Can You Get Legal Aid For Divorce In Singapore?

Last Updated February 11, 2026 – Filing for a divorce can be an emotionally draining and financially challenging process, but did you know that you can get Legal Aid for under certain circumstances? The Legal Aid Bureau (LAB) provides legal assistance to individuals who are able to meet specific resident and financial eligibility criteria.[1]

Key Takeaways

• Legal Aid may help with divorce if you meet Singapore residency, means, and merits rules.
• The Means Test looks at household income, assets, and dependants before approval is given.
• Legal Aid can cover divorce filing, court representation, child issues, maintenance, and asset division.
• You can apply online or in person, but you must submit full income, asset, and case documents.
• Legal Aid is usually subsidised, but if you do not qualify, you may need pro bono help or a private lawyer.

1. Eligibility for Legal Aid

To qualify for Legal Aid, the applicant must be a Singapore citizen or permanent resident residing in Singapore or a citizen or resident of contracting states who are involved in applications under the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction.[2]

In addition, the applicant must pass both the Means Test and the Merits Test.[3]

(a) Means Test

The Means Test assesses the applicant’s financial circumstances to determine if the applicant has limited means.

The test includes the applicant’s income, assets and the number of dependents they have. The general criterion for eligibility is:

• Income Limit: As of 1 April 2024, the average per Capita Gross Monthly Household Income must be $1,050 or lower for the last 12 months prior to the application.[4]
• Assets: The LAB will also assess the assets owned by the applicant, such as savings, non-CPF investments, properties, vehicles etc. The applicant may not qualify for Legal Aid if their total assets exceed a certain limit.

(b) Merits Test

The Merits Test assesses whether the applicant has reasonable grounds to seek legal help in defending a case in Court.[5]

2. Matters in which Legal Aid can assist with

For divorce matters, Legal Aid can assist with the following:

• Filing for divorce: This includes drafting and filing the necessary documents, such as the Statement of Claim and the Statement of Particulars which outline the grounds for divorce and provide the Court with other relevant details.
• Representation in Court: A lawyer can represent the applicant at court hearings or during negotiations.
• Maintenance and Child Custody: In addition to divorce itself, Legal Aid also can assist with matters such as child custody, child maintenance and spousal maintenance. The lawyer assigned to the case will provide the necessary legal advice and represent the applicant’s interests during negotiations or at court hearings.
• Division of Assets: Dividing assets during a divorce is often a contentious issue. Legal Aid lawyers can assist with negotiating a fair division of assets to ensure that the applicant’s entitlements and rights are protected according to the law.

*Note: Generally, the LAB does not handle proceedings in the Family Court for Maintenance and Personal Protection Orders where the opposing party is not legally represented, unless in exceptional circumstances.[7]

3. How to Apply for Legal Aid

You can make an application for Legal Aid in person at the MinLaw Services Centre or otherwise register your case online via the LAB’s website (https://lab.mlaw.gov.sg/legal-services/how-do-i-apply-for-legal-aid/).[6] The application requires detailed information about your income, assets and the nature of your divorce case.

(a) Documents required

When applying for legal help, you will be required to provide various documents, including.

• Identity documentation (identity card or valid passport);
• Details of assets (e.g. property titles, bank statements, investment records, CPF contribution history and transaction history for the last 12 months, your latest Income Tax Assessment/IR8A form, any property notices/letters in your IRAS MyTax Portal that shows the Annual Value of the property you own if not an HDB flat);
• Latest Central Depository (CDP) Account Statement (if any);
• Marriage certificate and documents related to children (if applicable);
• Any other documents relevant to your application such as Court Orders or Personal Protection Order documents.

(b) Assessment by LAB

Once you submit your application, the LAB will assess your eligibility based on the financial criteria and the details of your divorce case. If you qualify for legal aid, the LAB will assign a lawyer from their family law team to represent you in the divorce proceedings. You will be notified of the outcome of your application, and if successful, the lawyer will contact you to proceed with your case.

4. Costs

If you qualify for legal aid organizations, the costs of your legal services will generally be subsidized.[8] However, depending on your financial circumstances, you may still be required to pay a portion of the fees. If you are completely unable to pay your legal fees, the government may waive them fully, providing essential help resources for those facing legal issues.

5. What Happens if You Don’t Qualify for Legal Aid?

If you don’t qualify for Legal Aid, you may need to hire a private lawyer or look for alternative options, such as:

• Pro bono Legal services: Some law firms and legal organizations offer pro bono (free) legal services to those in financial need. While this may not cover every case, certain firms may be willing to take on divorce cases free of charge, depending on the circumstances.
• Self-representation: If you are unable to hire a lawyer, you may represent yourself in court as a self-represented litigant. However, unless there are no other options, this is not recommended, especially in complex cases, because the law can be complicated and challenging to navigate without legal expertise.

It is always a good idea to seek professional legal advice to help you fully understand your options as well as the potential costs involved.

Navigating the divorce process can often be a difficult and emotional experience but having adequate legal representation can make a significant difference in ensuring a fair and equitable outcome. Legal Aid is an essential resource for individuals who cannot afford private legal services but still require professional assistance in divorce proceedings. While eligibility for Legal Aid depends on various financial factors, the LAB ensures that those individuals who qualify are supported throughout the process, from filing for divorce to handling ancillary matters such as child custody and the division of assets.

If you are considering applying for a divorce and are concerned about the costs involved, you should explore the option of Legal Aid to assess whether you meet the necessary eligibility criteria. If you qualify, Legal Aid can provide the guidance and representation you need to navigate the legal complexities of your divorce without incurring financial strain.

References: Ministry of Law LAB website https://lab.mlaw.gov.sg/

Disclaimer: This article is intended for general guidance and informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. If you require legal advice tailored to your specific situation, please consult a qualified family lawyer.

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