WJG v WJH: Division of Matrimonial Assets and Child Maintenance Dispute in Divorce

In the divorce case of *WJG v WJH*, the Family Division of the High Court of Singapore, presided over by Choo Han Teck J, addressed the division of matrimonial assets and the maintenance of the younger child. The court determined the pool of matrimonial assets, considered direct and indirect contributions of both parties, and ordered the husband to buy over the wife's share of the matrimonial home. No maintenance orders were made for the younger daughter as the husband undertook to cover her educational and living expenses.

1. Case Overview

1.1 Court

Family Justice Courts of the Republic of Singapore

1.2 Outcome

Orders made for division of matrimonial assets; no orders made for maintenance of the younger daughter.

1.3 Case Type

Family

1.4 Judgment Type

Judgment

1.5 Jurisdiction

Singapore

1.6 Description

Divorce case concerning the division of matrimonial assets and child maintenance. The court determined the asset pool and contribution ratios, ordering the husband to buy over the wife's share of the matrimonial home.

1.7 Decision Date

2. Parties and Outcomes

Party NameRoleTypeOutcomeOutcome TypeCounsels
WJGPlaintiffIndividualShare of matrimonial assets awardedPartial
WJHDefendantIndividualRequired to buy over wife's share of matrimonial homeNeutral

3. Judges

Judge NameTitleDelivered Judgment
Choo Han TeckJudge of the High CourtYes

4. Counsels

Counsel NameOrganization
Sam Hui Min LisaLisa Sam & Company
Tan Siew KimSterling Law Corporation
Tan Kian HengSterling Law Corporation

4. Facts

  1. The parties were married on 19 March 1994 and divorced after 26 years.
  2. The wife is 51 years old and a projects and logistics director.
  3. The husband is 57 years old and a company director, planning to retire.
  4. They have two children, aged 24 and 22, with the younger child in university.
  5. The parties disagreed on the valuation of several assets, including properties and bank accounts.
  6. The husband was found to have transferred shares, which was considered wrongful dissipation.
  7. Both parties were found to have dissipated assets prior to the divorce proceedings.

5. Formal Citations

  1. WJG v WJH, , [2022] SGHCF 28

6. Timeline

DateEvent
Parties married
Writ for divorce filed
Interim judgment issued
Hearing date
Hearing date
Judgment date

7. Legal Issues

  1. Division of Matrimonial Assets
    • Outcome: The court determined the pool of matrimonial assets, considered direct and indirect contributions, and ordered the husband to buy over the wife's share of the matrimonial home.
    • Category: Substantive
    • Sub-Issues:
      • Valuation of assets
      • Direct financial contributions
      • Indirect contributions
      • Dissipation of assets
    • Related Cases:
      • [2021] 1 SLR 426
  2. Child Maintenance
    • Outcome: No orders were made as to maintenance because the husband undertook to pay for the younger daughter's studies, accommodation and living expenses.
    • Category: Substantive
  3. Dissipation of Assets
    • Outcome: The court found that both parties had dissipated assets and added sums back into the matrimonial pool for division.
    • Category: Substantive
    • Related Cases:
      • [2021] 1 SLR 426

8. Remedies Sought

  1. Division of Matrimonial Assets
  2. Maintenance for the Wife
  3. Maintenance for the Child

9. Cause of Actions

  • Divorce
  • Division of Matrimonial Assets
  • Maintenance

10. Practice Areas

  • Divorce
  • Family Law
  • Asset Division

11. Industries

  • No industries specified

12. Cited Cases

Case NameCourtAffirmedCitationJurisdictionSignificance
UZN v UZMCourt of AppealYes[2021] 1 SLR 426SingaporeCited for the principle of wrongful dissipation of matrimonial assets when sums are expended near the time divorce is imminent.

13. Applicable Rules

Rule Name
No applicable rules

14. Applicable Statutes

Statute NameJurisdiction
Women's CharterSingapore

15. Key Terms and Keywords

15.1 Key Terms

  • Matrimonial Assets
  • Interim Judgment
  • Central Provident Fund
  • Dissipation of Assets
  • Direct Contributions
  • Indirect Contributions
  • Valuation of Assets

15.2 Keywords

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

17. Areas of Law

Area NameRelevance Score
Family Law95
Matrimonial Assets95
Division of Assets90
Maintenance (Child)80
Maintenance70
Children's Welfare60

16. Subjects

  • Family Law
  • Divorce
  • Asset Division
  • Child Support