fc_judgments_version: 17
This data as json
| _id | _item | _version | _commit | tags | date | court | case-number | title | citation | url | counsel | timestamp | coram | html | _item_full_hash |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17 | 16 | 1 | 1284 | [
"Family Law \u2013 Maintenance for children"
] |
2024-02-08 | Family Court | MSS 1022 of 2023 | WTA v WSZ | [2024] SGFC 2 | https://www.lawnet.sg:443/lawnet/web/lawnet/free-resources?p_p_id=freeresources_WAR_lawnet3baseportlet&p_p_lifecycle=1&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&_freeresources_WAR_lawnet3baseportlet_action=openContentPage&_freeresources_WAR_lawnet3baseportlet_docId=%2FJudgment%2F31031-SSP.xml | [
"Ms Tan Siew Kim with Mr Loo Liang Zhi of M/s Sterling Law Corporations for the Mother",
"Father was in Person."
] |
2024-02-14T16:00:00Z[GMT] | Christine Lee | <root><head><title>WTA v WSZ</title></head><content><div class="contentsOfFile"> <h2 align="center" class="title"><span class="caseTitle"> WTA <em>v</em> WSZ </span><br><span class="Citation offhyperlink"><a class="pagecontent" href="javascript:viewPageContent('/Judgment/31031-SSP.xml')">[2024] SGFC 2</a></span></h2><table id="info-table"><tbody><tr class="info-row"><td class="txt-label" style="padding: 4px 0px; white-space: nowrap" valign="top">Case Number</td><td class="info-delim1" style="padding: 4px">:</td><td class="txt-body">MSS 1022 of 2023</td></tr><tr class="info-row"><td class="txt-label" style="padding: 4px 0px; white-space: nowrap" valign="top">Decision Date</td><td class="info-delim1" style="padding: 4px">:</td><td class="txt-body">08 February 2024</td></tr><tr class="info-row"><td class="txt-label" style="padding: 4px 0px; white-space: nowrap" valign="top">Tribunal/Court</td><td class="info-delim1" style="padding: 4px">:</td><td class="txt-body">Family Court</td></tr><tr class="info-row"><td class="txt-label" style="padding: 4px 0px; white-space: nowrap" valign="top">Coram</td><td class="info-delim1" style="padding: 4px">:</td><td class="txt-body"> Christine Lee </td></tr><tr class="info-row"><td class="txt-label" style="padding: 4px 0px; white-space: nowrap" valign="top">Counsel Name(s)</td><td class="info-delim1" style="padding: 4px">:</td><td class="txt-body"> Ms Tan Siew Kim with Mr Loo Liang Zhi of M/s Sterling Law Corporations for the Mother; Father was in Person. </td></tr><tr class="info-row"><td class="txt-label" style="padding: 4px 0px; white-space: nowrap" valign="top">Parties</td><td class="info-delim1" style="padding: 4px">:</td><td class="txt-body"> WTA — WSZ </td></tr></tbody></table> <p class="txt-body"><span style="font-style:italic">Family Law</span> – <span style="font-style:italic">Maintenance for children</span></p> <p></p><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td width="80%"><p class="Judg-Hearing-Date">8 February 2024</p></td><td><p class="Judg-Date-Reserved"></p></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p> <p class="Judg-Author"> District Judge Christine Lee:</p> <p class="Judg-Heading-1">Introduction</p> <p class="Judg-1"><a id="p1_1"></a>1 This case involves cross appeals firstly by the Father in DCA 107 of 2023 regarding the whole<span class="FootnoteRef"><a href="#Ftn_1" id="Ftn_1_1"><sup>[note: 1]</sup></a></span> of the Maintenance Court Order that I issued in MO 489/2023 under MSS 1022 of 2023 on 27 October 2023 relating to the maintenance payable by him for the two children of the marriage.</p> <p class="Judg-1"><a id="p1_2"></a>2 Secondly, the Mother cross appealed in DCA 109 of 2023 as I did not order maintenance arrears to be paid by the Father in the same application under MSS 1022 of 2023.</p> <p class="Judg-1"><a id="p1_3"></a>3 The Mother’s maintenance application in MSS 1022 of 2023 was heard by me over two hearing days after which I delivered my decision on the 2<sup>nd</sup> hearing day and issued the Maintenance Court Order in MO 489/2023 dated 27 October 2023.</p> <p class="Judg-1"><a id="p1_4"></a>4 On 8 November 2023, the Father filed his appeal in DCA 107 of 2023 and on 9 November 2023, the Mother filed her appeal in DCA 109 of 2023.</p> <p class="Judg-Heading-1">Facts</p> <p class="Judg-Heading-2">The Parties</p> <p class="Judg-1"><a id="p1_5"></a>5 The Complainant Mother (the Mother) and Respondent Father (the Father) married in Singapore on 7 January 2012. There are two children of the marriage namely, <b>[Child 1]</b> (m) DOB xx October 2013 aged 10 years and <b>[Child 2]</b> (m) DOB xx July 2016 aged 7 years (“the said 2 children”). The marriage lasted about 10 years before the Mother filed Writ of Divorce on 7 January 2023 in FC/D xx/2023 in Singapore. The Father filed his Counterclaim (Amendment No 1) on 12 April 2023.</p> <p class="Judg-1"><a id="p1_6"></a>6 Interim Judgement was granted on 12 June 2023 based on the fact that the Mother had sufficiently proven the contents of the Statement of Claim and the Father had sufficiently proven the contents of the Counterclaim (Amendment No 1) and the marriage was dissolved by reason of the unreasonable behaviour of both Parties.</p> <p class="Judg-1"><a id="p1_7"></a>7 By consent, the issues of interim joint custody, with care and control of the said 2 children to the Mother and access to the Father, were resolved in a Court Order dated 18 April 2023. The Parties are now undergoing Discovery and Interrogatories under the divorce case.</p> <p class="Judg-1"><a id="p1_8"></a>8 In the meanwhile, the Mother filed MSS 1022 of 2023 on 8 May 2023 seeking interim maintenance for herself and the said 2 children, which application was heard before me on 4 September 2023 and 27 October 2023. In her application, the Mother sought the payment of $5,000.00 per month (being $2,500.00 per child) as maintenance for the said 2 children and the sum of $2,000.00 per month as maintenance for herself from the Father. For both hearings, the Mother was represented by Counsel whilst the Father, who is a lawyer, represented himself.</p> <p class="Judg-Heading-2">The Parties cases</p> <p class="Judg-1"><a id="p1_9"></a>9 The Father’s case was that he had been paying $2,500.00 per month for the said 2 children’s maintenance and their additional miscellaneous expenses such as Coding classes and Taekwondo, when presented with the receipts by the Mother. The Father was of the view that the Mother’s claim for $5,000.00 per month as maintenance for the said 2 children, was inflated and unreasonable<span class="FootnoteRef"><a href="#Ftn_2" id="Ftn_2_1"><sup>[note: 2]</sup></a></span>.