In a case that has gripped Singapore with its dramatic twists, a woman lost her appeal in the High Court to claim a three-room flat owned by her late husband, who excluded her from his will and declared their marriage a sham. The man, a 69-year-old retired bus driver, passed away in September 2015, two years after marrying the woman in October 2013. Their identities were withheld in court documents.
The court heard that the man had consistently claimed their marriage was never consummated. He told reporters in 2014 that they did not even hold hands, addressing her only as “Miss.” Their tumultuous relationship came to light in an article by Shin Min Daily News.
The couple’s story began in 2011 when the woman, a Chinese national in her 40s, rented a room in the man’s Whampoa flat while on a long-term visit pass. The woman, accompanied by her daughter studying in Singapore, married the man two years later. However, the union quickly soured. According to the man, she evicted another tenant, refused to contribute to rental and utility bills, and removed his mother’s relics from their home.
In his will, signed in August 2015, the man left the flat to his half-sister, citing her difficult life as the reason for his decision. Notably, three-room flats in Whampoa Drive were sold for around S$320,000 to S$410,000 in 2024, highlighting the significant value of the contested property.
He also revealed that he had married the woman to help her extend her stay in Singapore, a claim she denied, arguing that her visit pass allowed her to stay until 2018.
The woman initially contested the will in a district court, claiming her husband was not of sound mind due to the emotional strain of a foot amputation. However, medical records showed he was alert and coherent when signing the will, and the court dismissed her argument of undue influence.
Justice Choo Han Teck upheld the district court’s decision, stating that her claims lacked evidence. The woman had also withdrawn $3,200 from the man’s bank account and claimed nearly $40,000 from his Central Provident Fund after his death.
This case highlights the complexities of wills and the consequences of strained relationships, leaving the woman empty-handed as the court validated the man’s assertion that their marriage was a sham.
By: Kpost
Information Source: TheStar
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