Breaking up is hard. But what if the paperwork’s the easy part and the real trouble comes when your spouse refuses to play ball? If you’ve filed for divorce and they’ve gone silent, stalled the process, or are digging their heels in at every step, you’re not stuck forever. This kind of situation isn’t new, and the law has ways of moving things along even when your other half won’t.
When One Side Goes Cold
Some divorces are smooth. Both parties agree, sign, split, and move on. But others will treat the divorce like a game of tug-of-war. A spouse might refuse to respond to legal documents, skip mediation, or ignore court orders. It’s frustrating, but not a dead end.
In Singapore, divorce doesn’t require both spouses to agree. If one person is willing to go ahead and meets the legal grounds, the process can still move forward. The system is built to handle uncooperative parties. You’re not left waiting forever at a one-sided finish line.
This is where a family lawyer in Singapore comes in handy. They help push things forward, even when the other side is dragging their feet. A good divorce lawyer in Singapore will know the steps needed to get things moving legally, no matter how stuck it may feel.
Ignoring Court Papers Won’t Stop the Clock
If you’ve filed and served divorce papers but your spouse doesn’t respond, the case can still proceed. Once the papers are served properly, usually by a process server or by registered mail, a deadline kicks in. If your spouse doesn’t reply within that time, you can apply for a default judgment.
That means the court may grant the divorce without their input. It’s not a free-for-all, but if all rules are followed, your spouse’s silence doesn’t stop the process. A reliable divorce lawyer in Singapore will make sure every box is ticked, every form filed, and every deadline met.
Mediation Can Be Tried, But It’s Not Mandatory
The courts often recommend mediation, especially when kids or assets are involved. It’s a way to sort out issues without a drawn-out courtroom clash. But if your spouse refuses to attend or stalls endlessly, mediation won’t be forced forever.
If enough attempts are made and one side still won’t cooperate, the case moves to trial. Judges can make decisions without both parties shaking hands. Cooperation helps in finalising a divorce, but it isn’t a legal requirement.
ALSO READ: Getting Divorced: Why An Uncontested Divorce is Ideal
Division of Assets Without Drama
One area where cooperation helps most is in splitting property, money, or other shared things. If both sides submit their documents and talk through options, it’s faster and cheaper. However, the court can intervene if your spouse goes quiet or hides assets.
Singapore law follows the fair and equitable division principle, meaning it will not be an equal split. The court will look at contributions, needs, and circumstances. If your spouse won’t submit financial records, the court can draw its own conclusions or compel disclosure through legal means.
This is another spot where a family lawyer in Singapore earns their keep. They gather evidence, request court orders, and make sure nothing goes missing behind the curtain.
Child-Related Matters Can Still Be Decided
Co-parenting with someone who won’t talk isn’t easy. But the court always puts the child’s interest first. Whether it’s custody, care and control, or access arrangements, the law doesn’t wait for mutual agreement to make decisions.
If your spouse refuses to attend family conferences or submit parenting plans, the court still proceeds with hearings. You’ll need to present your own proposals and evidence, and the judge decides based on what benefits the child most.
A divorce lawyer in Singapore who deals with family cases can guide you through this, helping you build a practical and child-focused case.
When Things Turn Hostile
Non-cooperation sometimes turns into active obstruction. This includes missing court dates, failing to disclose income, or even ignoring orders after they’re made. Courts in Singapore take this seriously. Repeat non-compliance can lead to penalties, fines, or enforcement actions.
In rare cases, a spouse may leave the country or disappear. This slows things down but doesn’t make the divorce impossible. Your lawyer can apply for substituted service, using alternative ways to notify the other party, such as through email or public notices.
The court is more interested in fairness than formality. If you’ve made honest efforts and followed the process, the judge will take that into account. A proactive family lawyer in Singapore will help you document those efforts and keep things legally sound.
Contact Quahe Woo & Palmer to get the legal support you need when the other side won’t budge, because even if they stall, the law won’t stand still.
