{
  "id": 12297448,
  "title": "Syariah Court to get wider powers over divorce procedures and child-related orders under proposed law",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/syariah-court-to-get-wider-powers-over-divorce-procedures-and-child",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-06T04:20:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "CNA - Singapore",
    "slug": "cna-singapore",
    "url": "https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/family-divorce-muslim-syariah-court-scis-6417196"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Changes are being proposed to give Singapore's Syariah Court greater authority over divorce procedures and child-related matters. The Administration of Muslim Law (Amendment) Bill, introduced in parliament, aims to streamline the divorce process for Muslim couples and alleviate emotional stress. Couples would no longer be required to attend marriage counseling before filing for divorce, and certain procedures could be simplified for those who agree on all issues. The court could waive the need for sworn testimony from two witnesses in specific cases and make financial and custody orders for Muslim divorces obtained overseas. The legislation also establishes the Singapore College of Islamic Studies as a statutory entity, granting it the authority to award degrees and diplomas. A minimum residency requirement for foreign spouses marrying in Singapore has been introduced to ensure a genuine connection to the country.",
  "summary": "The proposed changes also set a minimum stay in Singapore for some foreigners marrying here and put the Singapore College of Islamic Studies on a statutory footing.",
  "key_points": [
    "Syariah Court gains authority over divorce and child-related matters",
    "Divorce process streamlined for Muslim couples, counseling not required",
    "Singapore College of Islamic Studies established with degree-awarding power"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The proposed law aims to ease the divorce process for Muslim couples in Singapore, reducing emotional stress by simplifying procedures and allowing the Syariah Court to handle more divorce and child-related matters.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Channel News Asia",
        "title": "Syariah Court to get wider powers over divorce procedures and child-related orders under proposed law",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/syariah-court-to-get-wider-powers-over-divorce-procedures-and-child-12302317",
        "published": "2026-10-06T04:20:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The Standard Kenya",
        "title": "Court orders audit of Ruto's 'bloated' team of advisers",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/court-orders-audit-of-rutos-bloated-team-of-advisers",
        "published": "2026-10-06T06:20:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}