (2) — ( a ) in the case of the publication of the information as part of a newspaper or periodical publication — each proprietor, editor, publisher and distributor of the newspaper or periodical publication; ( b ) in the case of the publication of the information otherwise than as part of a newspaper or periodical publication — the person who publishes or distributes the information; or ( c ) in the case of the broadcast of the information — each person who transmits or provides the programme in which the information is broadcast, and each person having functions in relation to the programme corresponding to those of the editor of a newspaper or periodical publication, shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $5,000 and, in the case of a second or subsequent conviction, to a fine not exceeding $10,000. (5) In proceedings for an offence under subsection (4), the court may, whether or not there is a conviction for the offence, order a person to remove the publication, or cease the broadcast, of any information that is in contravention of subsection (1) or (2). Application to remove contravening publication or broadcast (6) A Family Court may, on an application by the Director‑General, order a person to remove a publication, or cease a broadcast, that contravenes subsection (1) or (2). (7) A Family Court may make an order under subsection (6) even if — ( a ) the application is not served on the person against whom the order is sought (called in this section the respondent) or is not served on the respondent within a reasonable time before the hearing of the application; or ( b ) where the application has been served on the respondent — the respondent does not appear at the hearing of the application, so long as the Family Court is satisfied, on a balance of probabilities, that the order is necessary for the protection or personal safety of the woman or girl concerned. Definitions (8) In this section — “broadcast” means sounds or visual images or both — ( a ) broadcast by wireless telegraphy, or by means of a high frequency distribution system over wire or other paths provided by a material substance, and intended for general reception; ( b ) broadcast through the Internet or any website, web service or Internet application, whether or not intended for general reception; or ( c ) broadcast through any messaging system; “information” includes an image; “publish”, in relation to any information, means to bring the information to the notice of the public or a section of the public by any means, including (to avoid doubt) through — ( a ) the Internet or any website, web service or Internet application; or ( b ) any messaging system; “resident”, in relation to a place of safety, includes a woman or girl detained or received into a place of safety under the provisions of this Part. [Act 21 of 2023 wef 02/01/2025]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s178
chapter: PART 11 - OFFENCES AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS
section: 178
title: Boards of Visitors
content:
178. —(1) The Minister may appoint for every place of safety a Board of Visitors to advise and make recommendations to the Director‑General on such matters as he or she may refer to it. [30/2019] [Act 5 of 2025 wef 09/03/2025] (1A) An appointment under subsection (1) must be published in the Gazette . [Act 5 of 2025 wef 09/03/2025] (2) A Board of Visitors may be appointed for one or more places of safety as the Minister thinks fit. (3) A Board of Visitors consists of such number of persons as the Minister may determine. (4) Every person appointed under subsection (1) may enter at reasonable times any place of safety and make such inquiry or examination therein as appears to the person necessary and must also make such report as the Minister may require. (5) Despite subsection (1), the Minister may direct a Board of Visitors — ( a ) to visit any place which is established for the purposes of care and reception of women and girls and which is not a place of safety; and ( b ) to make such inquiry or examination therein as appears to the Board necessary and also to make such report as the Minister may require. (6) Any person who refuses admittance to any place of safety or any place referred to in subsection (5) to any member of a Board of Visitors, the Director‑General or any officer deputed by the Director‑General for the purpose or who offers any hindrance or obstruction to any such persons after his or her identity is reasonably established shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $1,000. [30/2019]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s179
chapter: PART 11 - OFFENCES AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS
section: 179
title: Discharge Committees
content:
179. —(1) The Minister may appoint for every place of safety a Discharge Committee which must advise and make recommendations to the Director‑General on the discharge and aftercare of women and girls in such place of safety. [30/2019] (2) A Discharge Committee may be appointed in respect of one or more places of safety as the Minister thinks fit. (3) A Discharge Committee consists of such number of persons as the Minister may determine. (4) The Discharge Committee must review all cases of women and girls when they have been detained for 6 months, and may, after such review, recommend to the Director‑General that any woman or girl be discharged or released on licence. [30/2019] (5) The Director‑General, on the advice of the Discharge Committee, has power to order the discharge or the release on licence of any woman or girl who has been detained in a place of safety for 6 months and on such conditions as may be stated by the Director‑General in that order. [30/2019] (6) Any woman or girl released from a place of safety on licence by order of the Director‑General, who breaks the conditions of her licence, must be brought before the Director‑General, who has power to order the return of the woman or girl to the place of safety from which she was released, to be detained there for such further period as the Director‑General considers necessary, except where the woman or girl concerned, by reason of any act or omission committed while on licence, renders herself liable to prosecution for any offence, in which case she must be brought before the appropriate court. [30/2019]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s179A
chapter: PART 12 - MISCELLANEOUS
section: 179A
title: Family Justice Rules
content:
179A. —(1) The Family Justice Rules Committee constituted under section 46(1) of the Family Justice Act 2014 may make Family Justice Rules — ( a ) to regulate and prescribe the procedure and practice to be followed in respect of any application to the Family Justice Courts under this Act; and ( b ) to provide for any matter incidental to or relating to the procedure and practice. (2) Without limiting subsection (1), Family Justice Rules may be made for the following purposes: ( a ) the manner in which any application to the court under this Act is to be made and dealt with, and the provisions of any written law that will apply to any such application; ( b ) [ Deleted by Act 21 of 2023 wef 16/01/2025 ] ( c ) prescribing the procedure applicable to attachment of earnings orders, including the notification by the court to persons directed to comply with those orders; ( d ) prescribing the procedure applicable to the proceedings upon a breach of an order under section 81(2)( c ) or (4)( a )(i) by a respondent; ( e ) prescribing the procedure applicable to any appeal by an MEO against the Family Court’s refusal to grant a request under section 86(3) and (4)( c ); ( f ) prescribing the procedure for a party to object to the reliance by the court on any previous MEO’s report (or any part of it) under section 91; ( g ) prescribing the procedure applicable to any appeal from a Family Court brought under section 91V; ( h ) prescribing the orders under section 81 that may be made against a respondent despite the absence of the respondent in court; ( i ) prescribing how any document may be served on any person for the purposes of proceedings in the Family Justice Courts under this Act; ( j ) prescribing the fees payable in relation to proceedings in the Family Justice Courts under this Act and providing for the waiver, refund or remission of those fees; ( k ) prescribing and regulating the costs payable in proceedings in the Family Justice Courts under this Act; ( l ) providing for the forms to be used in proceedings in the Family Justice Courts under this Act; ( m ) prescribing anything that is required or permitted under this Act to be prescribed by the Family Justice Rules. (3) The Family Justice Rules may, instead of providing for any matter under subsection (1), refer to any provision made or to be made about the matter by practice directions issued for the time being by the registrar of the Family Justice Courts. (4) Unless the Family Justice Rules provide otherwise, an application to a Family Court under Part 7, 8, 9, 9A or 10C or section 126B (called in this subsection the relevant application) — ( a ) must be made in the same manner as an application for a summons is made to a District Court or Magistrate’s Court under the Criminal Procedure Code 2010; and ( b ) is to be dealt with — (i) as if the relevant application were a complaint for the purposes of that Code; but (ii) in accordance with only such provisions of that Code, and with such provisions of any other written law, as may be prescribed by the Family Justice Rules. (5) The powers conferred by this section do not extend to any matter — ( a ) for which regulations may be made under section 91A; or ( b ) for which rules may be made under section 180(1) or (1A). (6) All Family Justice Rules made under this section must be presented to Parliament as soon as possible after publication in the Gazette . [Act 18 of 2023 wef 16/01/2025]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s180
