Is adultery a crime in Singapore? This is a common question, especially among individuals facing marital issues or considering legal action. While infidelity is often seen as morally wrong, many people are surprised to learn that adultery is not considered a criminal offence under Singapore law.
However, this doesn’t mean it comes without consequences. Adultery can significantly affect divorce proceedings, including matters like spousal maintenance and custody.
In this article, we clarify the legal position on adultery in Singapore, debunk common myths, and explain what really happens when infidelity enters the courtroom.
Is Adultery/Infidelity A Crime In Singapore?
In Singapore, adultery or infidelity is not classified as a criminal offence. This means that a spouse who cheats on their partner cannot be arrested or prosecuted under the Penal Code simply for having an extramarital affair.
While cheating may cause deep emotional distress and the breakdown of a marriage, it is handled strictly under civil law, not criminal law.
To better understand this, it’s important to know the difference between criminal law and civil law in Singapore. Criminal law deals with offences that are considered harmful to society as a whole—such as theft, assault, or drug trafficking—and are prosecuted by the State.
If someone commits a criminal offence, they may face jail time, fines, or other forms of punishment imposed by the courts.
Civil law, on the other hand, focuses on disputes between individuals or entities. In the context of adultery, the legal consequences come into play only when one spouse initiates divorce proceedings and uses adultery as a legal ground for divorce.
While many view infidelity as a serious moral breach, Singapore law does not treat it as a punishable act in the criminal justice system.
There are no legal penalties such as imprisonment or fines for committing adultery. The law recognises the personal and emotional toll it can have on individuals and families, but it does not see it as a public offence requiring State intervention.
Ultimately, in Singapore, adultery may end a marriage—but it won’t land anyone in jail. Instead, the law provides pathways for affected spouses to seek closure and protection through the family court system, not the criminal courts.
Why Is Adultery Not A Crime In Singapore?
Singapore’s legal system does not criminalise adultery, and this position is rooted in deliberate legal, social, and governmental reasoning.
While many people see infidelity as morally wrong or emotionally damaging, the law in Singapore draws a clear line between moral failings and criminal conduct. Adultery, though distressing for those involved, is treated as a private matter best addressed within the family justice system—not through criminal courts.
One of the key reasons adultery is not treated as a crime is Singapore’s emphasis on civil remedies through family law. If a spouse commits adultery, the aggrieved party has the right to file for divorce and seek appropriate reliefs—such as spousal maintenance, division of matrimonial assets, or custody of children.
These are legally structured and designed to provide fair outcomes without resorting to punitive criminal action. The family court framework in Singapore is well-equipped to handle such personal disputes, offering a path to resolution that is both practical and proportionate.
What Happens If You Get Charged With Adultery In Singapore?
To begin with, it’s important to be clear: you cannot be criminally charged for adultery in Singapore. Cheating on a spouse does not constitute a criminal offence and is not prosecutable under the Penal Code. However, adultery can carry serious legal consequences within the civil realm, particularly if a divorce is filed.
In the eyes of Singapore’s family courts, adultery is a recognised ground for divorce under the Women’s Charter. If one spouse has committed adultery and the other finds it intolerable to continue living with them, the innocent party can petition for divorce.
This requires proof of the affair, which may involve photographic evidence, witness testimony, or a private investigator’s report. The court must be satisfied that adultery occurred and that it has made continued cohabitation unreasonable for the affected spouse.
Beyond the dissolution of marriage, adultery may also influence ancillary matters during divorce proceedings.
For example, while Singapore courts typically aim for a fair and equitable distribution of matrimonial assets, adultery might tip the scale in certain cases—particularly if the unfaithful party’s actions have caused emotional or financial harm.
How To Prove Adultery In Singapore?
In Singapore, proving adultery in a divorce case can be one of the more challenging aspects of matrimonial proceedings.
While adultery is not a criminal offence—meaning there’s no penalty for adultery in Singapore under criminal law—it is a valid ground for divorce under the Women’s Charter. That said, the burden of proof lies with the spouse making the accusation.
To successfully establish adultery, the court must be satisfied that a sexual relationship occurred between your spouse and a third party. Mere suspicions or emotional betrayal are not enough. You must present clear and convincing evidence, often of a direct or circumstantial nature.