</p> <p class="Judg-1"><a id="p1_10"></a>10 The Father was also of the view that no maintenance should be payable by him to the Mother as she had started working since July 2023 and she had the ability to earn a significantly higher salary than what she was currently earning<span class="FootnoteRef"><a href="#Ftn_3" id="Ftn_3_1"><sup>[note: 3]</sup></a></span>. The Father submitted that up to 2019, the Mother was a Senior Staff Nurse at [A] hospital dealing with chronic diseases and could earn about $5,000.00 per month. The Father also submitted that the Mother had not made any effort to find a full-time job commiserate with her experience and it was a deliberate decision by the Mother to take on a part time job at $2,000.00 a month when she had a full-time helper<span class="FootnoteRef"><a href="#Ftn_4" id="Ftn_4_1"><sup>[note: 4]</sup></a></span>.</p> <p class="Judg-1"><a id="p1_11"></a>11 The Mother’s case was that prior to their separation in December 2022, the Father was solely bearing all the family’s expenses of around $6,000.00 per month<span class="FootnoteRef"><a href="#Ftn_5" id="Ftn_5_1"><sup>[note: 5]</sup></a></span>. It was submitted that the Mother’s total monthly expenses was at $2,483.33 and the elder child’s total monthly expenses was at $3,458.50 with the younger child’s total monthly expenses at $3,226.00<span class="FootnoteRef"><a href="#Ftn_6" id="Ftn_6_1"><sup>[note: 6]</sup></a></span>. Therefore, the Mother’s position was that the Father’s payment of $2,500.00 per month for the said 2 children’s maintenance was grossly inadequate<span class="FootnoteRef"><a href="#Ftn_7" id="Ftn_7_1"><sup>[note: 7]</sup></a></span>. It was also submitted that the Father used to pay $500.00 for the Mother’s maintenance until he stopped paying this after June 2023<span class="FootnoteRef"><a href="#Ftn_8" id="Ftn_8_1"><sup>[note: 8]</sup></a></span>.</p> <p class="Judg-1"><a id="p1_12"></a>12 It was further submitted that the Father had an earning capacity of up to $22,000.00 per month<span class="FootnoteRef"><a href="#Ftn_9" id="Ftn_9_1"><sup>[note: 9]</sup></a></span> and that he had confirmed that he would not pay what the Mother considered to be reasonable maintenance, without an Order of Court. The Mother asked for a fixed maintenance sum as it was submitted that it was “impossible” to get reimbursement from the Father<span class="FootnoteRef"><a href="#Ftn_10" id="Ftn_10_1"><sup>[note: 10]</sup></a></span>. The Mother also wanted the maintenance payable by the Father to be back-dated to January 2023.</p> <p class="Judg-Heading-2">The Father’s Appeal</p> <p class="Judg-1"><a id="p1_13"></a>13 As the Father’s appeal was filed first in time, I will deal with the Father’s appeal first. The Father has appealed against Clauses 1 to 5 of my Court Order in MO 489/2023 dated 27 October 2023. In effect, that is the entire Court Order that I made regarding the Mother’s application for interim maintenance for the said 2 children as I did not order any maintenance to be payable for the Mother.</p> <p class="Judg-1"><a id="p1_14"></a>14 In making my decision on the Mother’s application, I noted that the caselaw principles for interim maintenance under section 69 of the Women’s Charter is clear. The Court of Appeal had said in the case of <b><em>Foo Ah Yan v Chiam Heng Chow <a class="pagecontent" href="javascript:viewPageContent('/SLR/[2012] 2 SLR 0506.xml')">[2012] 2 SLR 506</a></em></b> that the objective of section 69 applications is to provide the Wife and children with a reasonable quantum of maintenance to help them overcome their immediate financial needs having regard to all the circumstances of the case including the factors listed in section 69(4). The “immediate financial needs” approach was adopted because section 69 applications are not final maintenance applications as this comes after the Ancillary Matters in the divorce case is finalised.</p> <p class="Judg-1"><a id="p1_15"></a>15 Therefore, in my view, the key considerations for the payment of interim maintenance for the said 2 children were (i) the reasonableness of the monthly expenses of each child (ii) the income ratio disparity of the Parties and (iii) the Parties’ financial capacity to pay such maintenance.</p> <p class="Judg-1"><a id="p1_16"></a>16 I was also guided by the case of <b><em>APE v APF <a class="pagecontent" href="javascript:viewPageContent('/Judgment/16869-SSP.xml')">[2015] SGHC 17</a></em></b>, wherein the Honourable Justice Tan Siong Thye held [at paragraph 43] that “<em>It is trite that maintenance is ordered in order to meet the reasonable needs of the child and if the child’s lifestyle is overly extravagant, the husband should not be made to bear the costs of it</em>.” And [at paragraph 45]: “<em>In arriving at my decision, I noted that the wife was indulging the child in many things which might be nice to have but were not reasonably necessary for the child’s needs</em>.”</p> <p class="Judg-Heading-2">My assessment of the said 2 children’s reasonable monthly expenses</p> <p class="Judg-1"><a id="p1_17"></a>17 I was of the view that as the Parties were currently undergoing divorce proceedings, it would be in the best interests of the said 2 children to minimise the acrimony between the Parties by providing for fixed maintenance wherever possible.</p> <p class="Judg-1"><a id="p1_18"></a>18 However, at the same time, I also took into account the Father’s position he was happy to pay in full for the said 2 children’s maintenance expenses<span class="FootnoteRef"><a href="#Ftn_11" id="Ftn_11_1"><sup>[note: 11]</sup></a></span> but that he needed proof of what he was paying for<span class="FootnoteRef"><a href="#Ftn_12" id="Ftn_12_1"><sup>[note: 12]</sup></a></span>. Therefore, to be fair to the Father, I was also of the view that variable expenses would require the Father’s prior consent before he should be made liable to pay for such expenses.