chapter: PART 12 - MISCELLANEOUS
section: 180
title: Rules
content:
180. —(1) The Minister may make rules generally for carrying out the provisions of this Act (except Part 11) and, in particular, may make rules providing for — ( a ) the forms to be used and the fees payable for the purposes of this Act (except Part 11); [Act 3 of 2022 wef 25/09/2023] [Act 18 of 2023 wef 16/01/2025] ( aa ) any matter relating to the making of a decision under section 17(3); [Act 3 of 2022 wef 25/09/2023] ( b ) the practice and procedure for the maintaining of the State Marriage Register and certificates of marriage; ( c ) the supply and custody of registers and certificates; ( d ) the preparation and submission of returns under this Act (except Part 11); [Act 18 of 2023 wef 16/01/2025] ( e ) the making of searches of the State Marriage Register; [Act 3 of 2022 wef 25/09/2023] ( ea ) the provision of copies of, or extracts from, any record or information contained in the State Marriage Register (including a copy or an extract that is certified by the Registrar to be a true copy or extract); [Act 3 of 2022 wef 25/09/2023] ( eb ) how an error in the State Marriage Register is to be corrected; [Act 3 of 2022 wef 25/09/2023] ( f ) [ Deleted by Act 18 of 2023 wef 16/01/2025 ] ( fa ) [ Deleted by Act 18 of 2023 wef 16/01/2025 ] ( g ) [ Deleted by Act 18 of 2023 wef 16/01/2025 ] ( h ) [ Deleted by Act 18 of 2023 wef 16/01/2025 ] ( i ) the procedure for appeals to the Minister except appeals under section 166; and [Act 18 of 2023 wef 16/01/2025] ( j ) matters permitted or required to be prescribed under this Act (except Part 11). [27/2014; 7/2016] [Act 3 of 2022 wef 25/09/2023] [Act 18 of 2023 wef 16/01/2025] (1A) The Minister may make rules generally for carrying out the provisions of Part 11 and, in particular, may make rules providing for — ( a ) the care, detention, discipline, discharge and aftercare, temporary absence, maintenance and education of women and girls detained under Part 11; ( b ) the commitment under Part 11 of any woman or girl to the care of a fit individual; ( c ) the manner and conditions in and under which the powers conferred by Part 11 are to be exercised by the persons on whom such powers are conferred; ( d ) the composition, duties, functions and procedure of Boards of Visitors and Discharge Committees; ( e ) the procedure for appeals to the Minister under section 166; and ( f ) matters permitted or required to be prescribed under Part 11. [Act 18 of 2023 wef 16/01/2025] (1B) The powers conferred by subsection (1) or (1A) do not extend to any matter — ( a ) for which regulations may be made by the Minister under section 91A; or ( b ) for which Family Justice Rules may be made under section 179A. [Act 18 of 2023 wef 16/01/2025] (2) Rules made under subsection (1) or (1A) — ( a ) must be presented to Parliament as soon as possible after publication in the Gazette ; and ( b ) may be revoked (wholly or partly) by a resolution of Parliament. [Act 3 of 2022 wef 30/12/2022] [Act 18 of 2023 wef 16/01/2025] (2A) A resolution under subsection (2)( b ) — ( a ) must specify the date from which the rules are revoked; and ( b ) may only be passed on a motion for which notice is given on or before the first available sitting day of Parliament after the expiry of one month after the date on which the rules were presented to Parliament. [Act 3 of 2022 wef 30/12/2022] (2B) If Parliament passes a resolution under subsection (2)( b ) — ( a ) the rules are revoked with effect from the date specified in the resolution; ( b ) the revocation does not affect the validity of anything done before the specified date; and ( c ) the Minister is not prevented from making new rules. [Act 3 of 2022 wef 30/12/2022] (3) Any person who contravenes any rules made under this section shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $500 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or to both. [27/2014]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s180A
chapter: PART 12 - MISCELLANEOUS
section: 180A
title: Protection from personal liability
content:
180A. —(1) This section applies where an act is done or an omission is made — ( a ) by the Registrar in the exercise or purported exercise of a function of the Registrar under this Act; ( b ) by the Director‑General — (i) in the exercise or purported exercise of a function of the Director‑General under this Act; (ii) in the enforcement or purported enforcement of Part 7 or 11; or (iii) in compliance or purported compliance with an order made by a court under this Act; ( c ) by a person (being a person appointed by and acting under the direction of the Director‑General) — (i) in the exercise or purported exercise of a function of the Director‑General under this Act; (ii) in the enforcement or purported enforcement of Part 11; [Act 21 of 2023 wef 02/01/2025] (iii) in compliance or purported compliance with an order made by a court under this Act; or (iv) in compliance or purported compliance with a direction given by the Director‑General under this Act; ( d ) by a licensed solemniser — (i) in the solemnisation or purported solemnisation of a marriage under this Act; or (ii) in relation to the registration of a marriage under this Act; ( e ) by a person (being a person appointed or authorised under section 65(2)) in the exercise or purported exercise of the functions of a protector under Part 7; [Act 21 of 2023 wef 02/01/2025] ( ea ) by a person (being a person appointed or authorised under section 65(4)) in the exercise or purported exercise of the functions of an enforcement officer under Part 7; [Act 21 of 2023 wef 02/01/2025] ( eb ) by a person (being a person prescribed or appointed as a support person under section 65(7) or (8), respectively) in the exercise or purported exercise of the functions of a support person under Part 7; [Act 21 of 2023 wef 02/01/2025] ( f ) by a conciliation officer in the course of assisting or advising the parties to a marriage, under section 94(4), 139D or 139F, on any differences between them; ( g ) by any person in the course of conducting any mediation, counselling or family support programme under Division 4 of Part 10A; ( h ) by any person in a place of safety in compliance or purported compliance with — (i) any direction given by the Director‑General under this Act; or (ii) any order made by a court under this Act; ( i ) by a person (being an officer appointed by the Minister under section 176(1)) in the exercise or purported exercise of a function of the Director‑General under Part 11; [Act 5 of 2025 wef 09/03/2025] ( j ) by a person (being a member of the Board of Visitors appointed by the Minister under section 178(1)) — (i) in the exercise or purported exercise of a function of the Board of Visitors under this Act; or (ii) in compliance or purported compliance with any direction given by the Minister under section 178(5); [Act 5 of 2025 wef 09/03/2025] ( k ) by a person (being a member of the Discharge Committee appointed by the Minister under section 179) in the exercise or purported exercise of a function of the Discharge Committee under this Act; or ( l ) by a person (being a person appointed by a court or pursuant to an order of a court under this Act) in compliance or purported compliance with an order made by a court under this Act. (2) No liability shall lie personally against the person who did the act or made the omission if the act was done or the omission was made in good faith and with reasonable care. (3) In this section, a reference to the exercise of a function includes a reference to the exercise of a power or the performance of a duty. [Act 3 of 2022 wef 30/12/2022]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s181
chapter: PART 12 - MISCELLANEOUS
section: 181
title: Marriages solemnised before 15 September 1961 deemed to be registered under this Act
content:
181. —(1) Nothing in this Act affects the validity of any marriage solemnised under any law, religion, custom or usage prior to 15 September 1961. (2) Such marriages, if valid under the law, religion, custom or usage under which they were solemnised, are deemed to be registered under the provisions of this Act. (3) Every such marriage, unless void under the law, religion, custom or usage under which it was solemnised, shall continue until dissolved — ( a ) by the death of one of the parties; ( b ) by order of a court of competent jurisdiction; or ( c ) by a declaration made by a court of competent jurisdiction that the marriage is null and void.


