Singapore retiree loses bid for spousal support from ex-wife

In a recent court ruling on September 16th, a 90-year-old Singaporean man's attempt to secure spousal support from his 89-year-old ex-wife was unsuccessful. The Family Justice Courts concluded that both parties had been adequately provided for following the division of their matrimonial assets, totaling around S$5.8 million (RM18.5 million).

This primarily consisted of the family's home, which was valued at the same amount. The wife was awarded approximately S$3.5 million, while the husband received S$2.4 million. Justice Dedar Singh Gill stated that the husband's share was ample to cover the needs of a 90-year-old retiree for the rest of his life, as both were reliant on their pensions.

The court found the wife had contributed more financially and as a caregiver throughout their 64-year marriage, financing their homes, paying bills, and covering taxes up to 2024. The husband, however, provided only general statements about his involvement without providing specifics. Consequently, the court divided the indirect contributions 70% to the wife and 30% to the husband, resulting in an overall ratio of 60:40.

When asked for maintenance, the husband argued he was incapacitated and financially burdened, and requested a lump sum of 5-10% of his asset share if his request was denied. However, Justice Gill dismissed both of these requests, ruling that imposing maintenance on an elderly retiree living on a pension would not be deemed "just or necessary".

The court ordered that property taxes for 2025 and 2026 would be shared equally, although the husband was not expected to bear the entire burden. Ultimately, the couple must sell their home on the open market within six months, with each party responsible for their own legal fees.