Lawyer RAJAN CHETTIAR stresses the importance of seeking professional mediation services, to ensure divorce proceedings run smoothly.

Divorce mediation ­­is still a new concept in many countries, but is increasingly becoming well-known and accepted. The main advantage of both pre- and post-divorce mediation is to give you and your spouse control. Conflicts are inevitable in any divorce. But allowing an open exchange of information in total confidence encourages both spouses to negotiate and reach an amicable agreement. This can make a world of difference in helping you recover from your break-up and move on.
          Pre-divorce mediation can help you resolve current conflicts, discuss future concerns and find practical solutions prior to legal proceedings. Issues that can be worked out in pre-divorce mediation include finances, child custody and asset management. Post-divorce mediation is designed to focus primarily on parental responsibilities ­­– ensuring the healthy emotional development of any children caught in the midst of your divorce.

          In many countries, divorce mediation is offered by family lawyers. But in Singapore, the majority of mediation takes place in the Family Relations Centre of the Family Court after divorce proceedings are instituted. However, in most scenarios, family lawyers are in a better position to offer quality mediation services, as they’re trained in the field and have accumulated invaluable mediation experience throughout their years of practice. So don’t wait to be instructed to seek mediation before you explore this avenue.

          The highest chance for success lies in preparation and compromise. Both you and your estranged spouse are required to do preparatory work and provide documents and full disclosure of information during the sessions. Mediation is flexible. You and your spouse can decide how many sessions you want to have and if you’re unhappy, you can stop at any time. The mediator remains neutral between both parties and is neither allowed to give advice, nor represent either party during divorce proceedings. However, the mediator is allowed to identify what you should both be aware of and are attempting to accomplish with each session.

Advantages of divorce mediation

• Reduces emotional stress and conflict.
• Addresses your concerns and issues in an informal environment, rather than during court proceedings.
• Prevents acrimonious legal correspondence.
• Expedites legal proceedings – allowing you both to move on with your new lives quickly.

Rajan Chettiar
Commissioner for Oaths, Mediator LLB (Honours), Barrister-at-law (Middle Temple), UK

Australian property tax and expatriate tax expert STEVE DOUGLAS explains how to claim rental property renovation expenses.

Q. Can I claim renovations on a rental property against my income tax?

A. It’s always a good idea to renovate your property regularly in order to improve the quality of your asset and boost its capital value and revenue generation capabilities. Under Australian taxation rules you’re entitled to claim any expenses incurred in renovating or improving a rental property as either a full income tax deduction, or as a depreciation write-off over a period of years. But you need to establish if the renovation is a “maintenance” issue, or was undertaken to “improve” your asset.

          If you’re fixing something that’s general wear-and-tear, worn or damaged – including painting, gardening, replacing a broken item, plumbing repairs or general maintenance – this is considered to be a repair. As such, the cost of the repair can be written-off in full during the year the expense is incurred, reducing your income tax immediately.

          Expenses incurred during refurbishment – such as new carpets, a dishwasher or even structural changes and building additions – are allowed as an annual depreciation amount, based on the life expectancy of the item, determined by the Australian Taxation Office on an annual basis. Some expenses may be claimed over a short period of two years, while others such as structural changes and additions, will need to be claimed over a 40-year period.
          To determine the merit of spending on improvements or renovation, you should aim to recoup the interest cost of the capital spent. If you don’t think you’ll able to increase the rental accordingly to justify your maintenance expense, it may be wiser to preserve the property in its current state. For example, if the interest rate is 6 percent per annum and you intend to spend A$10,000 on improvements, then you should expect to receive an additional A$600 per year (A$11.54 per week) in rent, at the least. If the repairs are needed to keep the property in a satisfactory rental condition, go ahead and undertake the necessary costs to keep it in order.

          If your intention is to sell your property, a refurbishment can do wonders to catapult its market value, or act as equity to assist with your next property purchase. In any case, it’s always worth keeping your rental property in good shape – a happy tenant will continue with you in the long haul. The tax man will always allow a claim – one way or another – so there’s no excuse not to look after your property.

Aidan Bailey provides taxation tips for UK citizens who’ve chosen to make Singapore their home.