</p> <p class="Judg-1"><a id="p1_19"></a>19 In consideration of the above, and after taking into account the Parties’ positions, my assessment of the reasonable monthly expenses for the elder child was in the last column below as follows:</p> <table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="Judg-2-tblr" frame="all" pgwide="1"><colgroup><col width="7.28145629125825%"><col width="29.005801160232%"><col width="20.4440888177636%"><col width="22.0844168833767%"><col width="21.1842368473695%"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="center" class="Table-Para-1"> <b>S/N</b> </p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="center" class="Table-Para-1"> <b>ITEM</b> </p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="center" class="Table-Para-1"> <b>Mother</b> </p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="center" class="Table-Para-1"> <b>Father</b> </p> </td><td align="left" class="b" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="center" class="Table-Para-1"> <b>Court</b> </p> </td></tr><tr><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">1.</p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">School related items </p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">$200.</p> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">Additional school fees of $65 and also school excursions at about $20. Took annual figure and divided by 12 months. </p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">Excessive. Should be $50. </p> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">Final position = $121.92.<span class="FootnoteRef"><a href="#Ftn_13" id="Ftn_13_1"><sup>[note: 13]</sup></a></span></p> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">Suggest reimbursement basis or payment in advance at 100%.</p> </td><td align="left" class="b" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">$65 for fixed maintenance. </p> </td></tr><tr><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">2.</p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">School Bus</p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">$250. </p> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">Extra $50 is for his CCA after school.</p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">Excessive and should be $171<span class="FootnoteRef"><a href="#Ftn_14" id="Ftn_14_1"><sup>[note: 14]</sup></a></span>.</p> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">Suggest reimbursement basis or payment in advance at 100%.</p> </td><td align="left" class="b" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">$200 for fixed maintenance.</p> </td></tr><tr><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">3.</p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">Laptop etc </p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">$100.</p> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">Disagree because he has not reimbursed for other items. </p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">If agree, suggest reimbursement basis or payment in advance at 100%.</p> </td><td align="left" class="b" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">Separate provision when required.</p> </td></tr><tr><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">4.</p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">Weekly allowance </p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">$120.</p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">Accept $120.<span class="FootnoteRef"><a href="#Ftn_15" id="Ftn_15_1"><sup>[note: 15]</sup></a></span></p> </td><td align="left" class="b" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">$120 for fixed maintenance.</p> </td></tr><tr><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">5.</p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">Enrichment at Berries</p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">$225.</p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">Accept $225.<span class="FootnoteRef"><a href="#Ftn_16" id="Ftn_16_1"><sup>[note: 16]</sup></a></span></p> </td><td align="left" class="b" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">$225 as agreed current enrichment fixed in a separate provision and any change requires Father’s prior consent. </p> </td></tr><tr><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">6.</p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">Global Art</p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">$330.56.</p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">Accept $330.56.<span class="FootnoteRef"><a href="#Ftn_17" id="Ftn_17_1"><sup>[note: 17]</sup></a></span></p> </td><td align="left" class="b" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">$330.56 as agreed current enrichment fixed in a separate provision and any change requires Father’s prior consent.</p> </td></tr><tr><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">7.</p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">Coding programs and education materials </p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">$200.</p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">Excessive. If agree and should be reimbursement or payment in advance at 100%.</p> </td><td align="left" class="b" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">Separate provision as and when required.</p> </td></tr><tr><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">8.</p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">Taekwondo</p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">$200.</p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">Excessive. Suggest reimbursement basis or payment in advance at 100%.</p> </td><td align="left" class="b" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">$200 as agreed current enrichment fixed in a separate provision and any change requires Father’s prior consent.</p> </td></tr><tr><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">9.</p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">Daily needs (Groceries, clothes, shoes, toiletries, grooming)</p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">$300.</p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="2" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">Excessive and should be $350.<span class="FootnoteRef"><a href="#Ftn_18" id="Ftn_18_1"><sup>[note: 18]</sup></a></span></p> </td><td align="left" class="b" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">$200 is reasonable. </p> </td></tr><tr><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">10.</p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">Meals</p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">$300.