PKWA Family Lawyer Quoted by CNA on Unwed Parents Adopting Their Biological Children

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PKWA Law family lawyer Derek Choo was recently quoted by Channel NewsAsia (CNA) in an article examining why some unwed parents in Singapore choose to legally adopt their own biological children.

The CNA feature, published on 2 October 2026, looked at the experiences of single mothers who had considered or gone through the adoption process and the legal and practical reasons behind their decisions.

One issue highlighted in the article is an important distinction between being the biological parent of a child and the legal status accorded to a child born outside marriage under Singapore law.

Does an Unwed Parent Need to Adopt Their Own Child?

Being unmarried does not mean that a biological mother or father simply ceases to be the child’s parent.

Speaking to CNA, Derek Choo, Associate Director of the Family Law and Probate Department at PKWA Law Practice, explained:

“What changes with adoption is the child’s legal status, not the relationship itself.”

The biological parent continues to be recognised as the child’s biological parent and has parental rights and responsibilities towards the child.

However, Singapore law continues to make distinctions in certain areas between children born within marriage and children born outside marriage.

Derek told CNA:

“Singapore law still distinguishes between a child born within marriage and one born outside it, and for many unwed mothers, adopting their own child is the clearest way to close that gap.”

Why Would a Biological Parent Adopt Their Own Child?

Although the idea of adopting one’s own biological child may initially appear unusual, there can be important legal and practical reasons for doing so.

The CNA report highlighted issues including inheritance, housing and tax relief, as well as questions surrounding the continuing legal rights of the other biological parent.

For example, inheritance can be an important consideration for some families. The legal position where someone dies without a Will may differ depending on the child’s legal status and the surviving family members.

A properly prepared Will may therefore also form an important part of estate planning for an unmarried parent.

What Does the Adoption Process Involve?

A biological parent seeking to adopt his or her own child may still have to go through the formal adoption process.

As outlined in the CNA report, core pre-adoption requirements can include:

  • attending a mandatory briefing;
  • completing an Adoption Suitability Assessment;
  • interviews and home visits;
  • providing supporting documents and information; and
  • making an application to court.

There can also be additional issues concerning the other biological parent.

Depending on the circumstances, consent may have to be obtained or the court may have to consider whether consent should be dispensed with. Biological fathers may also face additional legal steps, including establishing paternity and dealing with custody issues.

These requirements mean that what appears to be a straightforward adoption can involve several distinct legal and administrative stages.

Every Family’s Circumstances Are Different

Adoption is not necessarily required or appropriate for every unmarried parent.

The Ministry of Social and Family Development told CNA that unwed parents do not need to adopt their biological children simply to qualify for government benefits that are available regardless of parental marital status. Whether a parent decides to pursue adoption will therefore depend on his or her individual family circumstances and objectives.

Parents may also need to consider how adoption interacts with other issues such as custody, access, inheritance, estate planning and the rights of the other biological parent.

Obtaining legal advice at an early stage can help a parent understand the available options and the legal consequences before deciding how to proceed.

PKWA Law’s Derek Choo Quoted by CNA

Derek Choo is an Associate Director in PKWA Law’s Family Law and Probate Department.

His comments formed part of CNA’s broader examination of the experiences of unwed single parents who have considered adopting their biological children and the legal framework surrounding these applications in Singapore.

Read the full CNA article:

“I gave birth to her, so why do I have to adopt her?’: The unwed single parents adopting their own children”

If you require advice regarding adoption, child custody, guardianship or other family law matters in Singapore, speak with an experienced family lawyer about your circumstances.

New SAL Wills Repository Service: PKWA Law Can Arrange Secure Digital Will Deposits

The Singapore Academy of Law (SAL) has introduced a new Wills Repository Service, providing individuals with an additional way to safeguard access to their Wills as part of their estate planning arrangements.

PKWA Law is a participating law firm in the SAL Wills Repository Service. Clients who engage PKWA Law to prepare their Wills can arrange for the firm to deposit a digital copy of their executed Will securely with SAL.