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s182
chapter: PART 12 - MISCELLANEOUS
section: 182
title: Voluntary registration of marriages solemnised before 15 September 1961 or validated by section 184
content:
182. —(1) Despite section 181, the parties to a marriage which has been solemnised under any law, religion, custom or usage before 15 September 1961 may, if the marriage has not been registered, apply to the Registrar in the prescribed form for the registration of the marriage. [Act 3 of 2022 wef 25/09/2023] (1A) The parties to a marriage validated by section 184 may apply to the Registrar in the prescribed form to register the marriage. [Act 3 of 2022 wef 25/09/2023] (2) The Registrar may require the parties to the marriage to appear before him or her and to produce such evidence of the marriage, either oral or documentary, as he or she may require, and to furnish such other particulars as may be required by him or her. (3) The Registrar may, on being satisfied of the truth of the statements contained in the application, register the marriage in the State Marriage Register. [Act 3 of 2022 wef 25/09/2023] (4) [ Deleted by Act 3 of 2022 wef 25/09/2023 ] (5) The Registrar must not register a marriage under this section if he or she is satisfied that the marriage is void under the provisions of this Act. [Act 3 of 2022 wef 25/09/2023]


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s183
chapter: PART 12 - MISCELLANEOUS
section: 183
title: Recognition of marriages contracted in Embassies, etc., in Singapore
content:
183. —(1) Nothing in this Act prevents the solemnisation in Singapore of a marriage in any foreign Embassy, High Commission or Consulate in Singapore. (2) A marriage contracted in any foreign Embassy, High Commission or Consulate in Singapore is recognised as valid for all purposes of the law of Singapore if all the following requirements are satisfied: ( a ) it was contracted in a form required or permitted by the law of the country whose Embassy, High Commission or Consulate it is, or in a form permitted under this Act; ( b ) each of the parties had, at the time of the marriage, capacity to marry under the law of the country of his or her domicile or under the law of the country of the intended domicile of the parties after marriage; ( c ) in the case where either of the parties is a citizen of or is domiciled in Singapore, both parties had capacity to marry under this Act.


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s184
chapter: PART 12 - MISCELLANEOUS
section: 184
title: Validity of customary marriages contracted on or after 15 September 1961 and before 2 June 1967
content:
184. —(1) To avoid doubt, every marriage contracted or effected on or after 15 September 1961 and before 2 June 1967 in accordance with the law, religion, custom or usage of the parties or any of the parties thereto shall be valid if the marriage is not contracted or effected in contravention of sections 4 and 10. (2) This section does not apply to any such marriage which has been declared to be null and void by an order of the High Court prior to 2 May 1975.


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s185
chapter: PART 12 - MISCELLANEOUS
section: 185
title: Saving for petitions presented before 1 June 1981
content:
185. —(1) The Women’s Charter (Amendment) Act 1980 (including the repeals and amendments made by it) does not have effect in relation to any petition for divorce or judicial separation, for a decree of nullity or for a decree of presumption of death and dissolution of the marriage presented before 1 June 1981. (2) Without prejudice to any provision of this Act, neither collusion nor any other conduct on the part of the petitioner which has at any time been a bar to relief in matrimonial proceedings constitutes a bar to the grant of a decree nisi of divorce, a decree of judicial separation, a decree of nullity or a decree of presumption of death and dissolution of the marriage, whether the marriage took place, or the proceedings were instituted, before or after 1 June 1981, and the court is not required to dismiss an application for a decree nisi of divorce to be made absolute on the ground of collusion between the parties in connection with the presentation or prosecution of the petition for divorce or the obtaining of the decree nisi or on the ground of any conduct on the part of the petitioner.


document_id: wc-1961
provision_ref: s186
chapter: PART 12 - MISCELLANEOUS
section: 186
title: Savings for proceedings before 1 May 1997
content:
186. —(1) Nothing in section 12 affects any proceedings under the Women’s Charter commenced before 1 May 1997 or any decree, order or judgment made or given (whether before or after that date) in any such proceedings. (2) Nothing in Part 7 affects proceedings instituted under the repealed sections 68 and 69 of the Women’s Charter (Cap. 353, 1985 Revised Edition) before 1 May 1997 and those sections in force immediately before that date continue to apply to the proceedings as if the Women’s Charter (Amendment) Act 1996 had not been enacted. (3) Section 112 does not apply to the hearing of any proceedings which has begun before 1 May 1997 under the repealed section 106 of the Women’s Charter (Cap. 353, 1985 Revised Edition) in force immediately before that date and the repealed section 106 continues to apply to that hearing as if the Women’s Charter (Amendment) Act 1996 had not been enacted. (4) Nothing in this section affects section 16 of the Interpretation Act 1965.


