Leading Divorce Lawyers in Singapore
"Hailed as a leading specialist for family and divorce law in Singapore" - The Straits Times
A Team of Leading Divorce Lawyers in Singapore
Clients come to us during some of the most difficult moments of their lives, looking for clarity, guidance, and fair fees. At PKWA Law, we offer top-quality family law services at fixed fees starting from just $1,490, giving clients peace of mind right from the start.
Our Family Law Practice is trusted not only for our affordability, but also for our deep experience and consistent results. We are regularly recognised by respected legal publications and independent directories for our strong courtroom advocacy and our ability to resolve complex family matters with care and clarity.
Our proven track record — including significant wins at both the High Court and Court of Appeal — has earned us accolades as a leading family law firm with the Straits Times, Asian Legal Business, Benchmark Litigation Asia Pacific, and Doyle's Guide.
Fixed, Transparent Fees with No Surprises
Our legal costs are fixed and clear. Our divorce fees are:
- Fixed and agreed upfront
- Transparent with no hidden charges
- Designed to give you cost certainty
Once you engage us, your fees stay the same, no unexpected billing.
A Calm, Constructive Approach to Divorce
We are one of Singapore’s largest family law teams, with each senior lawyer ranked by independent legal directories. Our approach is constructive — we help clients resolve matters respectfully and efficiently, minimising conflict wherever possible.
Proven Court Success
Our team has acted in several significant cases — including multiple wins at the Singapore Court of Appeal and High Court.
- TQU v TQT [2020] SGCA 08 - our client’s share of $13.6 million in matrimonial assets was increased from 25% to 75% on appeal — one of the most significant reversals in Singapore divorce history. The Court described the case as “complicated,” “challenging,” and “highly unusual.”
- Twiss, Christopher James Hans v Twiss, Yvonne Prendergast [2015] SGCA 52 - Successfully argued one of the first appellate cases under Singapore’s new asset division framework, securing a higher share for the husband.
- XIK v XIL [2025] SGHCF 16 - >Obtained 72.5% of matrimonial assets for the husband in a contested High Court divorce.
- [2024] SGHC(A) 11 - Secured over $6 million in assets for a homemaker wife after a six-year legal battle against a five-lawyer team led by Senior Counsel.
- High Court Case (reported in The Straits Times, Oct 2022) - Acted for the wife in uncovering more than $3 million in hidden assets, leading to a successful High Court ruling.
Speak to Our Divorce Team Today
If you're considering divorce and want clear legal advice with fixed fees, we're here to help. Contact us a tel: 6854-5336 to schedule a consultation and understand your next steps with confidence.
Fixed, clear & transparent fees
Uncontested Divorce
$1,490
No children, property or maintenance
$2,490
With children, property and maintenance
Call Us:
+65 6854 5336
WhatsApp Us:
+65 9090 3158
Written by the Singapore Family Lawyers team and available at Kinokuniya, Popular, and Amazon.
Our lawyers in the Media
View moreWork with an award winning team
PKWA Law has been recognised in The Straits Times ranking of “Singapore’s Best Law Firms 2025” for the fifth consecutive year.
For the 8th consecutive year we were recognised by Doyles as a leading family law firm in Singapore.
For the 5th year in a row we have been named as a leading Family law firm in Benchmark Litigation 2024 awards.
Google Rating
Based on 697 reviews
We've consistently received positive reviews from our clients on our service and results.
Why do clients choose us?
We have over 30 years of history, and more than 100 employees. We are an established family law firm you can count on.
Our fees are fixed and affordable from the outset so that you can have peace of mind from the get-go.
We have excellent reviews and testimonials from numerous clients across various independent platforms.
Our team are consistently recognized as leading lawyers by the Straits Times, and other leading publications.
We are trusted by leading corporations such as DBS, OCBC, UOB, Maybank, HSBC, Citibank, and CPF Board.
We usually offer a free first consultation so you can make an informed decision on whether to proceed.
Meet some of our divorce team
- Doyle’s Guide: Consistently ranked as a Leading Family and Divorce Lawyer from 2016 through 2025.
- Benchmark Litigation Asia Pacific: Named one of the Top 100 Women in Litigation in both 2021 and 2022.
- Benchmark Litigation Asia Pacific: Recognised as a Litigation Star in 2021, 2022, 2024, and 2025.
- Asian Legal Business: Shortlisted for “Woman Lawyer of the Year” in both 2018 and 2024.
