The rates of divorces and annulments in Singapore follow a notable pattern known as the “seven-year itch,” showing a significant spike in marital break-ups between the fifth and tenth years of marriage. This term characterizes a phase where couples often experience boredom or dissatisfaction with their marital bonds.
Discover more about divorces and annulments in Singapore and the intriguing “seven-year itch” phenomenon.
What is the Annulment of Marriage in Singapore?
An annulment in Singapore is a legal process that nullifies a marriage, essentially erasing it from the records. Unlike divorce, which terminates a valid marriage, an annulment declares that the marriage was void from the outset.
Annulment vs. Divorce
Upon the nullity of marriage in Singapore, the parties’ marital status is declared ‘single,’ unlike in divorce, where individuals are termed ‘divorcees.’ This legal differentiation can affect various matters, including social perceptions and certain legal aspects like property rights.
Source: Singapore Family Lawyer: Best Divorce Lawyer Singapore
What Are the Grounds for Annulment in Singapore?
Various grounds lead to the annulment of a marriage in Singapore, falling under two categories: those rendering a marriage void and those making a marriage voidable.
Void Marriages
These include non-fulfilment of formal requirements, like when a marriage was not properly solemnised, or when substantive requirements are not met, such as when one party was already married.
Voidable Marriages
These situations encompass issues like non-consummation due to incapacity or refusal, lack of valid consent, mental disorders, communicable diseases, and instances of pregnancy by someone other than the husband during the marriage.
Understanding Rates on Divorces and Annulments in Singapore
According to recent data, 9.6 per cent of Singapore resident couples who married in 2001 ended their marriages between the fifth and tenth wedding anniversaries. Those wed for less than five years formed the second-largest group with a dissolution rate of 6.4 per cent. As couples reach each subsequent five-year milestone from their tenth anniversary, the increase in dissolution rates diminishes.
This information was shared by the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF), following the release of the Statistics on Marriages and Divorces 2022 by the Department of Statistics (DOS).
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The Importance of Marital Support and Divorces and Annulments in Singapore
Theresa Pong, counsellor director at the Relationship Room, points out that research supports the existence of the seven-year itch. For instance, psychologist Dr John Gottman found that unhappy couples take an average of six years before seeking help, often filled with conflicts and unhappiness.
June Yong, who heads the research and editorial team at Focus on the Family Singapore, emphasized the importance of growing together in marriage and staying connected. She noted that challenges and conflicts may arise during life transitions, and if marital foundations are not strong, couples might drift apart.
Younger Couples and Marriage Expectations
Paulin Straughan, a sociology professor at Singapore Management University, suggests that younger couples generally have a lower tolerance for a marriage that does not meet their expectations. After five years, if things don’t settle down or meet one’s expectations, there is a greater reluctance among younger people to stay in an unhappy marriage.
Interestingly, the data shows a smaller percentage of resident couples who wed in more recent years have ended their marriages compared to those who married earlier. This suggests greater marriage stability among recent cohorts of married couples.
The MSF emphasizes the importance of support for marriages, particularly in the early years. Various programmes are available, such as marriage preparation, marriage mentoring, and support programmes. Couples facing marital issues can also seek family counselling.
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Declining Rates of Divorces and Annulments in Singapore
In conclusion, while divorce and annulment rates present a complex picture, the trend shows a decline in marital dissolutions for more recent marriage cohorts. It highlights the importance of continuous efforts in strengthening marriages through various programmes and initiatives.
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