document_id: wica-2019
provision_ref: s2
chapter: PART 1 - PRELIMINARY
section: 2
title: General interpretation
content:
2. In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires — “accepted medical report” means a medical report made by a health professional in the form and manner specified by the Commissioner — ( a ) subject to paragraph ( b ), certifying a claimant’s permanent incapacity or current incapacity; or ( b ) where there is more than one such medical report assessing a claimant’s incapacity arising from the same injury, the medical report accepted by the Commissioner for the purpose of computing compensation under this Act for that incapacity; “adopted child”, in relation to a claimant, means any child — ( a ) who is adopted by the claimant under the Adoption of Children Act 2022 or any corresponding previous written law; or ( b ) whose adoption by the claimant is recognised by the law or consular authority of the place of nationality of the claimant or the child, and “adoptive parent” has a corresponding meaning; [Act 20 of 2022 wef 15/10/2024] “approved employee insurance policy” means a policy of insurance in respect of all liabilities that an employer may incur under this Act in respect of the employees of the employer, issued or renewed on or after 1 September 2020, that complies with section 26(1); [Act 30 of 2024 wef 15/10/2024] “approved medical institution” means a hospital, clinic, healthcare establishment or other medical institution that is prescribed as an approved medical institution; “approved platform worker insurance policy” means a policy of insurance in respect of all liabilities that a platform operator may incur under this Act in respect of the platform workers of the platform operator, issued or renewed on or after the date of commencement of paragraph 15 of the Ninth Schedule to the Platform Workers Act 2024, that complies with section 26(1); [Act 30 of 2024 wef 15/10/2024] “approved policy” means an approved employee insurance policy or approved platform worker insurance policy; [Act 30 of 2024 wef 15/10/2024] “Assistant Commissioner” means any public officer appointed as an Assistant Commissioner (Work Injury Compensation) under section 6(1)( a ); “average daily earnings” or “ADE”, in relation to a platform worker, means an amount computed in accordance with paragraph 6(1)( b ) of Part 3 of the Fifth Schedule; [Act 30 of 2024 wef 01/01/2025] “average monthly earnings” or “AME” — ( a ) in relation to an employee, means an amount computed in accordance with paragraph 6 of the First Schedule; or ( b ) in relation to a platform worker, means an amount computed in accordance with paragraph 6(1)( a ) of Part 3 of the Fifth Schedule; [Act 30 of 2024 wef 01/01/2025] “claim” means a claim for compensation under this Act and includes a deemed claim under section 35; “claimant” means an injured individual claiming compensation under this Act; “Commissioner” means the Commissioner for Labour appointed under section 3 of the Employment Act 1968; “contract of service” has the meaning given by the Employment Act 1968; “designated employer’s insurer” means a licensed insurer, within the meaning of the Insurance Act 1966, that is designated by the Commissioner under section 31(1)( a ) to provide insurance in respect of the liability of any employer to pay compensation under this Act; [Act 30 of 2024 wef 15/10/2024] “designated insurer” means a designated employer’s insurer or designated PO’s insurer; [Act 30 of 2024 wef 15/10/2024] “designated PO’s insurer” means a licensed insurer, within the meaning of the Insurance Act 1966, that is designated by the Commissioner under section 31(1)( b ) to provide insurance in respect of the liability of any platform operator to pay compensation under this Act; [Act 30 of 2024 wef 15/10/2024] “earnings” — ( a ) in relation to an employee, means all remuneration payable to the employee in respect of work done under the employee’s contract of service, and includes — (i) privileges or benefits capable of being estimated in money and productivity incentive payments; (ii) the value of any food or accommodation supplied to the employee by the employer, if as a result of the accident the employee is deprived of such food or accommodation; and (iii) overtime payments or other special remuneration for work done, whether by way of bonus, allowance or otherwise, if of constant character or for work habitually performed, but does not include the following amounts: (iv) travelling allowances; (v) payments for any travelling concessions; (vi) contributions paid by the employer towards any pension or provident fund for the employee; (vii) payments to the employee to cover any special expenses incurred by the employee by reason of the nature of the employee’s employment; or ( b ) in relation to a platform worker, means all payments payable to the platform worker in respect of the platform worker providing a platform service for a platform operator under a platform work agreement, but does not include the following amounts: (i) contributions paid by the platform operator towards any pension or provident fund for the platform worker; (ii) payments to the platform worker to cover any special expenses incurred by the platform worker by reason of the platform worker’s provision of the platform service; [Act 30 of 2024 wef 01/01/2025] “employer’s insurer” means a designated employer’s insurer with whom an employer has an approved employee insurance policy; [Act 30 of 2024 wef 15/10/2024] “health professional” means — ( a ) a registered medical practitioner under the Medical Registration Act 1997 and includes any person exempted from registration under that Act; or ( b ) a registered dentist under the Dental Registration Act 1999, and, in relation to compensation for medical treatment mentioned in section 16(1)( b ), includes any medical practitioner or dentist registered to practise under the laws of the jurisdiction where the medical treatment is received; “injury” or “personal injury” includes an occupational disease or a disease mentioned in section 10(1)( c ) or 34G(1)( c ); [Act 30 of 2024 wef 01/01/2025] “investigation officer” means any public officer appointed as an investigation officer under section 6(1)( a ); “lookback period” means the period determined in accordance with paragraph 6(2) of Part 3 of the Fifth Schedule; [Act 30 of 2024 wef 01/01/2025] “Medical Board” means the Medical Board appointed under section 57(1); “medical treatment” includes dental treatment; “occupational disease” means any condition specified in the first column of the Second Schedule; “order of compensation” means any of the following orders: ( a ) a notice of computation that, under section 44(5), has the effect of an order of compensation; ( b ) a notice of assessment that, under section 48(3), has the effect of an order of compensation; ( c ) an order made under section 51(2)( a ) to give effect to a settlement agreement; ( d ) an order of refusal of compensation made at a pre‑hearing conference under section 52( d ); ( e ) an order of compensation or refusal of compensation made under section 54(1)( c ); “platform operator” has the meaning given by section 4 of the Platform Workers Act 2024; [Act 30 of 2024 wef 15/10/2024] “platform operator’s insurer” means a designated PO’s insurer with whom a platform operator has an approved platform worker insurance policy; [Act 30 of 2024 wef 15/10/2024] “platform service” has the meaning given by section 3 of the Platform Workers Act 2024; [Act 30 of 2024 wef 15/10/2024] “platform work agreement” has the meaning given by section 2 of the Platform Workers Act 2024; [Act 30 of 2024 wef 15/10/2024] “platform worker” has the meaning given by section 5(1) of the Platform Workers Act 2024; [Act 30 of 2024 wef 15/10/2024] “premises” has the meaning given by the Workplace Safety and Health Act 2006; “relative”, in relation to a claimant, means any of the following: ( a ) a spouse of the claimant; ( b ) a child (including any adopted child, illegitimate child or stepchild) of the claimant; ( c ) a parent (including any adoptive parent or step‑parent) of the claimant; ( d ) the claimant’s sibling (including any stepsibling or half sibling); ( e ) the claimant’s grandparent or grandchild; “repealed Act” means the Work Injury Compensation Act (Cap. 354, 2009 Revised Edition) repealed by this Act; “sub-fund” and “VCC” have the meanings given by section 2(1) of the VCC Act; [S 26/2022 wef 13/01/2022] “VCC Act” means the Variable Capital Companies Act 2018; [S 26/2022 wef 13/01/2022] “work”, in relation to an individual, means the individual’s employment as an employee or the individual’s provision of a platform service as a platform worker, as the case may be; [Act 30 of 2024 wef 15/10/2024] “work injury”, in relation to an individual, means personal injury that is caused to the individual by an accident arising out of and in the course of the individual’s work; [Act 30 of 2024 wef 15/10/2024] “Workers’ Fund” means the Workers’ Fund established, maintained and applied in accordance with regulations made under the repealed Act, and continued by this Act; “workplace” means any premises where a person is at work, is to work, for the time being works, or customarily works.


document_id: wica-2019
provision_ref: s3
chapter: PART 1 - PRELIMINARY
section: 3
title: Meanings of “employee” and “employer”
content:
3. —(1) In this Act — “employee” means an individual who has entered into or works under a contract of service with an employer and — ( a ) includes every employee of the Government in a class or description declared by the President to be employees for the purposes of this Act; but ( b ) does not include any class of individuals specified in the Third Schedule; “employer” means any person ( A ) who employs an individual ( B ) under a contract of service and includes — ( a ) the Government, if B belongs to a class or description of employees of the Government declared to be employees for the purposes of this Act under paragraph ( a ) of the definition of “employee”; ( b ) the legal personal representative of A , if A is deceased; ( c ) a duly authorised agent or manager of A ; ( d ) the person who owns or is carrying on, or for the time being is responsible for the management of, the profession, business, trade or work in which B is engaged; and ( e ) where B is employed for the purpose of any game or recreation and engaged or paid through a club, the manager or members of the managing committee of that club. (2) Where an employer temporarily lends or lets on hire the services of an employee to another person, the employer is deemed, for the purposes of this Act, to continue to be the employer of the employee while the employee is working for that other person. (3) Despite a claimant working for an employer under a contract of service that was illegal at the time when the accident causing the injury happened, the Commissioner or the court may, having regard to all the circumstances of the case, deal with the case, or direct the employer’s insurer to deal with the case, as if the claimant had at that time been working under a valid contract of service with the employer. (4) The exercise and performance of the powers and duties of a department of the Government or a statutory authority are, for the purposes of this Act, deemed to be the trade or business of the Government or statutory authority, as the case may be.


document_id: wica-2019
provision_ref: s4
chapter: PART 1 - PRELIMINARY
section: 4
title: Meaning of incapacity
content:
4. —(1) An individual has temporary incapacity where the individual sustains one or more injuries that — ( a ) result in incapacity for a limited period of time; and ( b ) reduce the individual’s earning capacity in any work in which the individual was engaged at the time of the accident resulting in the incapacity. [Act 30 of 2024 wef 01/01/2025] (2) An individual has permanent incapacity where the individual sustains one or more injuries that — ( a ) result in residual incapacity that has stabilised and is unlikely to change after the date of assessment of the incapacity; or ( b ) are specified in the Fourth Schedule. (3) An individual has current incapacity where the individual sustains one or more injuries that result in residual incapacity that is unlikely to change significantly after the date of assessment of the incapacity. (4) Subsection (3) does not apply to any incapacity or death resulting from any disease mentioned in section 10(1). (5) Where an individual has sustained one or more injuries resulting in permanent incapacity or current incapacity, the individual has — ( a ) partial incapacity to the extent of the aggregate percentage mentioned in sub‑paragraph (ii) if — (i) the incapacity reduces the individual’s earning capacity in every work that the individual was capable of undertaking at the time of the accident resulting in the incapacity; and [Act 30 of 2024 wef 01/01/2025] (ii) the aggregate percentage of the loss of earning capacity in respect of such injury or combination of injuries is less than 100%; or ( b ) total incapacity if — (i) the incapacity incapacitates the individual for any work that the individual was capable of undertaking at the time of the accident resulting in the incapacity; and [Act 30 of 2024 wef 01/01/2025] (ii) the aggregate percentage of the loss of earning capacity in respect of such injury or combination of injuries is 100% or more.