</p> </td><td align="left" class="b" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">$200 is reasonable. </p> </td></tr><tr><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">11.</p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">Transportation via car</p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">$150.</p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">Excessive and should be $50.<span class="FootnoteRef"><a href="#Ftn_19" id="Ftn_19_1"><sup>[note: 19]</sup></a></span></p> </td><td align="left" class="b" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">$50 is reasonable. </p> </td></tr><tr><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">12.</p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">Share of household expenses</p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">$100.</p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">Excessive and should be $50.<span class="FootnoteRef"><a href="#Ftn_20" id="Ftn_20_1"><sup>[note: 20]</sup></a></span></p> </td><td align="left" class="b" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">$100 is reasonable. </p> </td></tr><tr><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">13.</p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">Phone Bill</p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">$40.</p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">Accept $40.<span class="FootnoteRef"><a href="#Ftn_21" id="Ftn_21_1"><sup>[note: 21]</sup></a></span></p> </td><td align="left" class="b" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">$40 is reasonable.</p> </td></tr><tr><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">14.</p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">Helper expenses </p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">$500.</p> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">Disagree as this includes agency fees, medical bills and toiletries. We have always had a helper to care for the children. </p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">Excessive and should be $300<span class="FootnoteRef"><a href="#Ftn_22" id="Ftn_22_1"><sup>[note: 22]</sup></a></span> although this is not an expense that he should bear. Not shown any documents to show total costs.</p> </td><td align="left" class="b" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">$500 is reasonable. </p> </td></tr><tr><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">15.</p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">Medical</p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">$80.</p> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">Disagree excessive or to reimbursement without being scolded or blamed when I ask. Rather have fixed amount. </p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="4" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">Excessive Suggest reimbursement basis or payment in advance at 100%.<span class="FootnoteRef"><a href="#Ftn_23" id="Ftn_23_1"><sup>[note: 23]</sup></a></span></p> </td><td align="left" class="b" rowspan="2" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">$50 for both medical and dental per month is reasonable and anything beyond this sum requires reimbursement. </p> </td></tr><tr><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">16.</p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">Dental</p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">$20.</p> </td></tr><tr><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">17.</p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">Spectacles</p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">$42.</p> </td><td align="left" class="b" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">Not every month so separate provision for reimbursement. </p> </td></tr><tr><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">18.</p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">Supplements/vitamins</p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">$30.</p> </td><td align="left" class="b" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">Not necessary. </p> </td></tr><tr><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">19.</p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">Insurance policies </p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">$270.50.</p> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">Incorrect as he bought the policy and it is under his name. Prefer to be the one paying so easier for me to claim.</p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">Excessive Suggest reimbursement basis or payment in advance at 100%. Have been paying this to-date<span class="FootnoteRef"><a href="#Ftn_24" id="Ftn_24_1"><sup>[note: 24]</sup></a></span>.</p> </td><td align="left" class="b" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">Father to continue paying.</p> </td></tr><tr><td align="left" class="r" colspan="2" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="center" class="Table-Para-1"> <b>TOTAL</b> </p> </td><td align="left" class="r" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1"> <b>$3,458.50</b> </p> </td><td align="left" class="r" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1"> <b>$1,758.48 plus reimbursement</b> </p> </td><td align="left" class="" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1"> <b>$1,525 plus separate provisions</b> </p> </td></tr></tbody></table><br clear="left"><br clear="left"> <p class="Judg-1"><a id="p1_20"></a>20 I also took into account the Parties’ positions when I made an assessment of the reasonable monthly expenses for the younger child<span class="FootnoteRef"><a href="#Ftn_25" id="Ftn_25_1"><sup>[note: 25]</sup></a></span> in the last column below as follows:</p> <table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="Judg-2-tblr" frame="all" pgwide="1"><colgroup><col width="7.28145629125825%"><col width="29.005801160232%"><col width="20.4440888177636%"><col width="22.0844168833767%"><col width="21.1842368473695%"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="center" class="Table-Para-1"> <b>S/N</b> </p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="center" class="Table-Para-1"> <b>ITEM</b> </p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="center" class="Table-Para-1"> <b>Mother</b> </p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="center" class="Table-Para-1"> <b>Father</b> </p> </td><td align="left" class="b" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="center" class="Table-Para-1"> <b>Court</b> </p> </td></tr><tr><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">1.