- Singapore Business Review: Honoured as one of "Singapore’s Most Influential Lawyers Aged 40 and Under”in 2016.
Jessica Chow is an Associate Director at PKWA Law and is a specialist in divorce law.
Awards and Recognition
Jessica was recognised as one of “Singapore’s Rising Stars” by Asian Legal Business in both 2023 and 2024. This accolade honors “exceptional lawyers who have shown remarkable potential and received consistent praise from clients.”
She is noted for “demonstrating outstanding potential and earning high client commendations.” Described as “a highly sought-after lawyer,” Jessica is praised for her ability to “de-escalate tensions and guide clients toward amicable resolutions.”
" ["post_title"]=> string(12) "Jessica Chow" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(0) "" ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["ping_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(12) "jessica-chow" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2025-03-29 09:11:55" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2025-03-29 01:11:55" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(67) "https://singaporefamilylawyers.com.sg/?post_type=lawyers&p=517" ["menu_order"]=> int(1) ["post_type"]=> string(6) "lawyer" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } [2]=> object(WP_Post)#8899 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(519) ["post_author"]=> string(1) "2" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2022-02-28 03:52:37" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2022-02-28 03:52:37" ["post_content"]=> string(1245) "Low Jin Liang is a Senior Associate Director at PKWA Law and serves as the Deputy Co-Head of the Family & Divorce Practice Group. His specialization lies in navigating complex financial aspects of divorce and family cases, particularly concerning the division of assets. Awards and Recognition- Recognised as a Rising Star in Family Law for 2025 by Doyles Guide.
- Included in Asian Legal Business’s 2022 list of Singapore’s Rising Stars, highlighting "the next generation of lawyers who have demonstrated exceptional potential and earned significant client acclaim."
- Honoured as one of Singapore Business Review’s “Most Influential Lawyers Aged 40 and Under” in 2016, celebrated for his thought leadership, influence, and accomplishments in the legal industry.
Articles on Divorce in Singapore
- Extreme physical or mental abuse
- Severe mental distress
- Extreme, cruel adultery
- Adultery, which causes pregnancy
- Homosexuality
Domicile or habitual residence
The second requirement is that either spouse must have been domiciled in Singapore when filing for divorce. Domicile refers to a person's permanent home or residence, and it is necessary to establish jurisdiction for the Singapore courts to hear the divorce case. If both spouses are not domiciled in Singapore, they may still be eligible for divorce if they have been habitually residing in Singapore for at least three years before filing for divorce.The marriage has broken down irretrievably.
This means that the relationship between the spouses has reached a point where it cannot be repaired or reconciled.Simplified or uncontested divorce
A simplified and uncontested divorce refers to a divorce process that is relatively straightforward and where both parties are in agreement on all key issues. This type of divorce is typically faster, less expensive, and less emotionally draining than a contested divorce. It is suitable for couples who have already reached a mutual agreement on ancillary matters. In a simplified and uncontested divorce, the couple can jointly file a divorce application with the Family Court. The court will then review the application and, if satisfied, grant the interim judgment after 4 weeks. Following this, a final judgment will be issued three months after the date of the interim judgment. While the process may seem less complicated, it is still advisable to seek legal advice to avoid any potential pitfalls or future disputes between the parties.What if my spouse refuses to divorce me?
If your spouse refuses to divorce you, it can complicate the process. However, you can still file for a contested divorce in this case. Contested divorces can usually be concluded within 6 to 12 months.A step-by-step breakdown of the divorce process
(1) Filing of divorce petition
The first stage of your divorce proceedings is filing a divorce petition. This involves one spouse (the petitioner) submitting a writ for divorce to the Family Justice Courts.(2) Service of divorce petition to the other spouse
Once the divorce petition is filed, the next stage is the service of the petition to the other spouse (the respondent). The respondent has a specific period to respond to the petition by agreeing to the divorce or filing a defence if they contest it. If the petitioner does not respond within the given timeframe, the petitioner can go ahead with an uncontested divorce.(3) Ancillary Matters
If the divorce is contested, the case moves to the next stage, the Ancillary Matters stage. Ancillary matters refer to the financial and non-financial issues in the divorce process. These matters include the division of marital assets, child custody, child maintenance, and spousal maintenance. At this stage, parties must provide financial disclosure, including assets, liabilities, and income. Mediation or negotiation may be encouraged to reach a settlement. Based on the evidence presented, the court will decide if an agreement cannot be reached.(4) Issuance of Certificate of Final Judgment
Once the ancillary matters are resolved, the divorce enters the final judgment stage. At this stage, the court reviews the case and decides whether to grant the divorce. If the court is satisfied that all legal requirements have been met and there are valid grounds for divorce, a Certificate of Final Judgment will be issued.What counts as an 'irretrievable' marital breakdown?