This can provide an additional point of reference for nominated authorised persons who may need to locate and access a copy of the Will after the testator’s death.

The service does not, however, replace the need to keep the original signed Will safely.

What Is the SAL Wills Repository Service?

SAL launched its Wills Repository Service on 9 September 2026 at TechLaw.Fest.

The service complements the existing SAL Wills Registry, which has been administered by SAL since 2020.

The two services perform different functions.

The Wills Registry records information concerning a Will, such as whether a Will exists, the person or organisation that prepared it and where the original signed Will is kept. It does not hold a copy of the Will itself.

The new Wills Repository Service allows a digital copy of the Will to be securely deposited with SAL through a participating law firm.

The testator can nominate authorised persons who may subsequently access the deposited digital copy after the testator’s death.

Digital copies held by SAL are protected through encryption and access controls. Access is restricted to persons nominated and authorised by the testator.

Why Locating Your Will Matters

Preparing a Will allows you to set out how you would like your estate to be dealt with after your death. However, preparing the document is not the end of the process.

Your family members and the persons responsible for administering your estate must also be able to locate your Will when the time comes.

At the launch of the Wills Repository Service, Justice Aidan Xu explained that the Repository can provide an additional reference point where the original paper Will cannot be located, potentially reducing the uncertainty, time and stress associated with searching for it.

Having a digital copy securely deposited with SAL therefore adds another safeguard to an individual’s estate planning arrangements.

Does the Digital Will Replace the Original Will?

No.

The digital copy held in the SAL Wills Repository does not replace the original signed Will. Nor does depositing a copy with SAL establish that the Will is legally valid.

The original signed Will remains an important legal document and should continue to be stored carefully.

Clients should also consider letting appropriate persons know that a Will has been made and ensuring that information about its location remains current.

How PKWA Law Can Help

PKWA Law is one of the participating law firms through which eligible individuals can use the SAL Wills Repository Service.

For clients whose Wills are prepared by PKWA Law, the firm can assist with:

  • Preparing the Will;
  • Arranging the nomination of persons authorised to access the deposited digital copy;
  • Depositing an executed digital copy of the Will securely with SAL; and
  • Advising clients on the safekeeping of their original signed Will and other aspects of their estate planning arrangements.

For someone who already has a Will, changes in family circumstances, assets or personal wishes may also make it appropriate to review the Will before arranging for a digital copy to be deposited.

How Much Does the SAL Wills Repository Service Cost?

SAL is currently offering complimentary deposits until 31 March 2027.

PKWA Law charges a $100 service fee for arranging the digital deposit for clients whose Wills are prepared by the firm.

From 1 April 2027, SAL’s prevailing fee will apply in addition to PKWA Law’s service fee. SAL’s fee is currently stated to be $110 after 31 March 2027.

Accordingly, clients should check the prevailing fees when arranging the service.

Adding Another Layer to Your Estate Planning

A properly prepared Will remains an important part of planning for your family’s future. Equally important is ensuring that the document can be found when it is eventually required.

The SAL Wills Registry provides a record relating to the existence and location of a Will, while the new Wills Repository Service provides the additional option of securely storing a digital copy that nominated authorised persons can access when appropriate.

Neither service removes the need to keep the original signed Will safely, but together they can provide additional safeguards for individuals and their families.

As a participating law firm, PKWA Law can assist clients with preparing their Will and arranging for a digital copy to be securely deposited with SAL.

For more information about preparing a Will or the SAL Wills Repository Service, contact PKWA Law at 6854 5336.

PKWA Law Recognised in Benchmark Litigation Asia-Pacific 2026

PKWA Law Practice has received recognition in Benchmark Litigation Asia-Pacific 2026, which covers litigation and dispute resolution law firms and practitioners across the Asia-Pacific region.

For the 2026 edition, PKWA Law is ranked for Family and Matrimonial law in Singapore. Two lawyers from the firm’s family law team, Lim Chong Boon and Low Jin Liang, have also received individual recognition.