Get organised before leaving the UK If you’re renting out your UK property, submit a P85 form for the Non-Resident Landlord Scheme. Also, assess your income tax position for the full tax year of your departure – to ensure you claim any allowances you’re entitled to. If you arrive in Singapore midway through a tax year, you may still be able to recover some of the tax you’ve already paid.

UK tax allowances If you’re not a UK resident, are entitled to non-UK resident tax allowances but have continuing sources of UK income, ensure any fixed assets situated in the UK – such as property – are held in joint names with your spouse. Also, if you have movable assets in the UK – such as cash on deposit – it may be beneficial to transfer the funds offshore to the Channel Islands or Isle of Man, which sit comfortably outside the UK tax system but within the UK banking system. This will remove the bank interest from a charge to UK tax, whilst you remain a non-UK resident.

Maintain non-resident status Living abroad may not guarantee non-resident status, you also need to ensure you’re not maintaining a family in the UK or performing employment duties there. Keep an accurate record of your movements to and from the UK, spending no more than 91 “midnights” in the UK per tax year to maintain non-resident status.

Exporting UK pension rights You can now transfer rights in any UK occupational pension scheme or Personal Pension Plan to a Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Scheme without incurring a charge to your UK income tax.

Seek local advice While it’s important to achieve non-resident status and closely monitor your UK tax position, it’s also vital you look after your tax affairs in the country you move to. Before executing any UK tax efficient recommendations, ensure your local tax position won’t be jeopardised in the process. Always seek local support from a reputable local advisory, or speak to a global company that can support you wherever you are.

Plan your return Having successfully extricated yourself from the UK tax system as a non-resident, real care is needed if you ever decide to return. Any tax exposure needs to be planned carefully – particularly where substantial assets and shareholdings are concerned. Ensure your arrival is disclosed and documented accordingly and proper tax planning is taken so liabilities are minimised. With a little forward thought, this is possible.

Aidan Bailey BA (Hons) CertPFS AWP^CM 
General Manager Singapore, International Division

Dr Christina Liew of SMILEFOCUS reveals how to overcome oral side effects you may experience when taking medication.

Medications help us – they combat infections and make us feel better by masking or dulling pain. But the use of certain medications – whether they are prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, minerals or herbs – can cause harmful side effects to your oral health. As more drugs become easily available, the list of potential side effects increase in tandem. 
          So it’s important to keep your dentist in the loop as and when your medical history changes, providing them with a list of all the medications you’re currently taking. Here are some common oral side effects from medication and ways to combat any discomfort:

Dry mouth Xerostomia, or dry mouth, is the most common side effect. Saliva helps wash food particles off the teeth, keeps the mouth relatively clean and assists with digestion. Some medications decrease saliva flow, increasing the risk of tooth decay. Drink plenty of water or chew sugar-free candy or gum to help encourage the flow of saliva and alleviate any discomfort.
Soft-tissue responses Oral contraceptives, prescription drugs for blood pressure and certain chemotherapy agents can cause mouth ulcers and inflammation or discoloration of the soft tissue in the mouth. An oral hygiene programme recommended by your dentist should help to limit discomfort.
Abnormal bleeding A common side effect from aspirin usage or other anticoagulants helpful in preventing stroke and heart disease is reduced blood clotting and bleeding problems following tooth extraction or periodontal surgery can occur. Always seek your doctor’s advice before adjusting your dosage.
Swollen gum tissue Excessive tissue overgrowth is associated with taking immunosuppressants – commonly used by organ transplant patients, in anti-seizure drugs and as a calcium channel blocker for heart patients. Thorough oral hygiene is mandatory to control the over-growth of the gums and in some rare instances surgery may be necessary.
Other conditions Teeth discoloration occurs if you’ve been exposed to tetracycline medication during tooth development. Such medicines are commonly used to treat bacterial infections – including pneumonia and other respiratory tract infections – as well as acne and skin infections. A variety of dental treatments are now available to improve the appearance of stained teeth. 
          Use prescription and over-the-counter medicine only as directed and visit your dentist if you notice any changes in your mouth. Don’t hesitate to talk to your dentist about any oral discomfort you might be feeling and do alert them to your current medications. Their expertise and guidance can help you maintain or recreate your smile in the healthiest way.
 