</p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">School related items </p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">$200.</p> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">Additional school fees of $65 and also school excursions at about $20. Took annual figure and divided by 12 months. </p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">Excessive. Should be $50. </p> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">Final position = $121.92.</p> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">Suggest reimbursement basis or payment in advance at 100%.</p> </td><td align="left" class="b" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">$50 is reasonable.</p> </td></tr><tr><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">2.</p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">School Bus</p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">$200.</p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">Excessive. Suggest reimbursement basis or payment in advance at 100%.</p> </td><td align="left" class="b" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">$200 is reasonable.</p> </td></tr><tr><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">3.</p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">Laptop etc </p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">$100.</p> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">Disagree because he has not reimbursed for other items. </p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">If agree, suggest reimbursement basis or payment in advance at 100%.</p> </td><td align="left" class="b" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">Separate provision when required.</p> </td></tr><tr><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">4.</p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">Weekly allowance </p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">$90.</p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">Accept $90.</p> </td><td align="left" class="b" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">$90 is reasonable.</p> </td></tr><tr><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">5.</p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">Enrichment at Berries</p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">$225.</p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">Accept $225.</p> </td><td align="left" class="b" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">$225 as agreed current enrichment fixed in a separate provision and any change requires Father’s prior consent.</p> </td></tr><tr><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">6.</p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">Global Art</p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">$330.56.</p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">Accept $330.56.</p> </td><td align="left" class="b" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">$330.56 as agreed current enrichment fixed in a separate provision and any change requires Father’s prior consent.</p> </td></tr><tr><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">7.</p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">Coding programs and education materials </p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">$100.</p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">Excessive. If agree and should be reimbursement or payment in advance at 100%.</p> </td><td align="left" class="b" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">Separate provision when required.</p> </td></tr><tr><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">8.</p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">Taekwondo</p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">$200.</p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">Excessive. Suggest reimbursement basis or payment in advance at 100%.</p> </td><td align="left" class="b" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">$200 as agreed current enrichment fixed in a separate provision and any change requires Father’s prior consent.</p> </td></tr><tr><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">9.</p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">Daily needs (Groceries, clothes, shoes, toiletries, grooming)</p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">$300.</p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="2" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">Excessive and should be $350.</p> </td><td align="left" class="b" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">$200 is reasonable. </p> </td></tr><tr><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">10.</p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">Meals</p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">$300.</p> </td><td align="left" class="b" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">$200 is reasonable.</p> </td></tr><tr><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">11.</p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">Transportation via car</p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">$150.</p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">Excessive and should be $50.</p> </td><td align="left" class="b" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">$50 is reasonable. </p> </td></tr><tr><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">12.</p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">Share of household expenses</p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">$100.</p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">Excessive and should be $50.</p> </td><td align="left" class="b" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">$100 is reasonable. </p> </td></tr><tr><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">13.</p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">Phone Bill</p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">$40.</p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">Accept $40.</p> </td><td align="left" class="b" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">$40.</p> </td></tr><tr><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">14.