Lee Chung Meng Joseph v Krygsman: Division of Matrimonial Assets and Maintenance Dispute in Divorce Proceedings
In Lee Chung Meng Joseph v Krygsman, the High Court of Singapore heard an appeal by the husband against the decision of the District Judge regarding the division of matrimonial assets and maintenance orders in a divorce. The wife filed for divorce based on four years of separation. The District Judge ordered the matrimonial property to be sold with proceeds divided 60% to the wife and 40% to the husband, and the husband to pay monthly maintenance for the wife and child. The husband appealed, arguing for a different division of assets and reduced maintenance. The High Court dismissed the appeal, finding the District Judge's assessment and division to be sensible and fair.
1. Case Overview
1.1 Court
High Court1.2 Outcome
Appeal dismissed.
1.3 Case Type
Family
1.4 Judgment Type
Grounds of Decision
1.5 Jurisdiction
Singapore
1.6 Description
Appeal concerning the division of matrimonial assets and maintenance in a divorce. The court upheld the division of assets and maintenance orders.
1.7 Decision Date
2. Parties and Outcomes
| Party Name | Role | Type | Outcome | Outcome Type | Counsels |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lee Chung Meng Joseph | Appellant | Individual | Appeal dismissed | Lost | |
| Krygsman | Respondent | Individual | Appeal dismissed | Won |
3. Judges
| Judge Name | Title | Delivered Judgment |
|---|---|---|
| Tay Yong Kwang | Judicial Commissioner | Yes |
4. Counsels
| Counsel Name | Organization |
|---|---|
| Stephanie Hong | Tan Peng Chin & Partners |
| Lim Shui Yi | Hoh & Partners |
4. Facts
- Parties married in 1987 and separated in 1994 but continued living in the same house.
- Wife filed for divorce in 1999 based on four years of separation.
- The matrimonial home at 19 Jalan Tarum was purchased for $1.1m.
- Husband took a housing loan of $770,000 and contributed cash and CPF.
- Wife contributed $1,000 from her CPF savings.
- The District Judge ordered the matrimonial property to be sold with proceeds divided 60% to the wife and 40% to the husband.
- The District Judge ordered the husband to pay monthly maintenance for the wife and child.
5. Formal Citations
- Lee Chung Meng Joseph v Krygsman, Div 2123/1999, [2000] SGHC 277
6. Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Parties married in Singapore. | |
| Son, Jason Lee, born. | |
| Parties began leading separate lives. | |
| Parties jointly purchased 19 Jalan Tarum. | |
| Wife filed petition for divorce. | |
| Decree nisi pronounced. | |
| Ancillary matters heard. | |
| Orders made regarding ancillary matters. | |
| Husband to pay wife $1,500 per month for 18 months. | |
| Appeal dismissed. |
7. Legal Issues
- Division of Matrimonial Assets
- Outcome: The court upheld the District Judge's division of matrimonial assets, finding it sensible and fair.
- Category: Substantive
- Maintenance
- Outcome: The court upheld the District Judge's maintenance orders, finding them sensible and fair.
- Category: Substantive
8. Remedies Sought
- Dissolution of marriage
- Custody, care and control of their son
- Sale of matrimonial property
- Share of sale proceeds
- Maintenance for wife and son
9. Cause of Actions
- Divorce
10. Practice Areas
- Divorce
- Family Law
11. Industries
- Real Estate
12. Cited Cases
| Case Name | Court | Affirmed | Citation | Jurisdiction | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hoong Khai Soon v Cheng Kwee Eng | High Court | Yes | [1993] 3 SLR 34 | Singapore | Cited for guidance on the proportions of division of matrimonial assets. |
| Lau Loon Seng v Sia Peck Eng | High Court | Yes | [1999] 4 SLR 408 | Singapore | Cited for guidance on the proportions of division of matrimonial assets. |
| Jaspal Singh v Marie-Anne Melville | High Court | Yes | [2000] 4 SLR 639 | Singapore | Cited for guidance on the proportions of division of matrimonial assets. |
13. Applicable Rules
| Rule Name |
|---|
| No applicable rules |
14. Applicable Statutes
| Statute Name | Jurisdiction |
|---|---|
| Women's Charter s 112(1) | Singapore |
| Women's Charter ss 112(2)(a) | Singapore |
| Women's Charter ss 112(2)(d) | Singapore |
| Women's Charter ss 112(2)(g) | Singapore |
| Women's Charter s 118 | Singapore |
15. Key Terms and Keywords
15.1 Key Terms
- Matrimonial assets
- Maintenance
- Division of assets
- Decree nisi
- Ancillary matters
- Overdraft facilities
- Housing loan
- CPF account
15.2 Keywords
- Divorce
- Matrimonial Assets
- Maintenance
- Singapore
- Family Law
17. Areas of Law
| Area Name | Relevance Score |
|---|---|
| Family Law | 95 |
| Matrimonial Assets | 95 |
| Divorce | 90 |
| Maintenance | 90 |
| Child Custody | 70 |
| Child Support | 70 |
16. Subjects
- Family Law
- Divorce
- Matrimonial Assets
- Maintenance