Recognition for Family and Matrimonial Law in Singapore

PKWA Law is ranked by Benchmark Litigation Asia-Pacific 2026 in:

Family and Matrimonial – Singapore

Family and matrimonial law encompasses a broad range of legal matters arising from marriage and family relationships. These can include divorce proceedings, child custody and care arrangements, maintenance, division of matrimonial assets and other disputes between family members.

PKWA Law has an established family law practice advising clients across a wide range of matrimonial matters. Its lawyers handle both straightforward and contested divorce proceedings, as well as cases involving substantial matrimonial assets, maintenance disputes, child-related issues and other complex family law matters.

Individual Recognition for PKWA Law Family Lawyers

Benchmark Litigation Asia-Pacific 2026 also recognises two lawyers from PKWA Law’s family law practice.

Lim Chong Boon – Litigation Star

Lim Chong Boon, Director and Head of Family Law at PKWA Law, is recognised as a Litigation Star for Family and Matrimonial law.

He has practised family law for more than 30 years and leads PKWA Law’s family and divorce practice. This marks the seventh year that Benchmark Litigation has recognised him as a Litigation Star in the Family and Matrimonial category.

Low Jin Liang – Future Star

Low Jin Liang, Head of Family Law at PKWA Law, is recognised as a Future Star for Family and Matrimonial law.

He has extensive experience handling divorce and family law matters and is part of the firm’s specialist family law team.

About Benchmark Litigation Asia-Pacific

Benchmark Litigation is a legal directory focused specifically on litigation and dispute resolution.

Its research process considers information about law firms and individual practitioners, including case evidence as well as feedback from peers and clients.

PKWA Law’s inclusion in Benchmark Litigation Asia-Pacific 2026 adds to the external recognition received by its family law practice and lawyers.

The firm continues to advise individuals and families on divorce, matrimonial and other family law matters, with an emphasis on practical and accessible legal advice.

For assistance with a divorce or family law matter, contact PKWA Law at 6854 5336.

PKWA Law Participates in Ministry of Law Dialogue on Family Justice

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Photo: Minister of Law Edwin Tong / Ministry of Law 

 

1 August 2026 – Our Head of Family Law, Low Jin Liang, recently took part in a dialogue organised by the Ministry of Law and chaired by Minister for Law Edwin Tong. The session brought together family law practitioners and other stakeholders to discuss developments in Singapore’s family justice system.

The dialogue provided an opportunity for participants to exchange views on how families experiencing divorce and related disputes can be better supported, and to share practical insights from their experience advising and representing clients.

In his Facebook post following the session, Minister Tong observed that divorce is “one of the most painful and disorienting experiences” many families face, with its effects often extending beyond the conclusion of legal proceedings, particularly where children are involved. He also highlighted the Family Justice Courts’ therapeutic justice model, which seeks to promote healing and constructive outcomes for families.

As one of Singapore’s established family law practices, PKWA values opportunities to contribute practical perspectives drawn from representing families across a wide range of divorce and family law matters. Engagements such as these encourage the exchange of ideas and experiences among practitioners committed to serving families effectively.

We are grateful to the Ministry of Law for the opportunity to participate in this dialogue and remain committed to helping families navigate divorce and related legal issues with practical advice, experienced representation and a client-centred approach.

Photo courtesy of the Ministry of Law

PKWA Law Quoted in The Straits Times about Divorce by Mutual Agreement and How It Works

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PKWA Law was interviewed by The Straits Times on the topic of divorce by mutual agreement, one of the most significant reforms to Singapore’s divorce laws in recent years.

In the article, PKWA Associate Director Jessica Chow explained how the new framework operates in practice and highlighted that couples relying on divorce by mutual agreement must demonstrate that they have genuinely explored reconciliation before concluding that the marriage has irretrievably broken down.

Jessica explained that the option allows couples to move away from fault-finding towards problem-solving – which matters most where there are children. Where parents are not locked into an adversarial contest over blame, she noted, they are generally better able to communicate and work together on decisions affecting their children.