</p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">Helper expenses </p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">$500.</p> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">Disagree as this includes agency fees, medical bills and toiletries. We have always had a helper to care for the children. </p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">Excessive and should be $300 although this is not an expense that he should bear. Not shown any documents to show total costs. </p> </td><td align="left" class="b" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">$500 is reasonable. </p> </td></tr><tr><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">15.</p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">Medical</p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">$50.</p> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">Disagree excessive or to reimbursement without being scolded or blamed when I ask. Rather have fixed amount. </p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="4" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">Excessive Suggest reimbursement basis or payment in advance at 100%.</p> </td><td align="left" class="b" rowspan="2" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">$50 for both medical and dental per month is reasonable and anything beyond this sum requires reimbursement. </p> </td></tr><tr><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">16.</p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">Dental</p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">$35.</p> </td></tr><tr><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">17.</p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">Spectacles</p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">$25.</p> </td><td align="left" class="b" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">Not every month so separate proviso for reimbursement. </p> </td></tr><tr><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">18.</p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">Supplements/vitamins</p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">$30.</p> </td><td align="left" class="b" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">Not necessary </p> </td></tr><tr><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">19.</p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">Insurance policies </p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">$270.50.</p> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">Incorrect as H bought the policy and it is under his name. Prefer to be the one paying so easier for me to claim.</p> </td><td align="left" class="br" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">Excessive Suggest reimbursement basis or payment in advance at 100%. Have been paying this to-date.</p> </td><td align="left" class="b" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1">Father to continue paying.</p> </td></tr><tr><td align="left" class="r" colspan="2" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="center" class="Table-Para-1"> <b>TOTAL</b> </p> </td><td align="left" class="r" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1"> <b>$3,226</b> </p> </td><td align="left" class="r" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1"> <b>$1,557.48 plus reimbursement</b> </p> </td><td align="left" class="" rowspan="1" valign="top"> <p align="justify" class="Table-Para-1"> <b>$1,480 plus separate provisions</b> </p> </td></tr></tbody></table><br clear="left"><br clear="left"> <p class="Judg-Heading-2">My Decision on the Father’s Case </p> <p class="Judg-1"><a id="p1_21"></a>21 I was therefore of the view that the reasonable monthly expenses of the elder child was in the sum of $1,525.00 for fixed maintenance expenses and for the younger child, in the sum of $1,480.00 per month. At the same time, I assessed that the income ratio disparity of the Parties was at 85% (Father) vs 15% (Mother), which was confirmed by the Father<span class="FootnoteRef"><a href="#Ftn_26" id="Ftn_26_1"><sup>[note: 26]</sup></a></span>.</p> <p class="Judg-1"><a id="p1_22"></a>22 On the issue of capacity to pay, I noted that the Father had testified that his current income was at the nett amount of $11,297.00 per month and after paying his own total monthly expenses, which included the sum of $2,500.00<span class="FootnoteRef"><a href="#Ftn_27" id="Ftn_27_1"><sup>[note: 27]</sup></a></span> that he was currently paying for the said 2 children’s maintenance, this would leave him with the monthly disposable income of around $4,000.00<span class="FootnoteRef"><a href="#Ftn_28" id="Ftn_28_1"><sup>[note: 28]</sup></a></span> or the sum of $6,500.00 disposable income per month excluding the said 2 children’s maintenance. I further noted that the Father had himself testified that he was willing to bear the entirety, that is to say 100% of the said 2 children’s expenses<span class="FootnoteRef"><a href="#Ftn_29" id="Ftn_29_1"><sup>[note: 29]</sup></a></span>.</p> <p class="Judg-1"><a id="p1_23"></a>23 I also took into account the fact that I had agreed with the Father than no maintenance was payable by him for the Mother<span class="FootnoteRef"><a href="#Ftn_30" id="Ftn_30_1"><sup>[note: 30]</sup></a></span> at this stage. However, I was aware that as the Parent with care and control of the said 2 children, there would be many daily miscellaneous expenses that the Mother would be incurring in her care of the said 2 children, on her current nett income of $2,000.00 per month less her own monthly expenses.</p> <p class="Judg-1"><a id="p1_24"></a>24 In this regard, I was guided by the case of <b><em>AUA v ATZ <a class="pagecontent" href="javascript:viewPageContent('/SLR/19292-SSP.xml')">[2016] 4 SLR 674</a></em></b> [paragraph 41] wherein the Court of Appeal held that “<em>both Parents are equally responsible for providing for their children, but their precise obligations may differ depending on their means and capacities</em>”.