For non-Muslims in Malaysia, divorce is governed by the Law Reform (Marriage and Divorce) Act 1976 and heard in the High Court. If you both agree, a joint petition is the simplest route; if not, one spouse can file a single petition after going through the marriage tribunal. Generally you cannot petition within the first two years of marriage. We help with divorce, custody, maintenance and the division of matrimonial assets, including for couples with ties to Singapore.
Muslim divorces are dealt with by the Syariah Courts; we coordinate with Syariah counsel where needed.
The welfare of the child is the paramount consideration (section 88). The court can make orders on custody, care and control, and access, and these can be varied later if circumstances change.
Many Johor families have homes, CPF, HDB flats or jobs in Singapore. Which country to file in, and how orders are recognised, needs careful planning at the start.
Generally no. Section 50 prevents a petition in the first two years unless the court gives leave for exceptional hardship.
An uncontested joint petition can take a few months; a contested divorce over custody or assets can take a year or more.
The court decides based on the child's welfare, and takes the child's wishes into account where appropriate.
It can be. In Teo Chee Cheong v Chiam Siew Moi (2025) the court treated EPF savings as a matrimonial asset under section 76.
Pages for each city where we handle divorce and family matters.
Speak to us in English, Bahasa Malaysia or 中文. Please do not send confidential documents until we confirm we can act for you.