document_id: wica-2019
provision_ref: s5
chapter: PART 1 - PRELIMINARY
section: 5
title: Purpose of Act
content:
5. The purpose of this Act is to ensure that employees and platform workers receive compensation for work injuries in a fair and expeditious manner, by providing for — ( a ) the efficient operation of work injury compensation processes and related insurance arrangements; and ( b ) the timely and effective resolution of disputes concerning such compensation. [Act 30 of 2024 wef 15/10/2024]


document_id: wica-2019
provision_ref: s6
chapter: PART 1 - PRELIMINARY
section: 6
title: Assistant Commissioners, investigation officers and authorised persons
content:
6. —(1) The Commissioner may appoint such number of — ( a ) public officers as Assistant Commissioners (Work Injury Compensation) and investigation officers; and ( b ) other individuals as authorised persons, as may be necessary to assist the Commissioner in the administration of this Act. (2) The Commissioner may, subject to such conditions or limitations as the Commissioner may specify, delegate the exercise of all or any of the Commissioner’s powers or duties under this Act (except the power of delegation under this subsection) to any Assistant Commissioner, investigation officer or authorised person. (3) Every authorised person appointed under subsection (1)( b ) is taken to be a public servant for the purposes of the Penal Code 1871 when exercising any power conferred or performing any duty imposed on the authorised person by or under this Act.


document_id: wica-2019
provision_ref: s7
chapter: PART 2 - COMPENSATION FOR WORK INJURY
section: 7
title: Employer’s liability to compensate for work injury
content:
7. —(1) Where personal injury is caused to an employee by an accident arising out of and in the course of the employee’s employment with an employer, that employer is liable to pay compensation under this Act. (2) An employer is not liable to pay compensation in respect of — ( a ) any injury to an employee resulting from an accident if it is proven that the injury to the employee is directly attributable to the employee being at the time of the accident under the influence of alcohol or a drug; ( b ) deliberate self‑injury or the deliberate aggravation of an accidental injury by an employee; or ( c ) any injury to an employee suffered in a fight or an assault on one or more persons unless — (i) the employee did not assault any other person in the fight or, if the employee did assault any person, it was done in the exercise of the right of private defence in accordance with sections 97 to 106A of the Penal Code 1871; or (ii) the employee was, at the time when the injury was suffered — (A) breaking up or preventing the fight or assault; or (B) in the course of safeguarding life or any property of any person or maintaining law and order, under any instruction or with the consent, whether express or implied, of the employee’s employer. (3) In this section, “drug” means — ( a ) a controlled drug or psychoactive substance within the meaning of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1973; or [Act 12 of 2023 wef 01/06/2024] ( b ) a prescription only medicinal product — (i) specified for the purposes of section 29 of the Medicines Act 1975 that was not supplied in accordance with a prescription by an appropriate practitioner under that Act for the employee’s consumption or use; or (ii) under the law of the jurisdiction where the accident happened that was not supplied in accordance with a prescription in accordance with that law for the employee’s consumption or use. (4) For the purposes of this Act, an accident arising in the course of an employee’s employment is deemed, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, to have arisen out of that employment.


document_id: wica-2019
provision_ref: s8
chapter: PART 2 - COMPENSATION FOR WORK INJURY
section: 8
title: Certain accidents deemed to be in course of employment
content:
8. —(1) An accident is deemed to arise out of and in the course of the employee’s employment if — ( a ) the accident happens to the employee while the employee is (with the express or implied permission of the employer) travelling as a passenger by any means of transport to or from the employee’s workplace; and ( b ) at the time of the accident, the means of transport mentioned in paragraph ( a ) — (i) is operated by or on behalf of the employer, or by some other person who operates the means of transport pursuant to arrangements made with the employer; and (ii) is not operated in the ordinary course of a public transport service. (2) An accident is deemed to arise out of and in the course of an employee’s employment if the accident happens to the employee — ( a ) in or about the employee’s workplace; and ( b ) while the employee is taking steps, on an actual or supposed emergency at the workplace — (i) to rescue or protect any person who is, or is thought to be or possibly to be, injured or imperilled; or (ii) to avert or minimise damage to or loss of property. (3) Despite an accident happening to the employee while the employee is acting — ( a ) in contravention of any written law or other regulations applicable to the employment, or of any orders given by or on behalf of the employer; or ( b ) without instructions from the employer, the accident is deemed to arise out of and in the course of the employee’s employment if — ( c ) the accident would have been taken to have arisen out of and in the course of the employee’s employment, had the employee not been acting as mentioned in paragraph ( a ) or ( b ); and ( d ) that act was done for the purposes of and in connection with the employer’s trade or business.


document_id: wica-2019
provision_ref: s9
chapter: PART 2 - COMPENSATION FOR WORK INJURY
section: 9
title: Accidents outside Singapore
content:
9. This Act extends to an accident that happens to an employee outside Singapore, where the employee is — ( a ) ordinarily resident in Singapore; and ( b ) employed by an employer in Singapore but is required in the course of the employee’s employment to work outside Singapore.


document_id: wica-2019
provision_ref: s10
chapter: PART 2 - COMPENSATION FOR WORK INJURY
section: 10
title: Employer’s liability to compensate for diseases
content:
10. —(1) Subject to subsections (2), (3), (4) and (5) and section 11, where incapacity or death of an employee results from a disease contracted in the circumstances mentioned in paragraph ( a ), ( b ) or ( c ), compensation is payable as if the disease were a work injury and this Act applies accordingly: ( a ) the employee, while employed in any occupation specified in the second column of the Second Schedule, contracts an occupational disease specified for that occupation; ( b ) the employee, after ceasing to be employed in an occupation specified in the second column of the Second Schedule, contracts an occupational disease specified for that occupation within the limitation period for that disease; ( c ) the employee contracts, on or after 1 June 2012, a disease that — (i) is not specified in the first column of the Second Schedule; and (ii) is directly attributable to an exposure to a chemical or biological agent and the exposure arises out of and in the course of the employee’s employment. (2) When an employee — ( a ) enters into a contract of service with any employer to work in any occupation specified in the second column of the Second Schedule; or ( b ) is, with the employee’s consent, transferred by the employer to such an occupation, the employee must, if requested to do so by the employer, submit to examination by a health professional paid for by the employer. (3) No compensation is payable by an employer under this section in respect of the incapacity or death of an employee resulting from — ( a ) an occupational disease specified in the first column of the Second Schedule for an occupation if — (i) the employee is, on or after 1 June 2012, employed in that occupation by the employer; (ii) the employee contracts the occupational disease on or after 1 June 2012; and (iii) the employee’s incapacity commences or death happens, after the end of the limitation period for that occupational disease; or ( b ) a disease mentioned in subsection (1)( c ), if the employee’s incapacity commences or death happens more than one year after the employee ceases to be exposed to the chemical or biological agent mentioned in subsection (1)( c ). (4) Subsection (3) does not apply to the death of an employee where the death is preceded, whether immediately or not, by any period of incapacity in respect of which compensation is payable under subsection (1). (5) In this section, the limitation period for an occupational disease specified for an occupation is the period specified in the third column of the Second Schedule for that disease, starting on the day after the employee who contracts that occupational disease had ceased to be employed in that occupation.