As mentioned above, an irretrievable marital breakdown is a situation where the marriage has completely broken down and cannot be salvaged. To prove 'irretrievable breakdown,' the petitioner must prove one of the following five circumstances has happened:(1) Unreasonable behaviour
One of the ways to establish irretrievable marital breakdown is through unreasonable behaviour. This refers to behaviour by one spouse that makes it intolerable for the other spouse to continue living together. This ground for divorce is set out in Section 95(3)(b) of the Women's Charter. Examples of unreasonable behaviour include the following (non-exhaustive) list:- Verbal abuse and continual criticism
- Domestic violence
- Compulsive gambling
- Refusing to contribute to household expenses
- Lack of respect
- Alcoholism
- Lack of affection, concern, and care
- Improper association with another party
- Obsessive behaviour
(2) Adultery
If one spouse can provide evidence of the other spouse's voluntary sexual intercourse with someone else, it can be considered a valid ground for divorce. However, it is essential to note that the evidence must be substantial and convincing. If the extra-marital sexual intercourse does not happen, the behaviour is not classed as adultery, regardless of how intimate it was. On top of this , the plaintiff must show it is intolerable for them to keep living with their spouse. The plaintiff will not be able to cite adultery if they have continued to live with their spouse for more than six months after discovering the adultery.(3) Desertion lasting two years
Desertion refers to a situation where one spouse has deserted the other continuously for two years or more without any intention of returning. To prove desertion, the deserted spouse must provide:- Evidence to establish that the other spouse has wilfully and deliberately deserted them without any reasonable cause or excuse.
- Continuous period of desertion for two years, meaning that any attempts at reconciliation or resumption of cohabitation during this period may reset the clock, and the two-year period will need to start again.
(4) Separation for three years (with the defendant consenting to divorce)
The court will grant a divorce if it can be shown that the parties have lived apart continuously for at least three years before commencing the divorce. To prove separation, it is sufficient that the parties live separate lives and don't interact as husband and wife. If both spouses have been living separately for at least three years and both parties agree to the divorce, it can be seen as evidence of the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage.(5) Separation for four years
The final way to establish irretrievable marital breakdown is through a period of separation of at least four years. If the spouses have been living apart for at least four years, regardless of whether both parties agree to the divorce, it can be seen as evidence that the marriage has broken down.If my spouse can't be found, can I still get divorced?
Yes, it is possible to get divorced in Singapore even if your spouse cannot be found. In such cases, you can file for a divorce under the ground of desertion. The court will require you to provide evidence that you have made reasonable efforts to locate your spouse, such as hiring a private investigator or placing advertisements in newspapers. If the court is satisfied with your efforts, they may grant you a divorce even in your spouse's absence. However, it is essential to note that the court will consider the specific circumstances of each case. If your spouse cannot be located and there are no reasonable prospects of finding them, the court may proceed with the divorce proceedings. When your spouse cannot be found, the court may also require you to explore alternative methods of serving the divorce papers. This could include serving the papers through substituted service, where the documents are delivered to a close relative or posted at the last known address of your spouse. The court will assess the adequacy of these alternative methods before proceeding with the divorce.When deciding on the division of assets or child custody, will adultery or unreasonable behaviour affect the court's decision?
When deciding on the division of assets or child custody in a divorce case in Singapore, the court considers various factors, including the conduct of the parties involved. Adultery or unreasonable behaviour can indeed have an impact on the court's decision. However, it is essential to note that Singapore follows a no-fault divorce system, which means that the court does not assign blame or fault to either party for the marriage breakdown. Instead, the court focuses on the practical and financial consequences of the divorce and aims to achieve a fair and equitable outcome for both parties and any children involved. The court will also take into account other relevant factors, such as:- financial contribution of each party
- the needs of the children
- the length of the marriage
- the standard of living enjoyed during the marriage
The timeline
The duration of a divorce in Singapore can vary depending on several factors. Contested divorces with disagreements on various issues, such as child custody, division of assets, or maintenance, can take significantly longer to resolve. The duration of a contested divorce can range from several months to a few years, depending on the complexity of the issues involved and the willingness of both parties to settle. In such cases, the court may need to conduct hearings, gather evidence, and make decisions based on the best interests of the parties involved, which can prolong the process. Uncontested divorces, where both parties agree on all terms and conditions, can take around 4 to 6 months to finalize. This includes the time required for filing the necessary documents, attending mediation sessions (if required), and obtaining the final judgment from the court.How much does a divorce cost?
