XFF v XFG: Shared Care and Control of Children in Divorce Proceedings
In the Family Justice Courts of the Republic of Singapore, Choo Han Teck J heard Registrar’s Appeal No 14 of 2024 between XFF (Appellant) and XFG (Respondent) regarding interim care arrangements for their two children during divorce proceedings. The mother filed for divorce on 30 August 2023, and interim judgment was granted on 14 February 2024. The father appealed against the district judge’s decision to grant sole care and control to the mother. The High Court allowed the appeal in part, granting shared care and control to both parents, modifying the access orders to allow the father a more active role in the children's care.
1. Case Overview
1.1 Court
General Division of the High Court (Family Division)1.2 Outcome
Appeal allowed in part.
1.3 Case Type
Family
1.4 Judgment Type
Judgment
1.5 Jurisdiction
Singapore
1.6 Description
Appeal regarding interim care arrangements for children in divorce. The court granted shared care and control to both parents, modifying the lower court's decision.
1.7 Decision Date
2. Parties and Outcomes
| Party Name | Role | Type | Outcome | Outcome Type | Counsels |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XFF | Appellant | Individual | Appeal allowed in part | Partial | |
| XFG | Respondent | Individual | Sole care and control order modified | Partial | Yeo Khee Chye Raymond of Raymond Yeo |
3. Judges
| Judge Name | Title | Delivered Judgment |
|---|---|---|
| Choo Han Teck | Judge | Yes |
4. Counsels
| Counsel Name | Organization |
|---|---|
| Kulvinder Kaur | I.R.B Law LLP |
| Yeo Khee Chye Raymond | Raymond Yeo |
4. Facts
- The appellant and respondent were married on 26 January 2013.
- They have two children, twins, aged around five and a half years old.
- The mother filed for divorce on 30 August 2023.
- Interim judgment was granted on 14 February 2024.
- The father sought sole or shared care and control of the children.
- The parents and children live in the same HDB flat.
- Both parents are involved in taking the children to kindergarten and other activities.
5. Formal Citations
- XFF v XFG, Registrar’s Appeal No 14 of 2024, [2024] SGHCF 45
6. Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Marriage of appellant and respondent | |
| Divorce filed by mother | |
| Interim application brought by father | |
| Interim judgment granted | |
| Cross-application brought by mother | |
| District judge granted joint custody to both parents | |
| Judgment reserved | |
| Judgment |
7. Legal Issues
- Care and Control of Children
- Outcome: The court granted shared care and control to both parents.
- Category: Substantive
- Related Cases:
- [2017] 4 SLR 213
- [2016] SGHC 44
8. Remedies Sought
- Sole care and control of children
- Shared care and control of children
9. Cause of Actions
- No cause of actions
10. Practice Areas
- Family Law
- Divorce
- Child Custody
11. Industries
- No industries specified
12. Cited Cases
| Case Name | Court | Affirmed | Citation | Jurisdiction | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BNS v BNT | High Court | Yes | [2017] 4 SLR 213 | Singapore | Cited regarding the court's consideration of acrimony between parents in shared care and control arrangements. |
| AZZ v BZZ | High Court | Yes | [2016] SGHC 44 | Singapore | Cited regarding the court's consideration of acrimony between parents in shared care and control arrangements. |
13. Applicable Rules
| Rule Name |
|---|
| No applicable rules |
14. Applicable Statutes
| Statute Name | Jurisdiction |
|---|---|
| No applicable statutes | |
15. Key Terms and Keywords
15.1 Key Terms
- Care and control
- Shared care and control
- Interim care arrangements
- Access orders
- Acrimony
15.2 Keywords
- Family Law
- Divorce
- Child Custody
- Singapore
- Shared Care and Control
17. Areas of Law
| Area Name | Relevance Score |
|---|---|
| Family Law | 95 |
| Child Custody | 90 |
| Care and Control | 90 |
| Access to Children | 85 |
| Maintenance | 60 |
| Litigation | 30 |
16. Subjects
- Family Law
- Divorce
- Child Custody