document_id: wica-2019
provision_ref: s11
chapter: PART 2 - COMPENSATION FOR WORK INJURY
section: 11
title: Date of accident
content:
11. —(1) For the purposes of calculating the employee’s AME for the computation of compensation payable by an employer under section 10(1)( a ), ( b ) or ( c ), the date of the accident is taken to be the earliest of the following dates: ( a ) the last day of the employee’s employment with the employer mentioned in section 10(1)( a ), ( b ) or ( c ), as the case may be; ( b ) the date of commencement of the incapacity of the employee; ( c ) the date of the employee’s death. (2) For all other purposes of this Act in relation to compensation payable under section 10(1)( a ), ( b ) or ( c ), the date of the accident is taken to be — ( a ) the earlier of — (i) the date of commencement of the incapacity of the employee; or (ii) the date on which a health professional certifies that, in the health professional’s opinion, the employee is suffering from the disease mentioned in section 10(1); or ( b ) if there has been no previous period of incapacity — the date of the employee’s death. (3) [ Deleted by Act 30 of 2024 wef 01/01/2025 ] [Act 30 of 2024 wef 01/01/2025]


document_id: wica-2019
provision_ref: s11A
chapter: PART 2 - COMPENSATION FOR WORK INJURY
section: 11A
title: Apportionment of liability for compensation for disease
content:
11A. If an individual contracts a disease mentioned in section 10(1) or 34G(1) by a gradual process, such that 2 or more employers, 2 or more platform operators or a combination of one or more employers and one or more platform operators are severally liable to pay compensation under this Act in respect of the individual’s incapacity or death — ( a ) the aggregate amount of the compensation payable by those employers or platform operators or both must not exceed the amount that would have been payable if there were only a single employer or single platform operator; and ( b ) if all of those employers or platform operators or both do not come to an agreement on the apportionment of liability — each employer or platform operator is liable for the proportion of the compensation payable as determined in the manner prescribed. [Act 30 of 2024 wef 01/01/2025]


document_id: wica-2019
provision_ref: s12
chapter: PART 2 - COMPENSATION FOR WORK INJURY
section: 12
title: Compensation for disease limited to work injuries
content:
12. Except as provided in sections 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 11A, no compensation is payable to an employee in respect of any disease unless the disease is directly attributable to a specific work injury. [Act 30 of 2024 wef 01/01/2025]


document_id: wica-2019
provision_ref: s13
chapter: PART 2 - COMPENSATION FOR WORK INJURY
section: 13
title: Liability of principal
content:
13. —(1) Where any person (called in this section the principal) contracts, in the course of or for the purpose of the principal’s trade or business, with any other person (called in this section the contractor) — ( a ) for the execution by the contractor of the whole or any part of any work; or ( b ) for the supply of labour to carry out any work, undertaken by the principal, the Commissioner may direct the principal to fulfil the obligations of the employer under this Act in relation to any employee of the contractor employed in the execution of the work, subject to any modification that may be prescribed for the application of any provision of this Act to the principal. (2) Where the Commissioner makes a direction against the principal under subsection (1), the principal is liable to pay the employee any compensation payable under this Act as if that employee had been immediately employed by the principal, except that the amount of compensation is to be calculated with reference to the earnings of the employee under the contractor. (3) Where the principal pays compensation under this section, the principal is entitled to be indemnified by the employer who would have been liable to pay compensation under this Act to the employee independently of this section. (4) The Commissioner’s direction under this section against a principal does not bar subsequent proceedings under this Act against the employee’s employer to recover so much of the compensation as may remain unpaid. (5) This section applies only if the accident occurs at a place — ( a ) where the principal has undertaken to execute work; or ( b ) that is under the principal’s control or management. Division 2 &#x2014; Computation, payment and
protection of compensation


document_id: wica-2019
provision_ref: s14
chapter: PART 2 - COMPENSATION FOR WORK INJURY
section: 14
title: Computation of compensation
content:
14. The compensation under this Act in respect of any work injury is to be computed in accordance with the First Schedule.


document_id: wica-2019
provision_ref: s15
chapter: PART 2 - COMPENSATION FOR WORK INJURY
section: 15
title: Assessment of permanent incapacity or current incapacity
content:
15. —(1) For the purposes of determining the permanent incapacity or current incapacity of an employee resulting from the employee’s work injury, an accepted medical report is evidence of the employee’s — ( a ) permanent total incapacity or permanent partial incapacity, assessed by the health professional who made the report at any time after the date of the accident that caused the work injury; or ( b ) current total incapacity or current partial incapacity, at the time of the assessment by the health professional who made the report, assessed at the earliest opportunity but not earlier than 6 months after the date of the accident that caused the work injury. (2) Subsection (1)( b ) does not apply to any incapacity resulting from the diseases mentioned in section 10(1).


document_id: wica-2019
provision_ref: s16
chapter: PART 2 - COMPENSATION FOR WORK INJURY
section: 16
title: Compensation for medical treatment
content:
16. —(1) An employer is liable to pay compensation in accordance with paragraph 5 of the First Schedule for the following medical treatment received by an employee for a work injury: ( a ) medical treatment — (i) by a health professional or at an approved medical institution; and (ii) that is certified by any attending health professional to be necessary; ( b ) where the employee is an employee mentioned in section 9, medical treatment by a health professional — (i) received outside Singapore for a work injury sustained in an accident that occurs outside Singapore; and (ii) that, in the opinion of the Commissioner, is required immediately due to the nature of the work injury suffered. (2) The compensation payable under subsection (1)( a ) for medical treatment received at an approved medical institution by the employee must be paid directly to the proprietor of the approved medical institution, after deducting any amount previously paid by or on behalf of the employee to the proprietor of the approved medical institution for the medical treatment. (3) The proprietor of an approved medical institution is entitled to recover the compensation (less the deductions) mentioned in subsection (2) directly from the employer. (4) Where the cost of any medical treatment that the employer is liable to pay under subsection (1) is paid by the employee or by any other person on behalf of the employee, the employee or that other person is entitled to recover the cost from the employer. (5) Where any person has paid any compensation under this section in respect of a claimant’s work injury as the claimant’s employer or employer’s insurer (called in this section the payer) or any ex gratia payment has been made under section 70 in respect of such compensation, the Commissioner may order the claimant to reimburse the payer or the Commissioner (as the case may be) for such payment if — ( a ) the claim in respect of that work injury is withdrawn, and is not resumed, under section 41; ( b ) an order of refusal of compensation has been made or has taken effect, in respect of that work injury; or ( c ) the payment was made on the basis of any error or any false or misleading information. (6) Subsection (5) applies to the payer only if — ( a ) the payer applies to the Commissioner for the reimbursement within the prescribed time and in the form and manner required by the Commissioner; and ( b ) the claimant has been given a reasonable opportunity to make representations to the Commissioner. (7) Where the payer is the claimant’s employer, the Commissioner must not, under subsection (5), order the reimbursement of any payment that the employer is obliged to pay under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act 1990. (8) Any reimbursement ordered under subsection (5) is recoverable directly from the claimant.