</p> <p class="Judg-1"><a id="p1_25"></a>25 I was also guided by the case of <b><em>BPC v BPB [2019] SGCA 03</em></b>, wherein the Court of Appeal held [at paragraph 111] that section 68 of the Woman’s Charter, does not mandate that each Parent should bear an equal share of the burden of providing maintenance for their children. The Court of Appeal said that “<em>We do not accept that s68 mandates such a result. Although Parents do indeed share an equal responsibility for looking after their children, this ought not to necessarily translate into each Parent bearing an equal share of the burden to provide maintenance for their children. This is because the extent of the duty to provide maintenance rests on a host of factors enumerated by s.114(1) of the Charter.”</em></p> <p class="Judg-1"><a id="p1_26"></a>26 On a balance of all the above factors, I was of the view that the Father should pay the sum of $3,000.00 per month based on my assessment of the reasonable monthly expenses of $1,525.00 for a 10-year-old (elder child) + $1,480.00 for a 7-year-old (younger child) = $3,005.00 rounded to $3,000.00 as fixed maintenance per month for the said 2 children. This was provided in Clause 1 of my Court Order.</p> <p class="Judg-1"><a id="p1_27"></a>27 In fact, my assessment of the elder child’s reasonable monthly expenses was less than what the Father himself accepted was reasonable at $1,758.48 plus reimbursements (see table at Paragraph 19 above). The same for the younger child, as the Father’s figure was at $1,557.48 plus reimbursements (see table at Paragraph 20 above).</p> <p class="Judg-1"><a id="p1_28"></a>28 As for Clause 2 of my Court Order, after taking into account the Mother’s repeated concern that it was “impossible” to get reimbursement from the Father, balanced against the Father’s position that he needed proof or supporting documents for what he was paying for<span class="FootnoteRef"><a href="#Ftn_31" id="Ftn_31_1"><sup>[note: 31]</sup></a></span>, I was of the view that a separate provision was required for the agreed enrichment activities<span class="FootnoteRef"><a href="#Ftn_32" id="Ftn_32_1"><sup>[note: 32]</sup></a></span> with proof of payment after. This was capped at the current amounts in the monthly sum of $1,511.00 as stated in Clause 2 of my Court Order. In this way, the Father was only obliged to pay for what had already been agreed upon and the Mother was only required to provide proof of payment to confirm what the Father had paid for.</p> <p class="Judg-1"><a id="p1_29"></a>29 Therefore, the total monthly amount payable by the Father for the said 2 children’s monthly maintenance, was in the sum of $4,511 per month<span class="FootnoteRef"><a href="#Ftn_33" id="Ftn_33_1"><sup>[note: 33]</sup></a></span> which, in my assessment, was at about 40% of his nett income and within his monthly disposable income.</p> <p class="Judg-1"><a id="p1_30"></a>30 In Clause 3 of my Court Order, I also provided for the said 2 children’s other variable expenses in another separate provision on a reimbursement basis because these were ad hoc and not fixed monthly expenses. In Clause 4 of my Court Order, I provided for the Father’s continued payment of the said 2 children’s current insurance policies as the Father had confirmed that he had been making such payments<span class="FootnoteRef"><a href="#Ftn_34" id="Ftn_34_1"><sup>[note: 34]</sup></a></span>.</p> <p class="Judg-1"><a id="p1_31"></a>31 Clause 5 of my Court Order sets out the details of payment by the Father into the Mother’s bank account, which is self-explanatory. The date of payment being 1<sup>st</sup> November 2023 was in fact proposed by the Father himself<span class="FootnoteRef"><a href="#Ftn_35" id="Ftn_35_1"><sup>[note: 35]</sup></a></span>.</p> <p class="Judg-Heading-1"> <em>The Mother’s Appeal</em> </p> <p class="Judg-1"><a id="p1_32"></a>32 The crux of the Mother’s appeal is that I did not order the Father to pay back-dated maintenance with effect from January 2023<span class="FootnoteRef"><a href="#Ftn_36" id="Ftn_36_1"><sup>[note: 36]</sup></a></span>.</p> <p class="Judg-1"><a id="p1_33"></a>33 On the issue of back-dated maintenance, I drew guidance from the case of <b><em>AJE v AJF <a class="pagecontent" href="javascript:viewPageContent('/Judgment/[2011] SGHC 0115.xml')">[2011] SGHC 115</a></em></b> wherein the High Court held that [at paragraph 27 of the case] “<em>The determination of the operative date is governed by the facts of each case. If the applicant had to incur debts or sell possessions to make up for the shortfall in maintenance, that would be a strong ground for backdating the maintenance. On the other hand, if the applicant had been able to manage with the pre-ordered maintenance, back-payment would be a windfall, and the case for back-dating would be weaker</em>.”</p> <p class="Judg-1"><a id="p1_34"></a>34 The evidence showed that it was not disputed that the Father had been paying maintenance of over $2,000.00 per month for the said 2 children since January 2023<span class="FootnoteRef"><a href="#Ftn_37" id="Ftn_37_1"><sup>[note: 37]</sup></a></span>. In addition, it was not disputed that from January 2023 to June 2023, the Father also paid what he called “a contribution” to the Mother in the sum of $500.00 per month because she was not working at the time<span class="FootnoteRef"><a href="#Ftn_38" id="Ftn_38_1"><sup>[note: 38]</sup></a></span>.</p> <p class="Judg-1"><a id="p1_35"></a>35 I noted that it was the Mother’s case that the Father had been solely bearing the family’s expenses prior to December 2022<span class="FootnoteRef"><a href="#Ftn_39" id="Ftn_39_1"><sup>[note: 39]</sup></a></span> when the Parties separated. However, other than a bare assertion that she had to borrow money, which was at paragraphs 18 and 24 of Exhibit C (Mother’s Affidavit-In-Chief), there was no evidence to show what the Mother had to do to make up for the shortfall, if any, of the Mother’s and said 2 children’s expenses from January 2023.</p> <p class="Judg-Heading-2">My Decision on the Mother’s Case </p> <p class="Judg-1"><a id="p1_36"></a>36 Therefore, in my view, there was insufficient evidence to show that there were maintenance arrears and that back-dating was warranted in the case.</p> <p class="Judg-Heading-1">Conclusion</p> <p class="Judg-1"><a id="p1_37"></a>37 Accordingly, I issued my Court Order in MO 489/2023 on 27 October 2023 based on the reasons given above.</p> <p class="Judg-1"><a id="p1_38"></a>38 I have nothing further to add to my said reasons.</p> <hr align="left" size="1" width="33%"><p class="Footnote"><sup><a href="#Ftn_1_1" id="Ftn_1">[note: 1]</a></sup>Although the Notice of Appeal stated that “The appeal is against the part of the decision of District Judge Christine Lee given on 27 October 2023 as follows: Orders 1 – 5” this is in effect the whole decision.