Goh Yong Hng v Cheong Yen Teng (Zheng Yanping) (m.w.) and Another

Goh Yong Hng v Cheong Yen Teng (Zheng Yanping) (m.w.) and Another

Where the wife was a willing participant in the adultery, the co-respondent is responsible for half of reasonable private investigator costs; the court assessed reasonable investigation costs at $7,780 and ordered the co-respondent to pay half ($3,890); appeal allowed in part to vary the district court order accordingly.

Citation
[2003] SGHC 89
Parties
Petitioner Appellant: Goh Yong Hng; Respondent Wife: Cheong Yen Teng (Zheng Yanping); Co Respondent: Goh Yik Liang
Court
General Division of the High Court
Jurisdiction
Singapore
Judgment Date
14 April 2003
Case Number
Div P 602501/2002, RAS 720104/2002
Procedural Posture
Divorce / Appeal (ancillary Costs)
Outcome
Appeal allowed in part; order below varied
Legal Topics
Adultery, Costs Against Co Respondent, Private Investigator Fees, Grounds for Divorce, Willing Party to Adultery, Quantum of Costs
Source Language
English
Family Law Civil Procedure Adultery Costs Against Co Respondent Private Investigator Fees Grounds for Divorce Willing Party to Adultery Quantum of Costs

Case Brief

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Parties

Goh Yong Hng

Petitioner Appellant

Cheong Yen Teng (Zheng Yanping)

Respondent Wife

Goh Yik Liang

Co Respondent

Procedural Posture

Divorce / Appeal (ancillary Costs)

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether co-respondent liable to reimburse private investigator costs
  2. 2 Proper proportion of investigation costs payable by co-respondent where wife was a willing party to adultery
  3. 3 Whether the private investigator's fees and length of surveillance were reasonable

Ratio Decidendi

Where the wife was a willing participant in the adultery, the co-respondent is responsible for half of reasonable private investigator costs; the court assessed reasonable investigation costs at $7,780 and ordered the co-respondent to pay half ($3,890); appeal allowed in part to vary the district court order accordingly.

Court Disposition

Appeal allowed in part; order below varied

Orders

  • Co-respondent shall pay the husband $3,890 to account of the investigation costs.
  • Reasonable investigation costs assessed at $7,780; co-respondent liable for half ($3,890).