As a single mother with sole custody of two children and having struggled financially after my divorce more than 12 years ago, I share the sentiments expressed in “Help divorcees who were stay-at-home mums” (March 10).

I am, however, blessed with a supportive family who helped care for my children, which allowed me to work with peace of mind.

Even then, it has been a challenge to provide the financial support my children and parents need, and to manage other household expenses on a single income.

Therefore, my heart goes out to divorcees who were stay-at-home mothers due to an unfortunate lack of carers for their children. Life must be tough for them and I believe that relying on maintenance would be insufficient at most times.

This is made worse if their ex-spouse defaults on payments; they would have to file regular complaints at the Family Court, while worrying about their children’s survival.

Singapore is a pro-family society that looks to develop family cohesiveness rather than look after dysfunctional families such as divorced and single parents. Undergoing a divorce means huge emotional turmoil worsened by high legal fees and societal stigma.

I asked for legal aid when filing for divorce but, with an income of above S$1,500, did not qualify. Letters to my Member of Parliament did not help either. I had to borrow from friends and relatives to pay my legal fees. The situation may have improved in recent years, but the financial assistance provided is inadequate.

There were no announcements in the new Budget about caring for this minority group of parents who struggle with their finances.

I hope the Government can consider that single working mothers also contribute to Singapore’s economy, the Central Provident Fund and tax coffers. More systems should be in place to help single mothers, working or otherwise.

It would be great if there exists a means-tested assistance fund for single mothers. Perhaps single working mothers should get more childcare subsidies or additional tax relief.

I am aware that Singapore does not want to be a welfare state like other countries, but assistance in any form would be a big help for single mothers to cope with household finances or legal fees.

Employers, too, should help female employees who are going through a divorce. This can come in the form of additional leave to attend court hearings or flexible working hours to care for their children.