</p><p class="Footnote"><sup><a href="#Ftn_2_1" id="Ftn_2">[note: 2]</a></sup>See Notes of Evidence of Day 2 on 27 October 2023 at page 68 at lines 26 to 29.</p><p class="Footnote"><sup><a href="#Ftn_3_1" id="Ftn_3">[note: 3]</a></sup>See Notes of Evidence of Day 2 on 27 October 2023 at page 73 at lines 3 to 5.</p><p class="Footnote"><sup><a href="#Ftn_4_1" id="Ftn_4">[note: 4]</a></sup>See Notes of Evidence of Day 2 on 27 October 2023 at page 74 at lines 17 to 21.</p><p class="Footnote"><sup><a href="#Ftn_5_1" id="Ftn_5">[note: 5]</a></sup>See Notes of Evidence of Day 2 on 27 October 2023 at page 24 at lines 28 to 32 and page 25 at lines 13 to 15.</p><p class="Footnote"><sup><a href="#Ftn_6_1" id="Ftn_6">[note: 6]</a></sup>See Notes of Evidence of Day 2 on 27 October 2023 at page 61 at lines 21 to 32 and page 62 at lines 1 to 10.</p><p class="Footnote"><sup><a href="#Ftn_7_1" id="Ftn_7">[note: 7]</a></sup>See Notes of Evidence of Day 2 on 27 October 2023 at page 64 at lines 1 to 16.</p><p class="Footnote"><sup><a href="#Ftn_8_1" id="Ftn_8">[note: 8]</a></sup>See Notes of Evidence of Day 2 on 27 October 2023 at pages 44 to 46.</p><p class="Footnote"><sup><a href="#Ftn_9_1" id="Ftn_9">[note: 9]</a></sup>See Notes of Evidence of Day 2 on 27 October 2023 at page 60 at lines 28 to 32.</p><p class="Footnote"><sup><a href="#Ftn_10_1" id="Ftn_10">[note: 10]</a></sup>See Notes of Evidence of Day 2 on 27 October 2023 at page 65 at lines 23 to 32.</p><p class="Footnote"><sup><a href="#Ftn_11_1" id="Ftn_11">[note: 11]</a></sup>See Notes of Evidence of Day 2 on 27 October 2023 at page 80 at lines 12 to 17.</p><p class="Footnote"><sup><a href="#Ftn_12_1" id="Ftn_12">[note: 12]</a></sup>See Notes of Evidence of Day 2 on 27 October 2023 at page 72 at lines 8 to 16.</p><p class="Footnote"><sup><a href="#Ftn_13_1" id="Ftn_13">[note: 13]</a></sup>See Notes of Evidence of Day 1 on 4 September 2023 at page 50 at lines 7 to 10.</p><p class="Footnote"><sup><a href="#Ftn_14_1" id="Ftn_14">[note: 14]</a></sup>See Notes of Evidence of Day 1 on 4 September 2023 at pages 52/53.</p><p class="Footnote"><sup><a href="#Ftn_15_1" id="Ftn_15">[note: 15]</a></sup>See Notes of Evidence of Day 1 on 4 September 2023 at page 62 at lines 11 to 12.</p><p class="Footnote"><sup><a href="#Ftn_16_1" id="Ftn_16">[note: 16]</a></sup>See Notes of Evidence of Day 1 on 4 September 2023 at page 62 at lines 18 to 23.</p><p class="Footnote"><sup><a href="#Ftn_17_1" id="Ftn_17">[note: 17]</a></sup>See Notes of Evidence of Day 1 on 4 September 2023 at page 62 at lines 24 to 27.</p><p class="Footnote"><sup><a href="#Ftn_18_1" id="Ftn_18">[note: 18]</a></sup>See Notes of Evidence of Day 1 on 4 September 2023 at page 67 at lines 8 to 12.</p><p class="Footnote"><sup><a href="#Ftn_19_1" id="Ftn_19">[note: 19]</a></sup>See Notes of Evidence of Day 1 on 4 September 2023 at page 68 at lines 23 to 26.</p><p class="Footnote"><sup><a href="#Ftn_20_1" id="Ftn_20">[note: 20]</a></sup>See Notes of Evidence of Day 1 on 4 September 2023 at page 69 at line 1 to 7.</p><p class="Footnote"><sup><a href="#Ftn_21_1" id="Ftn_21">[note: 21]</a></sup>See Notes of Evidence of Day 1 on 4 September 2023 at page 70 at lines 11 to 12.</p><p class="Footnote"><sup><a href="#Ftn_22_1" id="Ftn_22">[note: 22]</a></sup>See Notes of Evidence of Day 1 on 4 September 2023 at page 70 at lines 14 to 17.</p><p class="Footnote"><sup><a href="#Ftn_23_1" id="Ftn_23">[note: 23]</a></sup>See Notes of Evidence of Day 1 on 4 September 2023 at page 71 at lines 19 to 22.</p><p class="Footnote"><sup><a href="#Ftn_24_1" id="Ftn_24">[note: 24]</a></sup>See Notes of Evidence of Day 1 on 4 September 2023 at page 72 at line 32 and page 73 at lines 1 to 2.</p><p class="Footnote"><sup><a href="#Ftn_25_1" id="Ftn_25">[note: 25]</a></sup>See Notes of Evidence of Day 1 on 4 September 2023 at page 73 at lines 26 to 27.</p><p class="Footnote"><sup><a href="#Ftn_26_1" id="Ftn_26">[note: 26]</a></sup>See Notes of Evidence of Day 2 on 27 October 2023 at page 79 at lines 14 to 18.</p><p class="Footnote"><sup><a href="#Ftn_27_1" id="Ftn_27">[note: 27]</a></sup>See Notes of Evidence of Day 2 on 27 October 2023 at page 70 at lines 5 to 16.</p><p class="Footnote"><sup><a href="#Ftn_28_1" id="Ftn_28">[note: 28]</a></sup>See Notes of Evidence of Day 2 on 27 October 2023 at page 50 at lines 4 to 6.</p><p class="Footnote"><sup><a href="#Ftn_29_1" id="Ftn_29">[note: 29]</a></sup>See Notes of Evidence of Day 2 on 27 October 2023 at page 79 at lines 20 to 24.</p><p class="Footnote"><sup><a href="#Ftn_30_1" id="Ftn_30">[note: 30]</a></sup>See Notes of Evidence of Day 2 on 27 October 2023 at page 91 at lines 1 to 7.</p><p class="Footnote"><sup><a href="#Ftn_31_1" id="Ftn_31">[note: 31]</a></sup>See Notes of Evidence of Day 2 on 27 October 2023 at page 72 at lines 8 to 32 and page 73 at line 1.</p><p class="Footnote"><sup><a href="#Ftn_32_1" id="Ftn_32">[note: 32]</a></sup>See Notes of Evidence of Day 1 on 4 September 2023 at page 62 at lines 18 to 28 and page 66 at lines 17 to 30.</p><p class="Footnote"><sup><a href="#Ftn_33_1" id="Ftn_33">[note: 33]</a></sup>See Notes of Evidence of Day 2 on 27 October 2023 at page 93 at lines 12 to 15.</p><p class="Footnote"><sup><a href="#Ftn_34_1" id="Ftn_34">[note: 34]</a></sup>See Notes of Evidence of Day 1 on 4 September 2023 at page 72 at lines 27 to 32 and page 73 at lines 1 to 3.</p><p class="Footnote"><sup><a href="#Ftn_35_1" id="Ftn_35">[note: 35]</a></sup>See Notes of Evidence of Day 1 on 4 September 2023 at page 82 at lines 23 to 27.</p><p class="Footnote"><sup><a href="#Ftn_36_1" id="Ftn_36">[note: 36]</a></sup>See Notes of Evidence of Day 1 on 4 September 2023 at page 17 at lines 25 to 28.</p><p class="Footnote"><sup><a href="#Ftn_37_1" id="Ftn_37">[note: 37]</a></sup>See Notes of Evidence of Day 2 on 27 October 2023 at page 70 at lines 5 to 16.</p><p class="Footnote"><sup><a href="#Ftn_38_1" id="Ftn_38">[note: 38]</a></sup>See Notes of Evidence of Day 2 on 27 October 2023 at page 45 at lines 8 to 25.</p><p class="Footnote"><sup><a href="#Ftn_39_1" id="Ftn_39">[note: 39]</a></sup>See Notes of Evidence of Day 2 on 27 October 2023 at page 63 at lines 1 to 11.</p></div></content></root> | 0fe0b9f041540b91b0a7b48f9e1e6b1abf3ff25f |
Links from other tables
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