Dr Christina Liew BDS (Melbourne)
Originally from Australia Dr Christina Liew relocated to Singapore in 2000. Her interest lies in cosmetic work and minor oral surgery such as wisdom teeth extraction, plus general dentistry in both adults and children.

ELISABETTA FRANZOSO explains the connection between wellbeing and your eating habits, the fourth focus of the Wellness Inventory Wheel.

Eating is a pleasurable, social activity which rejuvenates your body with the nutrients required for daily activities and your overall wellbeing.

Reality Check We often consume “empty calories” – “junk” and processed items, saturated fats and added-sugar foods. Combining this dietary confusion with a highly-stressful, yet increasingly deskbound, lifestyle is a highly-lethal mix. Many of us have adopted an imbalanced diet, which adversely affects our wellness – often resulting in weight issues and health dilemmas.

Insight High levels of stress undermine your ability to properly digest and utilise food. And a moderate level of physical exercise is insufficient to burn these extra calories and regulate stress. Many of us use food as emotional insulation – protecting ourselves from hurt – or as a drug, dulling the pain of a meaningless existence, broken marriage, or a pressurised job. And when the motivation to be productive wanes – due to physical exhaustion or emotional setbacks – we commonly experience a sense of guilt and attempt to resolve this by overeating.

Result Food is often used to alleviate physical and emotional pain or boredom, as its consumption releases a brain substance called beta-endorphin. Governed by the pituitary gland, this natural opiate produced by our body temporarily relieves pain and stress – creating a biologically comforting effect, which is a major reason for compulsive eating and poor nutrition

Moving Forward Be more aware. Truly listen to your body and its cravings. A craving may be an indication of a metabolic need, or it could be the result of an addiction – a coping mechanism in the presence of pain or stress.

Q. Can I educate myself to eat well?

A. Absolutely! Read more about it and seek professional help. A personal coach specialised in eating behaviours and wellness can motivate you towards change and guide you through good nutrition, exercise and stress management.

Q. How do I start?

A. Don’t expect to make massive changes overnight. First, understand the root of your present eating habits with the support of an expert. Then, to begin, focus on minor changes. Give yourself four to six weeks to get accustomed to your new habits, which by then will be firmly established as part of your lifestyle. Remember to take your time – you’re addressing habits cultivated over a lifetime. Be gentle, but consistent.

Elisabetta Franzoso BA, Dipl.Psych, MSocSc Author of Stella’s Mum Gets Her Groove Back available at bookstores and www.amazon.com
SIGN UP NOW!
Join Elisabetta’s public workshops, Communication in 4Dimensions at Singapore Institute of Management. For further information email info@insideoutyou.com or call 6465 4605.

Elisabetta Franzoso is a highly self-driven coach and motivator who focuses on communication, self-expression and wellbeing. Her passion is to empower people to achieve excellence and transformation from the inside out. To complete your Well-Being Inventory Index and get your detailed personal Health and Wellness Assessment, contact Elisabetta and her team of professional Life Coaches, Psychological Counsellors, Fitness Trainers, Nutritionists, Physicians and Body Therapists.

You’ve still got time to get your Sex Bomb on and catch Tom Jones live in concert at Resorts World Sentosa tonight! Don’t miss this chance to find out What’s New Pussycat and reminisce about the Green Green Grass Of Home. Hmmm, think I’d better dance now…
WHEN: March 26, 8pm
WHERE: Resorts World Convention Centre, Compass Ballroom
TICKETS: $88, $128, $188 & $358-single seats only. Tel: 6348 5555 (internet sales now closed).

There’s less than 24 hours to go until Earth Hour, when people all over the world will turn their lights out for 60 minutes. In Singapore, it’s happening from 8:30pm to 9:30pm and not only are people in their houses taking part, but businesses island-wide - including five-star hotels - will plunge into darkness and turn off all non-essential power sources and appliances to show their support for saving Mother Earth. Be part of the action and click here to pledge your support by joining the 5,646,320 (and counting) who’ve signed up online to confirm participation. At 8:30pm tomorrow night, just light a few candles, switch off your telly and crack open the boardgames and a bottle of wine. Here at The Finder, we’re having Earth Hour in the office today from 12pm to 1pm. Tomorrow night, I’ll be helping to turn off our boat’s engine and wait for the wind to fill the sails and see Singapore "disappear", as we celebrate my husband’s 50th birthday on a yacht just offshore.
WHEN: March 27, 8:30pm-9:30pm
WHERE: Everywhere!