Types Of Evidence That Can Help Prove Adultery:
- Photographic or Video Evidence: Images or footage showing your spouse entering a hotel or private residence with another person late at night and not leaving until morning can strongly support your claim.
- Text Messages or Emails: Explicit conversations that suggest a sexual relationship can serve as strong indicators of adultery. These need to be authenticated and shown to the court.
- Private Investigator Reports: Hiring a licensed private investigator can be one of the most effective ways to obtain reliable and legal surveillance. CatchCheating is experienced in tracking down hidden relationships and gathering discreet but admissible evidence.
- Confessions or Admissions: If your spouse admits to the affair—either verbally or in writing—this can be used in court. However, such confessions must be clear and unambiguous.
- Witness Testimony: In rare cases, a witness may be able to testify to having seen the affair take place, or having knowledge of the improper association.
What About Circumstantial Evidence?
The Singapore courts do recognise circumstantial evidence, especially in cases where direct proof is hard to come by.
For example, if it can be shown that your spouse and another person frequently met in private settings under suspicious circumstances, the court may infer that sexual relations likely occurred. However, the evidence must be compelling enough to draw a reasonable conclusion—mere speculation will not suffice.
Challenges And Legal Support
Proving adultery is rarely straightforward. Most affairs are carried out in secret, and gathering credible proof can be emotionally and logistically taxing. There’s also the legal requirement that the act of adultery made it “intolerable” for you to continue living with your spouse. This means timing and context matter.
Engaging legal counsel can help you understand what kind of evidence is admissible and how to present it effectively in court. A family lawyer can also advise on how your proof may impact ancillary matters such as maintenance, custody, or the division of matrimonial assets.
In cases where discretion, skill, and legality are paramount, hiring a licensed private investigator can be a game-changer. Agencies like CatchCheating are trained to uncover hidden behaviour and provide high-quality, court-admissible reports without overstepping privacy laws.
Conclusion About Adultery In Singapore
Adultery, while morally serious, is not considered a criminal offence in Singapore. The law does not punish infidelity with jail time or fines.
However, that doesn’t mean it carries no consequences. In civil matters like divorce, adultery can strongly influence outcomes—especially when it comes to issues like maintenance, custody, and division of assets.
If you’re dealing with a situation involving suspected infidelity, it’s important to understand your legal rights and options. Singapore’s legal system treats adultery as a civil issue, not a criminal one, which means the right support—legal or investigative—can make all the difference.
Need discreet, professional help? Contact CatchCheating, Singapore’s top private investigators. Whether you need proof of infidelity, surveillance for commercial wrongdoing, or assistance with family and matrimonial cases, our team delivers results with precision, confidentiality, and integrity.
With over 30 years of experience, licensed by the PLRD and connected to global investigative networks, we are fully equipped to uncover the truth—locally or overseas.
Your peace of mind matters. Reach out to CatchCheating today and take the first step toward clarity.
Frequently Asked Questions About Adultery In Singapore
Can I File A Police Report If My Spouse Cheats In Singapore?
No, you cannot file a police report for adultery as it is not a criminal offence in Singapore. Cheating is considered a civil matter, typically addressed through divorce proceedings.
Is Emotional Cheating Treated The Same As Physical Adultery In Singapore Courts?
No, Singapore courts require evidence of a sexual relationship to prove adultery. Emotional affairs alone generally do not meet the legal threshold for adultery under family law.
Where Can I Seek Help If I Suspect My Spouse Is Cheating In Singapore?
You can seek help from a family lawyer, counsellor, or licensed private investigator. At CatchCheating, we specialise in discreet surveillance and fact-finding to uncover the truth about suspected infidelity.
How Do Private Investigators In Singapore Help In Adultery Cases?
Private investigators conduct covert surveillance, gather photographic or video evidence, and document suspicious behaviour. This information can be crucial when filing for divorce on the grounds of adultery.
Should I Confront My Spouse Before Gathering Evidence Of Adultery?
It’s usually best to gather evidence first before confronting your spouse. A confrontation may cause them to hide their tracks, making it harder to obtain proof later on.
