Mandatory mediation and counselling for parents undergoing divorce proceedings

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Mandatory mediation and counselling for parents undergoing divorce proceedings

POSTED: 01 Jul 2013 12:39 PM



The Family and Juvenile Court in Singapore (photo: Francine Lim, channelnewsasia.com)

SINGAPORE: Mandatory mediation and/or counselling have now been extended to couples who are going through divorce proceedings and have at least one child below 14 years of age.

The change takes effect from July 1, 2013.

Previously, it affected only those with at least one child below eight years of age.

The Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) and the Subordinate Courts said the change is in line with the amendment of the Women's Charter in 2011.

That amendment makes counselling and/or mediation mandatory for all parties with at least one child aged below 21 years of age, when they start divorce proceedings.

The mediation and counselling is being implemented in phases through the Family Court's Child Focused Resolution Centre (CFRC).

The first phase started in September 2011 and was for divorcing parties with at least one child below eight years of age.

MSF and the Subordinate Courts said providing counselling and/or mediation early will help the parties concerned focus on the best interests and welfare of their children when decisions on parenting and care arrangements are made.

Last year, 98 per cent of cases that did not have agreed parenting plans reached an agreement on parenting issues after the CFRC intervened.

Some of the matters agreed upon pertain to custody, care, control, and access of children.

- CNA/fa




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