You will need to attend the Mandatory Parenting Programme (MPP) if the following requirements are fulfilled:
1. You want a divorce.
2. You have at least 1 child under the age of 21.
3. You have not reached a full agreement with your spouse in relation to the divorce and the terms of the divorce.
The Mandatory Parenting Programme (MPP) is a consultation session for parents before they commence divorce proceedings. Parents are encouraged to make informed decisions which prioritize the welfare of their children. The session is conducted by counsellors from the Divorce Support Specialist Agencies (DSSA) and lasts 2 hours.
Divorce Support Specialist Agencies (DSSA) are agencies approved by the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) to provide non-legal support to divorced parents or parents undergoing divorce proceedings and their children. They are able to provide a wide range of counselling services and are capable of managing family disputes.
Objectives of the Mandatory Parenting Programme (MPP)
The Mandatory Parenting Programme (MPP) aims to help divorcing parents understand:
1. The concepts of custody, care and control, and access.
2. The financial challenges that a divorce may bring to the family.
3. The impact on living arrangements for your children.
4. The importance of co-parenting and parenting plan.
The Mandatory Parenting Programme (MPP) does not aim to dissuade you for divorce as the decision of divorce is a personal one.
Can You be Excused from Attending the Mandatory Parenting Programme (MPP)?
Generally, no. A parent can be excused from the Mandatory Parenting Programme (MPP) if he/ she lacks mental capacity (as defined under the Mental Capacity Act). Should you wish to be exempted from the Mandatory Parenting Programme (MPP), you will need to apply for an exclusion on the MPP portal.
You will have to attend the Mandatory Parenting Programme (MPP) personally. No lawyer or other person is allowed to attend on your behalf. You will need your SingPass to apply for the Mandatory Parenting Programme (MPP) on the MPP portal. If you do not have a SingPass, you may wish to contact the Ministry of Social and Family Development for further assistance. If you are based overseas, it may also be possible for special arrangements to be made by the Divorce Specialist Support Agencies for you.
Do You Need to Attend the Mandatory Parenting Programme (MPP) with Your Spouse and/ or Child?
No. The Mandatory Parenting Programme (MPP) is a confidential session that does not involve your spouse. You do not need to inform him/ her. If you wish to attend the Mandatory Parenting Programme (MPP) with your spouse, you can contact the Ministry of Social and Family Development directly. Your child need not attend the Mandatory Parenting Programme (MPP).
Can You Attend the Mandatory Parenting Programme (MPP) if You are Not Required to?
You may wish to contact the Ministry of Social and Family Development directly for a session.
How do You Apply for the Mandatory Parenting Programme (MPP)?
You can apply to attend the Mandatory Parenting Programme (MPP) through the MPP portal. No document or payment is required. After your application, a DSSA counsellor will contact you to schedule an appointment at one of the Divorce Specialist Support Agencies.
After you have attended the Mandatory Parenting Programme (MPP), you will be issued with a Certificate of Completion. You may then proceed to file for divorce or a counterclaim if your spouse has already commenced the divorce proceedings.
Contact us at +6598330314 (whatsapp) for more information on the Mandatory Parenting Programme in Singapore.
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