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.

PKWA Law Named as PKWA Law Named as Doyle’s Guide 2026 Leading Family & Divorce Law Firm — with Derek Choo Heng Han Named a Rising Star Leading Family & Divorce Law Firm — with Derek Choo Heng Han Named a Rising Star

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We are delighted to share that PKWA Law has been recognised as a Leading Family & Divorce Law Firm in Singapore for 2026 by Doyle’s Guide, the prestigious legal directory that identifies top performing lawyers and firms in key practice areas.



This recognition reflects the firm’s strong reputation within the legal community for excellence in advising on divorce, child custody, division of matrimonial assets, maintenance matters, and broader family law issues. With an established track record of strategic counsel and meaningful outcomes, PKWA Law continues to be a trusted name in family law in Singapore.

In the same suite of 2026 rankings, Associate Director Derek Choo Heng Han has been named in Doyle’s Guide Family Law Rising Stars — Singapore, 2026 — an acknowledgement of his outstanding potential and growing influence in the field of family and divorce law.

Derek’s inclusion in the Rising Stars list is a recognition not only of his legal skill but also of his thoughtful, client-centric approach — qualities that resonate strongly with our mission to provide supportive, results-oriented family law services.

PKWA Law remains committed to offering clear, compassionate, and effective legal guidance to families facing sensitive and complex legal matters, and we are honoured to be recognised among the leading family law practitioners in Singapore.

PKWA Law’s Family Lawyer Receives Law Society Practice Excellence Award 2025

The Law Society of Singapore Logo

 

October 2025 – PKWA Law is pleased to announce that a family lawyer from the firm has been awarded the inaugural Law Society of Singapore Practice Excellence Award 2025 for Family Law.

The Practice Excellence Awards were introduced by the Law Society in 2025 to honour practising lawyers who exemplify excellence, ethics, and contribution across a range of practice areas, including Family Law, Civil Litigation, Criminal Law, Arbitration, Capital Markets and Corporate Law.

 

About PKWA Law’s Family Law Practice

PKWA Law is widely recognised as one of Singapore’s leading family law firms, consistently ranked among Singapore’s Best Law Firms by The Straits Times.

With more than three decades of experience, the firm’s Family Law Practice provides clients with clear advice, practical solutions, and fixed, transparent fees. The team handles both uncontested and contested divorce matters – including complex cases involving substantial assets, family businesses, and cross-border elements.

PKWA Law is known for resolving disputes calmly and respectfully, while remaining fully equipped to represent clients effectively in the Family Court, High Court, and Court of Appeal when litigation is required.

 

Successful Outcome for PKWA Law Client in High Court Divorce Case

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PKWA Law recently represented the Husband in a contested divorce before the High Court (XIK v XIL [2025] SGHCF 16), which involved complex issues relating to the division of assets, maintenance, and valuation of private shareholdings. We are pleased that the Court accepted many of our arguments and issued several key rulings in our client’s favour.

Division of Matrimonial Assets

The Court ultimately awarded our client 72.5% of the matrimonial asset pool. In line with our submissions, the Court agreed that for a mid-length, single-income marriage, the Wife’s share should be at the lower end of the typical range, awarding her 27.5%.

No Adverse Inference Drawn

The Wife had argued for an adverse inference to be drawn against the Husband regarding alleged non-disclosure of assets. However, the Court found that there was no basis for such an inference, and accepted our position that the Husband had made adequate and credible financial disclosures.

Treatment of Private Company Shares

A significant point of contention was how to deal with the Husband’s shareholdings in a private company. While the Wife proposed a fixed sum payout, we argued that an in-kind division was more appropriate due to the illiquid and fluctuating nature of the shares. The Court agreed, ordering the shares to be split in kind so both parties could benefit from future value changes.

Maintenance for Wife and Children

The Court also addressed maintenance for both the Wife and the children. The amounts ordered were more consistent with the proposals made on our client’s behalf, and reflected a balanced view of both parties’ financial situations.

Conclusion

We are proud to have helped our client achieve a fair and well-reasoned outcome in this challenging case. PKWA Law remains committed to providing effective representation in complex family law matters. If you require legal support in divorce proceedings or asset division, please reach out for a consultation with our experienced team.

Questions? Get in touch today.

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