Division of Matrimonial Assets: What Counts and How It’s Split
The division of matrimonial assets in Singapore decides how property, savings, CPF, and other assets are shared when a marriage ends. The court aims for a fair and balanced outcome based on contributions and the needs of the family. For the full overview of divorce matters, see divorce lawyer in Singapore.
Key takeaways
Matrimonial assets include property, savings, CPF, investments, vehicles, and more.
Assets gained during the marriage — or improved with joint effort — are usually included.
Courts consider both financial and non-financial contributions.
Asset division is not always 50/50; it depends on fairness and evidence.
Division of matrimonial assets in Singapore is based on what was acquired or improved during the marriage and how each spouse contributed. Courts divide assets fairly, not strictly equally.
What counts as matrimonial assets?
Matrimonial assets are usually items acquired during the marriage, regardless of whose name they are under. These include:
The matrimonial home (HDB or private property)
Investment properties
Savings and CPF used for the home
Insurance policies with cash value
Cars and household items
Stocks, bonds, and business interests
Renovations and major purchases
Assets owned before the marriage may also be counted if:
They were significantly improved during the marriage, or
They became the family home.
For related financial issues, see Spousal Maintenance: When and How It Applies.
What is usually not counted as matrimonial assets?
Personal gifts or inheritance meant for one spouse
Pre-marital assets without joint improvement
Small personal belongings
If a gift or inheritance is used for family purposes (like buying a home), the court may include it.
How courts divide matrimonial assets
The Family Justice Courts use a structured and balanced approach. Key factors include:
1. Financial contributions
This covers money spent on:
Buying property
Renovations
Loan payments
Household bills
Savings and investments
CPF statements, receipts, and bank records are useful evidence.
2. Non-financial contributions
The court places strong weight on caregiving and homemaking, such as:
Raising children
Managing the home
Supporting the other spouse’s career
Running the household daily
These contributions can shift the final percentage significantly.
3. Length of the marriage
Longer marriages often show blended roles, making contributions more equal than they appear.
4. Needs of the child and caregiving parent
If the child lives mainly with one parent, stability may influence how assets are divided.
For child-related issues, see Child Custody, Care and Control, and Access Explained.
5. Agreements reached during mediation
If both spouses agree on terms during mediation, the court usually accepts the arrangement if it is fair.
To prepare documents for negotiation, see Financial Disclosure Checklist for Divorce in Singapore.
Is the split always 50-50?
No. Asset division is not automatically equal.
It can be 50-50, 60-40, 70-30, or another ratio depending on:
Evidence of contributions
Caregiving roles
Needs of the children
Stability required for the family
The goal is fairness — not exact equality.
What happens to the family home?
The matrimonial home is often the biggest shared asset. Options include:
Buying over the other spouse’s share
Selling and dividing the sale proceeds
Keeping the home until the child reaches a certain age
Taking into account CPF refunds and grants
The court prioritises stability for children when choosing the best option.
What if one spouse hides assets?
Non-disclosure is taken seriously. The court may:
Draw adverse inferences
Award costs against the spouse
Revisit or adjust division of assets
Allow enforcement actions
Full and honest disclosure is required at all stages.
Can the division be changed later?
Final division orders are rarely changed unless:
There was fraud
Important information was hidden
There was a major mistake in disclosure
For changes to ongoing orders (like maintenance), see Post-Divorce Variation Applications: Changing Orders When Life Changes.
How a lawyer helps
A divorce lawyer supports you by:
Identifying all matrimonial assets
Reviewing financial and non-financial contributions
Preparing evidence and valuations
Negotiating fair terms in mediation
Ensuring full disclosure
Representing you in court if needed
FAQs
How are contributions measured?
Both financial and non-financial contributions are considered. Evidence helps show fairness.
What happens to CPF used for housing?
CPF used must be refunded first, then the remaining proceeds are divided.
Can we decide our own asset split?
Yes. Agreements reached through mediation are usually accepted if fair.
Are gifts from parents included?
If used for the family (like paying for a home), they may be counted.
Where can I learn more about Singapore divorce rules?
See divorce lawyer in Singapore.
Conclusion
The division of matrimonial assets in Singapore aims to be fair, practical, and sensitive to each family’s situation. With clear advice and proper preparation, you can reach a balanced outcome. For personalised guidance, call +65 8011 2121 and follow @21chamberssg.
