The matrimonial home occupies a very special place in the
family. During the marriage, it is the cradle of the family. It is
where the family starts its day, and where it ends its day. It is
where the family breaks bread, and it is where bonds are made.
Accordingly, the matrimonial home also occupies a very special
place in family law. When a couple file for divorce, the
matrimonial home is almost invariably divided between them. After
all, having spent the better part of the marriage living in this
home, it would seem antithetical to argue that the matrimonial home
was not a matrimonial asset. It is even in the
name, matrimonial home.
The decision of the Appellate Division of the High Court
("AD")
in VOD v VOC,
[2022] SGHC6, however, seriously challenges
the conventional understanding of what a 'matrimonial home'
is.