See the latest in furniture design as "furniture with personality" experts Window To The Past conducts a Young Designer’s Competition, in cojunction with NUS. View final entries and give credit to local talent. You’ll also get the chance to participate in the People’s Choice vote, to award one entrant with the chance to have their design produced and manufactured for sale. To find out more, click here
WHEN: Until March 30, 11am-9pm
WHERE: City Square, Level 3, Raffles City

There’s just 8 days left to donate any shoes you do not use still in wearable condition - heels, flats and sandals all accepted - to Her Glass Slipper, who are raising funds to assist sick children through the The Kidz Horizon Appeal (KK Hospital). So far they’ve collected 3,000 pairs of shoes - many in perfect condition and with designer labels. Closing date for collection is March 31 and all shoes will be resold by the charity to garner money for a June donation. As a thank you you’ll recieve a $50 gift voucher plus a $50 discount coupon from Her Glass Slipper for every pair you donate, so now you can splurge on new heels without the guilt! 

If you’re keen to help the kids of Cambodia, SIR Move Services and ni-night are joining forces to send containers of wish list items including bedding, art books, plastic coathangers, baby bottles and toiletries to four orphanages in Cambodia - New Hope for Cambodian Children, Nowegian Association for Private Iniative in Cambodia, Sunrise Children’s Village and Mary Knoll. You can drop your donations off at several locations island-wide and free collection is offered for large and bulky wish list items. To check out the wish list and find out more click here - and make sure you donate before March 31!

Singapore’s fair scene has received a shake-up thanks to newcomer Spring Affair @ Singapore Marriott Hotel. Anticipate an exciting shopping experience with boutique businesses offering unique finds, retailers highlighting bargain buys and manufacturers from throughout the region showcasing their wares at special "direct buy" prices. Click here to flip through the e-catalogue and browse before you buy.

The Finder is proud to support this event and I’ll be there tomorrow - hope to see you there!
WHEN:    Tuesday March 16 10am-7pm & Wednesday March 17 9am-5pm
WHERE:  Ballroom, Level 3, Singapore Marriott Hotel, 320 Orchard Road.
 

Keen to balance your body, mind and soul and improve your health and fitness? Check out the British Club Wellness and Sports Fair.

WHAT: Wellness workshops, meditation and yoga sessions, readings, performances and kids’ activities. Experience a "hands-on" approach to enhancing your nutrition, health and mental wellbeing. Achieve work-life balance, overcome stress or headaches in minutes, meditate yourself slim, discover which herbal supplements work, explore organic nutrition and realise your psychic powers. From face reading to feng shui to fitness and personal development, this fair promises something for everyone searching for a healthier and more fulfilling lifestyle.
WHEN: March 12 & 13, 10am-6pm
WHERE: The British Club, 73 Bukit Tinggi Road (off Dunearn Road). Free shuttle bus pick-up from 10am at Holland Village Cold Storage taxi stand, or 10:20am from Newton MRT taxi stand near Sheraton Towers Hotel.
 

Yesterday was International Women’s Day and while I was still recovering from a shocking cold, I’m relieved not to miss the event entirely - as Australian artist Nerina Lascelles will be honoured at the Australian High Commission on Thursday evening with an open viewing of her latest exhibition, MIST.

WHAT: Asian-inspired paintings by Australian artist Nerina Lascelles
WHERE: The Atrium Gallery, Australian High Commission, 25 Napier Road
WHEN: Until March 26. Special viewing open to public: March 11 6:30pm-8:30pm
CONTACT: Tel: 6836 4189, www.australia.org.sg, www.nerinalascelles.com

To all my fellow womenfolk out there… you go girls! Through sickness, stress, family commitments and far too many promises to others, we somehow still manage to make our deadlines, support those we love and put dinner on the table - well done.