document_id: wica-2019
provision_ref: s17
chapter: PART 2 - COMPENSATION FOR WORK INJURY
section: 17
title: Compensation for temporary incapacity
content:
17. —(1) Where any work injury results in the temporary incapacity of an employee, the compensation the employer is liable under this Act to pay to the employee is a periodical payment that is — ( a ) an amount specified in the First Schedule; and ( b ) payable not later than the same day as earnings would have been payable to the employee under the contract of service under which the employee was employed at the time of the accident, except that the interval between periodical payments must not exceed one month. (2) The Commissioner may review any periodical payment for temporary incapacity, on the application of the employee, the employer or the employer’s insurer, if accompanied by a certificate of a health professional that there has been a change in the condition of the employee. (3) Subject to the provisions of this Act, the Commissioner may, on a review under subsection (2), direct any periodical payment to the employee for temporary incapacity to be continued, increased, decreased or ended. (4) Any periodical payments for temporary incapacity may be commuted into a lump sum, of an amount agreed between the employer liable to make the periodical payments and the employee, after — ( a ) the periodical payments have continued for not less than 6 months; and ( b ) the Commissioner consents. (5) Where any person has paid any compensation under this section in respect of a claimant’s work injury as the claimant’s employer or employer’s insurer (called in this section the payer) or any ex gratia payment has been made under section 70 in respect of such compensation, the Commissioner may order the claimant to refund such payment if — ( a ) the claim in respect of that work injury is withdrawn, and is not resumed, under section 41; ( b ) an order of refusal of compensation has been made or has taken effect, in respect of that work injury; or ( c ) the payment was made on the basis of any error or any false or misleading information. (6) Subsection (5) applies to the payer only if — ( a ) the payer applies to the Commissioner for the refund within the prescribed time and in the form and manner required by the Commissioner; and ( b ) the claimant has been given a reasonable opportunity to make representations to the Commissioner. (7) Any refund ordered under subsection (5) is recoverable directly from the claimant.


document_id: wica-2019
provision_ref: s18
chapter: PART 2 - COMPENSATION FOR WORK INJURY
section: 18
title: Payment or deposit by employer’s insurer
content:
18. —(1) The Commissioner may direct an employer’s insurer to pay, on behalf of the employer, any amount in respect of the compensation under section 16 or 17 or any amount under an order of compensation, not exceeding the amount of the employer’s liability for that compensation that is insured by the employer’s insurer. (2) Subject to subsection (3), where an employer’s insurer is required under subsection (1) or section 28 or 47 to pay any amount in respect of the employer’s liability for an employee’s claim, the employer’s insurer must pay the amount in the following manner within the prescribed time: ( a ) unless paragraph ( b ), ( c ), ( d ) or ( e ) applies, to the employee; ( b ) unless paragraph ( c ), ( d ) or ( e ) applies, to the public trustee if — (i) the compensation is in respect of permanent incapacity or current incapacity resulting from the employee’s work injury; and (ii) the employee is below 18 years of age; ( c ) where the employee has died — to the executor or administrator of the employee’s estate, if the employer’s insurer has been informed that an executor or administrator has been appointed; ( d ) where the employee lacks capacity in relation to the employee’s property and affairs — (i) to a donee of a lasting power of attorney (if any) granted under the Mental Capacity Act 2008 on whom the employee has conferred authority to receive such payment; or (ii) to a deputy (if any) who is appointed or deemed to be appointed for the employee under the Mental Capacity Act 2008 and is conferred power to receive such payment; ( e ) where the Commissioner so directs under section 20 — to any relative of the employee in accordance with the direction. (3) Where the Commissioner directs the employer’s insurer to deposit any amount mentioned in subsection (2) with the Commissioner under section 21, the employer’s insurer must comply with the direction in such manner and within such time as the Commissioner may specify.


document_id: wica-2019
provision_ref: s19
chapter: PART 2 - COMPENSATION FOR WORK INJURY
section: 19
title: Payment or deposit by employer
content:
19. —(1) An employer who is liable to pay compensation under section 16 or 17 or any amount under an order of compensation in respect of an employee’s work injury must, unless the compensation is paid or deposited by the employer’s insurer under section 18 or deposited with the Commissioner under subsection (2), pay the compensation within the prescribed time — ( a ) to the employee; or ( b ) where the Commissioner so directs under section 20 — to any relative of the employee in accordance with the direction. (2) Unless the Commissioner directs otherwise under section 20, an employer must deposit the following payments with the Commissioner, in such manner and within such time as the Commissioner may specify: ( a ) any compensation payable under this Act by the employer in respect of an employee’s work injury if — (i) the employee has died; or (ii) the employee lacks capacity in relation to the employee’s property and affairs; ( b ) any compensation payable under this Act by the employer in respect of any permanent incapacity or current incapacity resulting from an employee’s work injury, if the employee is below 18 years of age; ( c ) any compensation payable under this Act that the Commissioner directs the employer to deposit under section 21.


document_id: wica-2019
provision_ref: s20
chapter: PART 2 - COMPENSATION FOR WORK INJURY
section: 20
title: Direction to pay relative
content:
20. —(1) Where the Commissioner is satisfied that compensation cannot be paid by an employer’s insurer in accordance with section 18(2)( a ), ( b ), ( c ) or ( d ) or by the employer to the employee under section 19(1)( a ), the Commissioner may direct the employer’s insurer or the employer (as the case may be) to make the payment — ( a ) to one or more of the employee’s relatives; and ( b ) in the proportion the Commissioner specifies. (2) The Commissioner may vary any direction made under this section if the Commissioner is satisfied, after such inquiry as the Commissioner considers necessary, that the direction ought to be varied by reason of any change in the circumstances of any relative of the employee, or for any other sufficient cause. (3) The Commissioner must not make any direction or any variation under this section that prejudices any person, unless that person has been given a reasonable opportunity to make representations to the Commissioner.


document_id: wica-2019
provision_ref: s21
chapter: PART 2 - COMPENSATION FOR WORK INJURY
section: 21
title: Deposit with Commissioner
content:
21. —(1) The Commissioner may direct an employer or the employer’s insurer to deposit with the Commissioner any compensation in respect of an employee’s work injury that is payable under this Act, in such manner and within such time as the Commissioner may specify. (2) The Commissioner may make payment from any amount deposited with the Commissioner that is payable to an employee in all or any of the following ways: ( a ) to the employee directly or, if the employee is below 18 years of age, to the public trustee; ( b ) where the employee has died, in one or both of the following ways: (i) pay the funeral expenses of the employee, not exceeding the amount prescribed in regulations made under section 82, to the person by whom those expenses are incurred; (ii) pay the remainder of the compensation or interest (in whole or in part) to the executor or administrator of the employee’s estate, if the Commissioner has been informed that an executor or administrator has been appointed; ( c ) where the employee lacks capacity in relation to the employee’s property and affairs — (i) to a donee of a lasting power of attorney (if any) granted by the employee under the Mental Capacity Act 2008 on whom the employee has conferred authority to receive such payment; or (ii) to a deputy (if any) who is appointed or deemed to be appointed for the employee under the Mental Capacity Act 2008 and is conferred power to receive such payment; ( d ) to one or more of the employee’s relatives (if found) and in such proportion, as the Commissioner thinks fit, where the Commissioner is satisfied that any of the following circumstances exist: (i) payment cannot be made by the employer’s insurer in accordance with section 18(2)( a ), ( b ), ( c ) or ( d ) or by the employer under section 19(1)( a ); (ii) the employee has died and the Commissioner has not been informed that an executor or administrator of the employee’s estate has been appointed; (iii) the employee lacks capacity in relation to the employee’s property and affairs and no donee or deputy can be appointed to receive such payment for the employee; ( e ) pay into the Workers’ Fund — (i) an amount not exceeding the amount of any ex gratia payment made under section 70 in respect of the employee entitled to the compensation or interest so deposited; and (ii) any remaining amount that cannot be paid under paragraph ( a ), ( b ), ( c ) or ( d ), if the Commissioner is satisfied, after such inquiry as the Commissioner considers necessary, that there is no reasonable likelihood that any relative of the employee can be found. (3) Where any payment is made to any relative of the employee under subsection (2)( d ), or under a direction made under section 20, the Commissioner may direct that relative to invest, apply or otherwise deal with the amount paid for the benefit of that employee in such manner and for such period as the Commissioner may specify. (4) This section does not limit section 69.