Jessica also noted that if the Family Justice Courts are not satisfied that sufficient reconciliation efforts have been made, or if there remains a real prospect of reconciliation, the court may delay or decline to grant the divorce.

The article explores how the new legal framework has reduced the need for spouses to assign blame for the breakdown of their marriage while maintaining appropriate safeguards to ensure that divorce remains a considered decision.

Read the full article in The Straits Times: If we can’t have a good marriage, at least have a good divorce: S’pore man on amicable split

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/community/if-we-cant-have-a-good-marriage-at-least-have-a-good-divorce-spore-man-on-amicable-split

If you would like advice on divorce, divorce by mutual agreement, or any other aspect of Singapore family law, please contact our experienced family lawyers for a confidential consultation.

PKWA Law Quoted in The Straits Times on Why Unreasonable Behaviour Remains the Most Common Ground for Divorce

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PKWA Law was interviewed by The Straits Times on the reasons why unreasonable behaviour continues to be the most commonly cited fact in civil divorce proceedings in Singapore.

According to the latest marriage and divorce statistics released by the Department of Statistics, unreasonable behaviour accounted for 48.7% of all civil divorces in 2025, while adultery was cited in just 0.9% of cases.

In the article, PKWA’s Lim Chong Boon explained that many marriages which break down because of infidelity are nevertheless filed on the basis of unreasonable behaviour.

This is often because proving adultery requires clear evidence that a spouse had a sexual relationship with another person. Gathering such evidence may involve engaging a private investigator or relying on other forms of evidence, which can increase both the complexity and cost of the proceedings. By contrast, unreasonable behaviour covers a broad range of conduct and is often the more practical legal basis for commencing divorce proceedings.

The introduction of divorce by mutual agreement in July 2024 has also provided couples with another option where both parties agree that the marriage has irretrievably broken down without attributing blame to either spouse. Nevertheless, unreasonable behaviour remains the most commonly relied upon fact for civil divorces.

At PKWA Law, our family lawyers advise clients on the most appropriate legal approach based on their individual circumstances. Every family situation is different, and the choice of the fact to rely upon should take into account the available evidence, the parties’ objectives and the overall circumstances of the marriage.

If you are considering divorce and are unsure which fact best fits your circumstances, our family law team is available for a confidential discussion.

Read the full article in The Straits Times:

Why unreasonable behaviour is the top reason cited for divorce in S’pore, and adultery the least –https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/community/why-unreasonable-behaviour-is-the-top-reason-cited-for-divorce-in-spore-while-adultery-the-least

Three PKWA Lawyers Recognised in ALB Singapore Rising Stars 2026

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ALB SE Asia Law Awards 2026We are pleased to share that Jessica Chow, Sabrina Chau, and Athelia Ong have been named in the Singapore Rising Stars 2026 list by Asian Legal Business.

This annual list highlights outstanding lawyers under 40 in Singapore who have demonstrated strong professional performance and earned recognition from peers, senior practitioners, and clients.

All three are dedicated family and divorce lawyers, advising on matters such as divorce proceedings, child custody, and the division of matrimonial assets. Their work often involves guiding clients through complex and sensitive situations, requiring both technical expertise and a measured, client-focused approach.

The inclusion of three lawyers from the same firm reflects the strength and depth of our family law team.

We extend our congratulations to Jessica, Sabrina, and Athelia on this recognition.

PKWA Law Shortlisted for Benchmark Litigation Asia-Pacific Family & Matrimonial Firm of the Year 2026

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PKWA Law is honoured to have been shortlisted for the Benchmark Litigation Asia-Pacific Family & Matrimonial Firm of the Year 2026 award.

The Benchmark Litigation Asia-Pacific Awards recognise leading litigation practices across the region following an extensive independent research process. The research includes interviews with clients, lawyers and members of the legal profession, together with detailed reviews of significant cases and each firm’s standing in the market.

