WLL v WLM: Division of Matrimonial Assets and Wife's Maintenance in Divorce

In the Family Justice Courts of Singapore, the case of WLL v WLM, heard by Choo Han Teck J, concerned the division of matrimonial assets and the wife's maintenance following a divorce. The husband, WLL, filed for divorce from the wife, WLM, and an interim judgment was granted. The remaining issues were the division of assets and the wife's maintenance. The court determined the division ratio to be 32.3% for the wife and 67.7% for the husband and dismissed the wife's application for maintenance.

1. Case Overview

1.1 Court

Family Justice Courts of the Republic of Singapore

1.2 Outcome

Judgment on division of matrimonial assets; Wife's application for maintenance dismissed.

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 the wife's maintenance. The court determined the division ratio and denied the wife's request for maintenance.

1.7 Decision Date

2. Parties and Outcomes

Party NameRoleTypeOutcomeOutcome TypeCounsels
WLLPlaintiffIndividualDivision of matrimonial assets determinedPartialTrent Ng Yong En, Cheryl Tan Wee Tim
WLMDefendantIndividualDivision of matrimonial assets determined, Application for maintenance dismissedPartial, LostTee Lee Lian, Julian Koh Zhen Yang

3. Judges

Judge NameTitleDelivered Judgment
Choo Han TeckJudge of the High CourtYes

4. Counsels

Counsel NameOrganization
Trent Ng Yong EnKalco Law LLC
Cheryl Tan Wee TimKalco Law LLC
Tee Lee LianBih Li & Lee LLP
Julian Koh Zhen YangBih Li & Lee LLP

4. Facts

  1. The Husband and Wife were married in Korea on 9 September 1999.
  2. The Husband is 58 years old and works as a procurement manager.
  3. The Wife is 51 years old and operates a hair dressing salon.
  4. They have one daughter, born on 2 January 2002, who is pursuing undergraduate studies.
  5. The Husband filed for divorce on 16 September 2021 and obtained interim judgment on 16 February 2022.
  6. The parties disputed the valuation of the jointly owned matrimonial home.
  7. The Wife sought an adverse inference against the Husband regarding a joint account with his mother.

5. Formal Citations

    6. Timeline

    DateEvent
    Marriage registered in Korea
    Daughter born
    Husband filed for divorce
    Interim judgment obtained
    Husband's valuation of matrimonial home
    Wife's valuation of matrimonial home
    Hearing regarding ancillary matters
    Joint independent valuation report produced
    Hearing
    Judgment reserved

    7. Legal Issues

    1. Division of Matrimonial Assets
      • Outcome: The court determined the division ratio to be 32.3% for the wife and 67.7% for the husband.
      • Category: Substantive
    2. Maintenance of Wife
      • Outcome: The court dismissed the wife's application for maintenance.
      • Category: Substantive
    3. Adverse Inference
      • Outcome: The court declined to draw an adverse inference against the Husband concerning the Joint Account.
      • Category: Procedural
      • Related Cases:
        • [2007] SGCA 21
        • [2021] 1 SLR 246

    8. Remedies Sought

    1. Division of Matrimonial Assets
    2. Lump Sum Maintenance

    9. Cause of Actions

    • Divorce
    • Division of Matrimonial Assets
    • Wife's Maintenance

    10. Practice Areas

    • Divorce
    • Family Law

    11. Industries

    • No industries specified

    12. Cited Cases

    Case NameCourtAffirmedCitationJurisdictionSignificance
    Koh Bee Choo v Choo Chai HuahSingapore Court of AppealYes[2007] SGCA 21SingaporeCited for the principle that an adverse inference may only be drawn if there is evidence establishing a prima facie case and the party has access to the assets.
    UZN v UZMCourt of AppealYes[2021] 1 SLR 246SingaporeCited for the principle that an adverse inference is not used as a punishment for breaching the duty of full and frank disclosure, but to make adjustments to the matrimonial assets.

    13. Applicable Rules

    Rule Name
    No applicable rules

    14. Applicable Statutes

    Statute NameJurisdiction
    No applicable statutes

    15. Key Terms and Keywords

    15.1 Key Terms

    • Matrimonial Assets
    • Adverse Inference
    • Direct Financial Contribution
    • Indirect Financial Contribution
    • Division Ratio
    • Maintenance
    • Joint Account
    • Valuation

    15.2 Keywords

    • divorce
    • matrimonial assets
    • maintenance
    • family law
    • singapore

    16. Subjects

    • Family Law
    • Divorce
    • Matrimonial Assets
    • Maintenance

    17. Areas of Law

    • Family Law
    • Matrimonial Assets
    • Division of Matrimonial Assets
    • Maintenance