document_id: wica-2019
provision_ref: s22
chapter: PART 2 - COMPENSATION FOR WORK INJURY
section: 22
title: Discharge for payment
content:
22. —(1) The receipt by any person who is paid in accordance with section 18(2), 19(1) or 21(2)( a ), ( b ), ( c ) or ( d ) of the amount paid is a sufficient discharge for the compensation and interest paid. (2) The receipt by the Commissioner for any amount deposited under section 18(3), 19(2) or 59 is a sufficient discharge for the compensation and interest up to the amount so deposited. (3) Any payment of compensation or interest made in contravention of section 18(2), 19(1) or 21(2)( a ), ( b ), ( c ) or ( d ) is deemed not to be a discharge for the compensation or interest paid. (4) This section does not affect the right of any person to make a claim against any other person who has been paid under section 18(2), 19(1) or 21(2) for the amount paid. (5) This section applies despite — ( a ) any written law relating to the administration or distribution of estates of deceased persons; ( b ) the Mental Capacity Act 2008; and ( c ) the Insurance Act 1966.


document_id: wica-2019
provision_ref: s23
chapter: PART 2 - COMPENSATION FOR WORK INJURY
section: 23
title: No contracting out, etc.
content:
23. —(1) Subject to sections 51 and 52( c ), any contract or agreement by which an employee relinquishes any right of compensation from the employer for work injury is void insofar as it purports to remove or reduce the liability of any person to pay compensation under this Act. (2) Subject to the provisions of this Act, the payment of compensation under this Act or an accrued right to such payment is not — ( a ) assignable or transferable, or liable to be attached, sequestered or levied upon; or ( b ) subject to any set‑off, for or in respect of any debt or claim.


document_id: wica-2019
provision_ref: s24
chapter: PART 3 - WORK INJURY COMPENSATION INSURANCE
section: 24
title: Employer must be insured against liabilities under Act
content:
24. —(1) Every employer must insure and maintain insurance under one or more approved employee insurance policies with one or more designated employer’s insurers against all liabilities that the employer may incur under this Act in respect of every employee of the employer. [Act 30 of 2024 wef 01/01/2025] (2) Subsection (1) — ( a ) does not apply in respect of the excluded classes of employees prescribed for the purposes of this paragraph; and ( b ) applies subject to any minimum prescribed amount for which an employer must be insured in respect of any of the employer’s liabilities under this Act.


document_id: wica-2019
provision_ref: s25
chapter: PART 3 - WORK INJURY COMPENSATION INSURANCE
section: 25
title: Offences by employer in relation to insurance
content:
25. —(1) An employer who contravenes section 24(1) shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction — ( a ) to a fine not exceeding $10,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or to both; or ( b ) if the person is a repeat offender, to a fine not exceeding $20,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or to both. (2) A person is a repeat offender in relation to an offence under subsection (1) if the person who is convicted of an offence under that subsection has been convicted on at least one other earlier occasion of — ( a ) an offence under subsection (1); [Act 30 of 2024 wef 01/01/2025] ( b ) an offence under section 34P(1); or [Act 30 of 2024 wef 01/01/2025] ( c ) an offence under section 35(1)( b ) of the repealed Act, whether the conviction was before, on or after 1 September 2020. [Act 30 of 2024 wef 01/01/2025] (3) It is not a defence to a charge for an offence under subsection (1) that the employer did not know — ( a ) the number of employees employed by the employer, or the extent of the employer’s liability, that the employer must be insured against; [Act 30 of 2024 wef 01/01/2025] ( b ) that any insurance policy entered into or maintained was not an approved employee insurance policy; or [Act 30 of 2024 wef 01/01/2025] ( c ) that the insurer was not a designated employer’s insurer, unless the employer had taken all reasonable steps to ascertain those matters. [Act 30 of 2024 wef 01/01/2025] (4) An employer who, for the purpose of defraying or partly defraying the cost of insurance required under section 24, makes any deduction from the earnings of an employee of the employer, shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction — ( a ) to a fine not exceeding $5,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or to both; or ( b ) if the person is a repeat offender, to a fine not exceeding $10,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or to both. (5) A person is a repeat offender in relation to an offence under subsection (4) if the person who is convicted of an offence under that subsection has been convicted on at least one other earlier occasion of — ( a ) an offence under subsection (4); [Act 30 of 2024 wef 01/01/2025] ( b ) an offence under section 34P(4); or [Act 30 of 2024 wef 01/01/2025] ( c ) an offence under section 35(1)( a ) of the repealed Act, whether the conviction was before, on or after 1 September 2020. [Act 30 of 2024 wef 01/01/2025]


document_id: wica-2019
provision_ref: s26
chapter: PART 3 - WORK INJURY COMPENSATION INSURANCE
section: 26
title: Approved policy
content:
26. —(1) An approved policy — ( a ) must contain all the compulsory terms prescribed for the class of liabilities insured against (called in this section the compulsory terms); and ( b ) must not contain any term or condition or endorsement that derogates or purports to derogate from any obligation imposed on the insurer by the compulsory terms of the approved policy. (2) The Minister may prescribe different sets of compulsory terms for different classes of approved policies, employers, employees, platform operators or platform workers, and the compulsory terms may also require approved policies to cover any other liability of the employer or platform operator (as the case may be) to pay compensation under common law or any other written law for a work injury of an employee or a platform worker, as the case may be. [Act 30 of 2024 wef 15/10/2024] (3) Any insurer that issues to an employer or a platform operator any insurance policy that purports to insure the whole or part of the liability of the employer or platform operator (as the case may be) for compensation under this Act — ( a ) is liable to pay that compensation as if the insurance policy contains all the compulsory terms applicable to the class of approved policy purported to be provided; and ( b ) to the extent that any term or condition of, or endorsement to, the insurance policy derogates from any obligation imposed on the insurer by the compulsory terms, that term or condition or endorsement is void. [Act 30 of 2024 wef 01/01/2025] (4) Where an insurer issues to an employer any insurance policy that purports to insure the whole or part of the employer’s liability for compensation under this Act, subsection (3) does not impose any obligation or liability on the insurer to pay any amount in excess of the minimum amount (if any) prescribed for the purposes of section 24(2)( b ) that applies to the employer. [Act 30 of 2024 wef 01/01/2025] (4A) Subject to section 47C(4), where an insurer issues to a platform operator any insurance policy that purports to insure the whole or part of the platform operator’s liability for compensation under this Act, subsection (3) does not impose any obligation or liability on the insurer to pay any amount in excess of the minimum amount (if any) prescribed for the purposes of section 34O(2) that applies to the platform operator. [Act 30 of 2024 wef 01/01/2025] (5) Where an insurer is liable to pay compensation pursuant to subsection (3) in respect of an employer’s liability for compensation under this Act, the references to the employer’s insurer in sections 3(3), 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 27, 35, 40, 43, 48, 49, 50(1)( b ), 51, 52, 54, 58, 63 and 82 apply as if they include references to that insurer. [Act 30 of 2024 wef 01/01/2025] (6) Where an insurer is liable to pay compensation pursuant to subsection (3) in respect of a platform operator’s liability for compensation under this Act, the references to the platform operator’s insurer in — ( a ) sections 18, 19 and 21, as modified by section 34B; ( b ) sections 40, 43, 48, 49, 51, 52, 54, 58 and 63, as modified by section 35B; and ( c ) sections 16, 17, 27, 34J, 50(1)( b ) and 82, apply as if they include references to that insurer. [Act 30 of 2024 wef 01/01/2025]


