Adultery is a deeply personal issue that can have serious emotional and legal consequences. In Singapore, the legal definition of adultery is especially important in the context of divorce and family law. Whether you are seeking justice, closure, or clarity, understanding what qualifies as adultery under Singapore law is essential.

In this guide, we will break down the legal definition of adultery, its implications in divorce cases, and how a licensed Singapore Private Investigator can help uncover the truth through professional investigation.

What Is Considered Adultery Under Singapore Law?

Under Singapore law, adultery is defined as voluntary sexual intercourse between a married person and someone who is not their legal spouse.

This act is considered a breach of marital fidelity and can be cited as grounds for divorce. According to Section 95 of the Women’s Charter, a plaintiff may file for divorce on the basis of an “irretrievable breakdown of the marriage,” with adultery being one of the recognized causes.

To successfully file for divorce on this basis, the plaintiff must demonstrate that:

The defendant (spouse) committed adultery, and
The plaintiff finds it intolerable to continue living with the adulterous spouse.

How the Law Interprets Adultery in Singapore

In legal terms, adultery in Singapore specifically requires proof of sexual intercourse. Emotional affairs, flirtations, or even spending nights together may not be sufficient unless there is solid evidence indicating physical intimacy.

Importantly, it does not matter whether the third party is married or single—so long as there is voluntary sexual engagement outside the marriage, the act is considered adultery under Singapore law.

Legal Implications of Adultery in Singapore

When proven, adultery can have far-reaching legal consequences in Singapore. Some of the key areas affected include:

1. Divorce Proceedings

Adultery is one of the five legal grounds for divorce in Singapore. If you can prove that your spouse has committed adultery, the Court may grant a divorce on that basis.

2. Child Custody and Care

While adultery does not automatically affect custody rights, the Court may evaluate the moral conduct of both parents. A spouse who committed adultery may be viewed as less fit in certain cases involving child welfare.

3. Division of Assets

In some cases, the Court may consider adultery when dividing marital assets, especially if the adulterous spouse acted dishonestly or attempted to conceal property or finances.

4. Alimony and Maintenance

Although rare, adultery can impact spousal maintenance if the Court believes that one party’s misconduct contributed significantly to the marriage breakdown.

5. Civil Claims Against the Third Party

In exceptional situations, the aggrieved spouse may file a civil suit against the third party for damages, although these cases are less common in modern Singaporean courts.

Challenges in Proving Adultery

One of the biggest hurdles in pursuing adultery as a ground for divorce is the burden of proof. The Court will only accept a claim of adultery if there is clear and convincing evidence that sexual intercourse occurred.

There are two primary ways to prove adultery:

Confession: The cheating spouse openly admits to the adulterous act.
Evidence: The aggrieved party presents irrefutable evidence to the Court.

In most cases, adulterous spouses do not confess willingly. That’s why hiring a Private Investigator in Singapore can be the most effective way to gather admissible evidence while protecting your emotional well-being.

Types of Evidence Needed to Prove Adultery

Gathering evidence of adultery requires discretion, strategy, and adherence to Singapore’s strict privacy and legal guidelines. The following are commonly accepted forms of evidence:

Photographic or Video Evidence: Images or recordings of the spouse entering or leaving a hotel or being intimate with a third party.
Text Messages or Emails: Intimate communication between the adulterous parties that suggests a sexual relationship.
Witness Testimonies: Statements from credible individuals who have observed the adulterous behaviour.

Evidence must be collected legally to be admissible in Court, which is why engaging a professional Private Investigator in Singapore is strongly advised.

What If You Can’t Prove Adultery?

If you're unable to obtain solid proof of adultery, all is not lost. You may still file for divorce under the ground of unreasonable behaviour, which is often easier to prove. Improper associations, frequent secretive behaviour, or emotional neglect can form the basis for this claim.

In many cases, Private Investigators in Singapore also help uncover improper associations, which can support a claim of unreasonable behaviour in lieu of direct adultery.

How a Singapore Private Investigator Can Help

Hiring a Singapore Private Investigator can significantly improve your chances of successfully proving adultery or other forms of misconduct. These professionals are trained in evidence collection, surveillance, and legal compliance.

Here’s how a Private Investigator in Singapore can assist you:

Surveillance Services: Conduct discreet surveillance to monitor the suspected spouse’s movements and activities.
Photographic & Video Evidence: Capture real-time evidence of the adulterous acts or encounters.
Witness Interviews: Speak with individuals who may have firsthand knowledge of the relationship.
Legal Documentation: Prepare detailed investigation reports that meet the standards of Singapore’s Family Justice Courts.

At Asia Top Investigation, our licensed private investigators have years of experience in matrimonial surveillance and evidence gathering. Led by Vincent Tan, our team has successfully handled thousands of adultery-related cases in Singapore, always with professionalism and discretion.

Why Choose Asia Top Investigation?

We are one of Singapore’s most trusted private investigation firms with over three decades of experience. Our founder, Vincent Tan, is an award-winning Private Investigator Singapore has come to rely on for results-driven matrimonial investigations.

With a proven record of success and a team of highly trained operatives, we offer our clients:

Confidential consultations
High-tech surveillance tools
Legally admissible evidence
Professional advice on your next steps

Final Thoughts on Adultery in Singapore

Adultery is not just an emotional betrayal—it is a legal matter with serious implications. Understanding what legally constitutes adultery in Singapore is the first step toward protecting your rights and planning your future.

If you believe your spouse is cheating and you need the truth backed by evidence, a licensed and experienced Private Investigator in Singapore can help you uncover the facts discreetly and legally.

Need Help Proving Adultery in Singapore?

📞 Contact Asia Top Investigation today for a confidential consultation. Our experienced Singapore Private Investigators are here to support you every step of the way.

Visit: www.singaporebestprivateinvestigators.com

What Legally Constitutes as Adultery in Singapore?