The firms shortlisted for the Family & Matrimonial Firm of the Year 2026 award are:

  • Drew & Napier (Singapore)
  • Haldanes (Hong Kong)
  • Hugill & Ip (Hong Kong)
  • PKWA Law Practice (Singapore)
  • Rita Ku & Ser (Hong Kong)
  • Shook Lin & Bok (Singapore)

Being shortlisted alongside these highly regarded firms is a meaningful recognition of the strength of PKWA Law’s Family Law practice and the reputation the firm has built over more than 30 years.

Our Family Law team advises clients across the full spectrum of family and matrimonial matters, including divorce, child custody, division of matrimonial assets, maintenance, international family disputes, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, and protection from family violence. We combine technical expertise with a practical and compassionate approach, recognising that family disputes often involve some of the most important decisions our clients will make.

Low Jin Liang, Head of Family Law, said:

“We are deeply grateful to our clients for the trust they place in us, and to our lawyers and staff whose dedication and professionalism have contributed to this recognition.

This shortlist is an encouragement to continue pursuing excellence in everything we do. We remain committed to providing clear advice, outstanding representation and the highest standard of service to every client who entrusts us with their legal matters.”

PKWA Law Wins Matrimonial and Family Law Firm of the Year at ALB SE Asia Law Awards 2026

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ALB SE Asia Law Awards 2026Singapore, 21 May 2026 – We are proud to announce that PKWA Law has been named Matrimonial and Family Law Firm of the Year at the 22nd ALB SE Asia Law Awards 2026, presented by Asian Legal Business (Thomson Reuters). The winner was announced at the awards gala held in Singapore on 21 May 2026.

The award recognises excellence, innovation, and outstanding client service in matrimonial and family law practice across Southeast Asia. PKWA Law was selected as the winner from a shortlist of 14 distinguished finalists, which included some of the region’s most respected family law practices.

“This recognition is a tremendous honour, and it belongs to every member of our team,” said Low Jin Liang, Head of Family Law at PKWA Law. “Family law is one of the most demanding and human areas of legal practice – our clients come to us at some of the most difficult moments of their lives, and our job is to guide them through with skill, empathy, and unwavering commitment. To be recognised by ALB and an independent panel of industry peers as the best in Southeast Asia is deeply meaningful.”

PKWA Law extends its heartfelt thanks to:

  • Our clients, who place their trust and confidence in us during life’s most personal challenges. This award is, above all, a reflection of the privilege of serving you.
  • Our lawyers, whose dedication, expertise, and compassion drive everything we do.
  • Our support staff and legal managers, whose tireless work behind the scenes makes excellence possible.
  • Our families, for their patience and support of the demanding work we do.
  • Asian Legal Business and the independent judging panel, for this recognition.

PKWA Law remains committed to setting the standard for matrimonial and family law in Singapore and the wider region, and to advocating for the best possible outcomes for every client and family we serve.

About the ALB SE Asia Law Awards: Presented annually by Asian Legal Business (a Thomson Reuters publication), the awards celebrate outstanding achievements by law firms, in-house teams, and individual practitioners across Southeast Asia. Winners are determined by an independent judging panel.

PKWA Law Named as a Leading Family & Matrimonial Law Firm in the 2026 Benchmark Litigation Asia-Pacific rankings

PKWA Law has been named as a Leading Family and Matrimonial Law Firm for 2026 by Benchmark Litigation Asia-Pacific, one of the most respected independent legal rankings in the region. The shortlist is the result of months of independent research, peer surveys and interviews conducted across Asia-Pacific.

In addition, our lawyer Low Jin Liang has been named a Future Star for Family and Matrimonial Law, a recognition reserved for lawyers who have demonstrated strong potential and are making a meaningful contribution to their practice area.

Lim Chong Boon was named as a Litigation Star 2026.

Benchmark Litigation Asia-Pacific is widely regarded as an authoritative guide to litigation and dispute resolution practices across the region. Being shortlisted reflects the standing of our family law practice among peers and clients, and the quality of work our team delivers day to day.

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