Proposed changes to Muslim law include simpler divorce process, strengthened welfare of children
For those that seek to end a Muslim marriage through talak tafwidh, they may no longer need to appoint a marital conciliator.
Muslim couples who have agreed to divorce and settled all related issues could potentially save at least six months and $172 in fees under proposed changes to Muslim law. Currently, couples seeking a divorce through talak tafwidh would need to appoint a marital conciliator, but under the proposed amendments, the Syariah Court could allow the couple to proceed without one if both parties agree and the court considers the conciliator unnecessary.
The Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) discussed these changes among a broader range of amendments to Muslim law on October 6, following a public consultation from May to June. The changes also include allowing the Syariah Court discretion to waive the requirement for sworn testimony from two witnesses in certain annulment cases, and empowering the court to make financial and child-related orders for Muslim couples who divorced overseas.
The welfare of children in Muslim divorces will also be given explicit consideration by the Syariah Court, and there will be a minimum period of physical presence in Singapore for Muslim marriages involving foreign spouses.
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