Since marriage is not an option to LGBT couples in Singapore yet, such couples that are planning to live together may enter into cohabitation contracts together. While these do not bring LGBT couples within the ambit of marriage and divorce laws in Singapore, they help provide clarity as to how they agree to live together, thus protecting them should disputes arise between them.
Cohabitation contracts
Essentially, a cohabitation contract is a contract that contains clauses governing matters such as the division of property and the management of day-to-day finances. It functions like any other contract in governing the relationship between the cohabiting LGBT couple.
The main benefit of having a well-drafted cohabitation contract is that each party’s respective liabilities and entitlements can be clearly set out, and this would help avoid long-drawn disputes over such liabilities and entitlements in the event of a separation. However, the main disadvantage is the uncertainty as to whether cohabitation contracts will be enforced in Singapore due to the fact that such cases have yet to be considered before the courts.
When drafting a cohabitation contract, parties should:
- Make clear their intentions to create legal relations, and ensure that there is no undue influence or duress
- Clearly, list their prior assets
- Decide how to deal with future joint property
- Provide for ways to amend the contract in the future, if necessary
- Provide for alternative dispute mechanisms to litigation in the event of a dispute, such as arbitration or mediation
Property and finance
Property and finance are important considerations in any relationship, especially if they are purchased in the joint names of the couple. Different rules apply to each type of property and finance.
Housing Development Board (HDB) flats
Many Singaporean couples would like to, at some point, purchase a HDB flat. However, most of the schemes that cater to couples require the couple to be married, or at least eligible to get married. Since LGBT couples are not eligible for marriage in Singapore, they are excluded from such HDB schemes.
Thus, most Singaporean LGBT people, couples or otherwise, opt to buy a HDB flat under the Single Singapore Citizen Scheme or Joint Singles Schemes. However, it should be noted that single applicants have to be at least 35 years of age.
As for financing the purchase, an LGBT partner may only use his/her CPF funds or obtain an HDB loan, to fund the purchase of the HDB flat if he/she is a co-owner of the flat, i.e the flat is held in the couple’s joint names. If only one partner purchases the flat, such that the other partner has no legal rights, the couple should consider drafting a contract to govern their obligations and entitlements in relation to the flat.
Private housing
Being less regulated than HDB property, private property is generally easier to purchase. However, it is also generally more expensive. LGBT couples may use their CPF monies to fund the mortgage. It is also possible for a trust to arise if one partner makes contributions to the mortgage without obtaining legal title to the property. However, in the interests of certainty, it is still recommended for the couple to draft a trust document in the event that they intend for the party with no legal title to have some interest to the property.
Leasing
In Singapore, there are no anti-discrimination laws protecting tenants from discrimination on any grounds, including sexuality. Further, it is important to note that the Suggested Tenancy Agreement in the Consumers Association of Singapore – the standard template used for many leases – contains a clause which states that the tenant cannot use the flat for any illegal purpose of activities of an improper nature.
Because LGBT couples are cannot be legally married Singapore, a disagreeing landlord may rely on this clause to attempt to evict LGBT tenants. Therefore, LGBT couples should negotiate to remove this clause as a precautionary measure.
Central Provident Fund (CPF)
LGBT couples may pass on their CPF monies to their partner by nominating their partner as CPF nominees. However, since they are not married, they cannot use their Ordinary Account to top up their partner’s CPF account or use their Medisave to pay for their partner’s medical treatments.
Insurance
An LGBT person, as the owner of his/her insurance policy, can nominate any other individual as a beneficiary, including his/her partner. In the case of policies with several beneficiaries offered by private insurers, it is up to the insurer whether or not it is willing to recognize LGBT families and couples as a “family unit”. Similarly, for public insurers, it will depend on the discretion of the relevant body.
Bank accounts and taxes
LGBT couples are not barred from owning a joint bank account. However, LGBT couples will not be able to obtain tax deductions, which are contingent on the couple being married.
Wills and inheritance
As a starting point, it is important to note that different rules apply to depend on whether the individual is Muslim or non-Muslim, and whether the individual has left behind a valid will or not:
Muslim leaving behind a valid will:
- A third of the estate is distributed according to the will, and two-thirds of the estate is distributed according to Islamic inheritance law
- Muslim with no will
- The entire estate is distributed according to Islamic inheritance laws
Non-Muslim leaving behind a valid will
- The part of the estate covered by the will is distributed according to the will, and the remaining part not covered by the will is distributed in accordance with intestacy rules
Non-Muslim with no will:
- The entire estate will be distributed according to intestacy rules
Intestacy rules and CPF
Singapore’s intestacy rules dictate that where a married individual dies intestate, a share of his/her estate will be distributed to his/her spouse and his/her children if any.
However, under Singapore’s laws, a child born to an LGBT couple is illegitimate and is not eligible to inherit any of his/her parents’ assets. Additionally, because LGBT couples are considered unmarried couples under Singapore law, the surviving partner will not be entitled to a share of the deceased partner’s estate. As for CPF monies, if the deceased partner did not make a CPF nomination, his/her CPF monies will not be distributed to their partner.
Therefore, LGBT couples should draft wills and make CPF nominations in order to ensure that their estate will be distributed in a manner consistent with their intentions.
Medical decisions
It is common for couples to want to be involved in each other’s medical decisions, or to make medical decisions on behalf of the other if the latter is unable to make his/her own medical decisions.
Generally, if one partner wishes for the other to be kept informed of their medical situation, they should notify their healthcare providers.
As for making medical decisions on behalf of a partner, an individual may appoint his/her partner as a donee under a Lasting Power of Attorney, which enables the donee to make decisions and act on his/her partner’s behalf in the event that his/her partner loses mental capacity, i.e he/she is unable to make decisions for himself/herself due to an impairment of, or a disturbance in the functioning of his/her brain or mind. Such decisions may relate to the partner’s personal welfare and property and include the making of medical decisions.
To find out more:
Part 1: LGBT in Singapore: Marriage
Part 3: LGBT in Singapore: Having Children
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