Financial issues are often the most contentious and anxiety‑inducing aspect of divorce, particularly in community, pro bono and low‑bono matters where clients may have limited resources, incomplete information, or significant financial power imbalances.
This module focuses on the key legal and practical considerations when advising clients on financial matters arising from divorce, including division of assets and maintenance for spouses and children. Using a practitioner‑led and community‑law focused approach, this module equips participants to identify financial issues early, assess urgency, and advise clients realistically within the constraints commonly faced in community practice.
The session also examines issues specific to pro bono and low‑bono work, including challenges arising from low‑income households, single‑income families and transnational marriages.
By the end of this session, participants will be better equipped to:
1. Identify common financial issues arising in divorce, including division of matrimonial assets and maintenance
2. Understand the role of discovery and interrogatories, and the ethical duty of full and frank disclosure
3. Navigate spousal maintenance issues, including cases involving a sole breadwinner
4. Assess interim maintenance options, including when to proceed by MSS versus summons
5. Identify and manage financial issues affecting children, including interim child maintenance
6. Understand the challenges faced by transnational families, including cases involving trailing spouses and large disparities in financial resources
7. Recognise issues specific to pro bono and low‑bono clients, including:
(a) Dual‑income versus single‑income family dynamics
(b) Absence of a matrimonial home for division
(c) Lack of CPF accounts for foreigners
(d) Living arrangements for low‑income families, including rental housing
8. Navigate potential bursaries, financial aid and other support available for children
9. Identify common challenges faced by lawyers in pro bono cases at this stage and practical ways to address them
