TT v TU: Division of Matrimonial Assets and Maintenance Dispute

In the divorce case of TT (the Wife) v TU (the Husband), the High Court of Singapore, presided over by Justice Lai Siu Chiu, addressed ancillary matters including custody, maintenance, and division of matrimonial assets. The court granted joint custody of the children to both parents, with care and control to the Wife, and specified access arrangements for the Husband. The Husband was ordered to pay monthly maintenance for the children and Wife. The court ordered the sale of the Parkshore and Bayshore properties and determined the division of net sale proceeds. The Husband was also ordered to pay a lump sum to the Wife and costs of the hearing. The Husband's appeals against the orders were dismissed.

1. Case Overview

1.1 Court

High Court

1.2 Outcome

Orders made for division of matrimonial assets and maintenance payments.

1.3 Case Type

Family

1.4 Judgment Type

Grounds of Decision

1.5 Jurisdiction

Singapore

1.6 Description

Divorce case concerning division of matrimonial assets and maintenance. The court found the husband dishonest and awarded the wife a higher percentage of assets.

1.7 Decision Date

2. Parties and Outcomes

Party NameRoleTypeOutcomeOutcome TypeCounsels
TTPetitionerIndividualOrders made in her favorWon
TURespondentIndividualOrders made against himLost

3. Judges

Judge NameTitleDelivered Judgment
Lai Siu ChiuJudgeYes

4. Counsels

Counsel NameOrganization
Loh Wai MooiBih Li & Lee
Foo Siew FongHarry Elias Partnership

4. Facts

  1. The Wife and Husband were married on 25 April 1993.
  2. The Wife was granted a decree nisi on 8 March 2005 based on the Husband’s unreasonable behaviour.
  3. The couple have two children, a daughter aged 9 and a son aged 7.
  4. The Wife has interim custody, care and control of the two children.
  5. The Husband was ordered to pay $3,000 per month as interim maintenance for the Wife and the children.
  6. The Husband was found to be less than candid in disclosing his assets.
  7. The Husband purchased a Toyota Camry in February 2005 for $96,000.

5. Formal Citations

  1. TT v TU, DT 821/2004, [2007] SGHC 78

6. Timeline

DateEvent
Marriage of TT and TU
Wife left the matrimonial home
Husband granted interim access to children
Interim maintenance order issued
Husband granted weekly access and access on public holidays and school vacations
Appeals against interim maintenance order dismissed
Decree nisi granted to the Wife
Interim maintenance sum reduced to $2,750
Interim maintenance figure revised to $3,000
Hearing on ancillary matters
Further hearing requested by Wife's solicitors
Decision Date

7. Legal Issues

  1. Division of Matrimonial Assets
    • Outcome: The court ordered the sale of the Parkshore and Bayshore properties and determined the division of net sale proceeds. The Husband was also ordered to pay a lump sum to the Wife.
    • Category: Substantive
  2. Maintenance
    • Outcome: The Husband was ordered to pay monthly maintenance for the children and Wife. The Wife's maintenance sum was increased at the second hearing.
    • Category: Substantive

8. Remedies Sought

  1. Custody of children
  2. Maintenance
  3. Division of matrimonial assets

9. Cause of Actions

  • Divorce

10. Practice Areas

  • Family Law
  • Divorce Litigation

11. Industries

  • No industries specified

12. Cited Cases

Case NameCourtAffirmedCitationJurisdictionSignificance
No cited cases

13. Applicable Rules

Rule Name
No applicable rules

14. Applicable Statutes

Statute NameJurisdiction
Women’s Charter (Cap 353,1997 Rev Ed)Singapore

15. Key Terms and Keywords

15.1 Key Terms

  • Matrimonial assets
  • Maintenance
  • Custody
  • Division of assets
  • Interim maintenance
  • Shareholder's loan

15.2 Keywords

  • divorce
  • matrimonial assets
  • maintenance
  • child custody
  • Singapore
  • family law

17. Areas of Law

Area NameRelevance Score
Family Law95
Matrimonial Assets90
Division of Assets90
Divorce90
Maintenance85
Custody of Children80
Child Support75
Child Custody75
Children's Welfare70
Measure of Damages30
Costs25
Civil Procedure20
Evidence15

16. Subjects

  • Family Law
  • Divorce
  • Asset Division
  • Child Custody
  • Maintenance