Mandatory Parenting Programme
In order to support child-centricity in divorce, new rules in the Women’s Charter have now implemented a Mandatory Parenting Programme (“MPP”) to better protect children affected by their parents' split. This new process will affect couples who cannot agree on the grounds for divorce and child-related issues.
Effective from 1st December 2016, it will now be mandatory for any party initiating divorce proceedings (or filing a counterclaim in the existing divorce proceedings), and who have at least a child aged below 14, to attend a mandatory 2-hour private consultation prior to filing for divorce. This consultation will be conducted by counsellors from the Ministry of Social and Family Development’s Divorce Support Specialist Agencies (“DSSA”).
The consultation seeks to inform applicants about the housing and financial implications of a divorce, as well as the impact that the divorce will have upon the child(ren).
This new requirement should not significantly prolong the divorce proceedings. Whilst the MPP application is being processed, we will concurrently liaise with HDB in order to obtain the necessary supporting documents for your divorce application. As your lawyers, we will do our best to ensure minimal delay.
FAQs on the MPP process:
You will have to use your SingPass and log onto a portal. We can assist you in the application.
No.
You will not be able to file for a divorce.
If your spouse has filed for a divorce, you will not be able to file a Counterclaim to the divorce.
No
You will need your personal details – NRIC / Passport number and a valid contact address.
No. Both the application and the one-time consultation is provided at no cost.
We can advise and assist you in the filing of the application form and ensure that all matters are dealt with efficiently and effectively.
No. It will be a one-on-one consultation with a counsellor.
Special arrangements will be provided by the DSSA.
Yes, in limited circumstances. Exemption will only be given based on the criterion of mental incapacity and valid documents must be submitted to support your application for exemption.
Yes. You can log onto the portal to withdraw the application if it has not been processed yet.
Tel: (65) 6357 9188
Email: cfh.dssa@thkmc.org.sg
Tel: (65) 6457 5188
Email: e-counsel@helpfsc.org.sg
