Court Orders Lump Sum Child Support Payment Amid Years of Neglect
SINGAPORE: A family court has approved a woman’s request to sell her former matrimonial home to claim S$175,000 in unpaid maintenance from her ex-husband, who has persistently evaded his financial responsibilities.
From the sale, an additional S$370,500 is allocated for the care of their two daughters. The husband, who violated a 2019 court order, only made a one-time enforced payment of S$50. His refusal to comply has led to multiple jail sentences. He also failed to attend the court hearing and has not seen his daughters for an extended period.
In a judgment released on Wednesday (Dec 7), District Judge Jason Gabriel Chiang criticised the ex-husband for neglecting his parental duties, causing significant hardship for the ex-wife, who has been the sole provider for their children. The judge noted the man’s behaviour as akin to “ostriching”—ignoring problems in hopes they will disappear.
To facilitate the recovery of owed sums, the judge granted the woman sole control over the flat’s sale. If the proceeds fall short, funds from the ex-husband’s Central Provident Fund (CPF) will be transferred to her CPF account.
Case Background
The ex-wife, a Singapore permanent resident of Chinese origin, married her Singaporean husband in 2010. The couple had two daughters, now aged 10 and 11. Despite both holding bachelor’s degrees, the woman earned little, while the husband remained unemployed.
Following their 2015 divorce filing, an interim judgment was issued in 2016. However, the man repeatedly defaulted on maintenance payments, leading to multiple jail terms. Their final divorce certificate was issued in 2018 after 24 summons applications.
In 2018, the ex-wife sought a variation of court orders, but her ex-husband ignored directives to sell the flat or make payments by 2019. She was forced to file another variation in 2022, requesting sole custody of the children, increased maintenance, and control over the home’s sale.
The flat is estimated to sell for S$800,000 to S$1 million, with S$300,000 due for the remaining mortgage. The judge’s ruling ensures the ex-wife receives her share of the proceeds, interest included.
Highlighting the man’s disregard for court rulings and repeated jail stints for contempt, the judge deemed this case suitable for a lump-sum maintenance payment of S$370,500. This sum will cover the daughters’ needs until they turn 21, with any shortfall deducted from the ex-husband’s CPF.
Despite failing to attend hearings, the ex-husband has filed an appeal against the court’s decision.
