Custody of Children in Divorce Cases

Mr Seah Kian Peng asked the Minister for Social and Family Development in the last three years, what has been the number of divorce cases where custody of the children has been accorded to (i) mothers only (ii) fathers only and (iii) both parents respectively.

Mr Desmond Lee: The breakdown of custody orders for divorces from 2014 to 2016 is as follows:

Table 1: Orders Made for Custody for Divorces Granted/ Registered in 2014-2016

Note(s) to Question No(s) :

11 Figures are by the year of final judgment granted (under the Women’s Charter) and year of divorce registered (under the Administration of Muslim Law Act).

12 Refers to cases where the custody of all children is awarded to parents only, but the orders differ for each child (e.g. joint custody for the first child, sole custody to the Mother for the second child).

13 Refers to cases where custody of at least one child involves a relative, non-relative (e.g. guardian) or the State.