Divorce Support Resources in Singapore: Free Help for Parents

Going through a divorce with children is emotionally exhausting. Between understanding custody terminology, navigating court processes, and managing your child's anxiety, it is easy to feel completely alone. But Singapore has a surprisingly robust network of free and subsidised support services for divorcing parents — and most parents do not know they exist until someone points them out.

FAM@FSC: Your Local Support Hub

Family Assist (FAM) services at Family Service Centres (FSCs) are the frontline support network for divorcing families in Singapore. There are over 50 FSCs across the island, and each offers:

Free or subsidised counselling. Individual and family counselling for parents and children dealing with the emotional impact of divorce. Sessions are conducted by trained social workers and counsellors.

Supervised access and exchange services. For families where direct handovers between parents are unsafe or too contentious, FAM@FSC provides neutral venues with trained supervisors present. This is particularly important for cases involving domestic violence or high-conflict dynamics.

Mediation services. Community-based mediation to help parents resolve disputes about access schedules, maintenance, and parenting arrangements without going to court.

Referrals. FSC staff can connect you with legal aid (the Legal Aid Bureau for those who qualify financially), financial assistance schemes, and specialised services.

To find your nearest FSC, visit the MSF website or call the ComCare hotline at 1800-222-0000.

The Children-in-Between Programme

The Children-in-Between (CIB) programme, administered through FAM@FSC, is specifically designed to help children process the emotional impact of their parents' divorce. The programme provides:

• Age-appropriate counselling for children affected by parental separation
• Group sessions where children can interact with peers going through similar experiences
• Guidance for parents on how to communicate about the divorce, manage transitions, and reduce the child's anxiety

The programme addresses the issues that children rarely articulate directly: guilt (believing they caused the divorce), loyalty conflict (feeling they must choose sides), and anxiety about changes to their routine, school, and friendships.

The Mandatory Co-Parenting Programme (CPP)

While the CPP is mandatory — you cannot file for divorce without completing it — it is also a genuine support resource. The programme includes:

• An e-learning module covering how divorce affects children at different ages, effective co-parenting communication, and how to separate marital conflict from parenting responsibilities
• A personalised counselling session where a trained counsellor helps you develop a co-parenting approach tailored to your family's dynamics

For Muslim parents, the equivalent Marriage Counselling Programme (MCP) provides similar support through Syariah Court-appointed agencies including PPIS, AMP Singapore, and Darul Arqam.

Legal Aid and Pro Bono Services

If you cannot afford a lawyer, several options are available:

Legal Aid Bureau (LAB). Provides legal advice and representation for Singapore citizens and permanent residents who pass a means test. LAB covers family law matters including divorce, custody, maintenance, and personal protection orders.

Law Society Pro Bono Services (LSPBS). Operates free legal clinics where volunteer lawyers provide 20-minute consultations on family law matters. Clinics are held at various community centres across Singapore.

Community Justice Centre (CJC). Located within the State Courts, the CJC provides free on-site legal advice for litigants in person.

Single Parent Support

Single parents in Singapore face practical challenges beyond the legal process — housing restrictions, financial pressures, and social stigma. Several organisations provide ongoing support:

HCSA Dayspring. Offers residential care, counselling, and support programmes for single mothers and their children, including those escaping domestic violence.

AWARE (Association of Women for Action and Research). Provides a helpline (1800-774-5935), legal clinics, and support groups for women going through divorce and family violence.

Single parent Facebook groups and community networks. While not formal organisations, Singapore's single parent communities provide practical peer support — from navigating HDB housing applications as a single parent to sharing experiences with co-parenting challenges.

Using These Resources

The Singapore Child Custody & Parenting Plan Guide includes a curated directory of these support services alongside the practical tools for building your parenting plan. Knowing where to find help — and using it early — makes the difference between a divorce that damages your child and one your child navigates with resilience.

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