One of the main costs associated with a divorce is legal fees. The fees charged by family lawyers in Singapore can vary depending on various factors. The complexity of the case, the issues involved, and the approach taken can all impact the overall cost. According to a survey, simplified and uncontested divorce fees in Singapore typically range from $1,500 to $3,500. Meanwhile, contested divorces usually cost between $10,000 to $35,000. Here at Singapore Family Lawyers, with our experience and reputation, we understand that divorces are emotional and stressful. That's why we don't charge clients hourly for simplified divorces. We take pride in being clear and transparent; hence, we offer a fixed-fee package. Our clients will never have to worry about hidden costs while engaging with us. However, we might charge an hourly rate for certain contested divorces. If so, we will offer a fee cap for eligible clients." ["post_title"]=> string(68) "Navigating the Divorce Process in Singapore: Things You Need to Know" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(0) "" ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["ping_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(17) "divorce-singapore" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2024-08-05 18:01:26" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2024-08-05 10:01:26" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(44) "https://singaporefamilylawyers.com.sg/?p=723" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } [2]=> object(WP_Post)#8762 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(988) ["post_author"]=> string(1) "2" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2022-06-04 15:36:05" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2022-06-04 07:36:05" ["post_content"]=> string(6421) "In Singapore, a divorce can either be contested or uncontested (also known as a simplified or amicable divorce).Contested Divorces
This is where the two married parties cannot agree on the divorce or issues such as custody of children, maintenance and asset division. In Singapore, around 90% of contested divorce cases will be settled through court action. The Family Court plays a prominent role in helping to settle these cases. For the remaining 10% of cases in which parties refuse to settle, a Judge will hear the arguments and then make a judgement. Contested divorces take longer and cost more than uncontested divorces.Uncontested Divorces
This where both spouses agree to the terms of a divorce and the related ancillary issues. Agreement has to be reached before filing divorce papers, to enable a lawyer to file the papers in the Family Court for a fast-track, simplified divorce hearing. An Interim Judgement will then be given after around 4 weeks. The common areas of agreement are usually these:The grounds for divorce
Parties must agree that the divorce is based on one party’s unreasonable behaviour, desertion, separation, adultery or by mutual agreement (from 1 July 2024).Care and control of children
Parties must agree on who will get care and control of any children involved. Whoever the children live with will usually get care and control, and the right to make decision relating to the childrens’ daily lives. The two parties also need to agree on how often the other party will get to see the children. Should the access be reasonable, supervised, or liberal? An agreement needs to be reached on whether the parties will have ‘joint custody’ of the children, i.e. that they both agree on the major issues like their offspring’s education, medical treatment and religion. In Singapore, ‘joint custody’ is the standard arrangement, and courts encourage this outcome unless it’s obvious that it would not be in the best interest of the children.Maintenance
Both spouses must agree on which party will pay the monthly maintenance for the children, and how much it will be. If the wife is unemployed or on a low wage, then husband and wife should agree on how much the husband should give the wife by way of maintenance.Division of assets
The asset that is most obvious and important is the marital home. When it comes to dividing it between the parties, there are some common options:- Sell it on the open market
- The wife sells it to the husband
- The husband sells it to the wife
- The property is transferred to one party.
Use a specialist divorce lawyer even if your divorce is uncontested
Even if the divorce is uncontested, parties usually require a specialist lawyer, such as those at PKWA Law, for the following reasons:- Specialist divorce lawyers acting in uncontested divorces usually cost less than you may think, and offer fair and reasonable charges, such as the fees we charge at PKWA Law.
- In an uncontested divorce, questions relating to the matrimonial home, or the rent or sale of an HDB flat will be much easier to answer with the help of a specialist lawyer. They can also advise on how other assets should be divided, and the amount of maintenance that should be paid to the wife and any children involved.
- A lawyer will be able to tell you exactly what you are entitled to receive, as well as explain your obligations and how to agree with your spouse. They should also draft the required paperwork so it adequately captures what you and your partner have agreed on.
- Without a lawyer, you will have no specialist legal advice to help you and may spend much more money and time if the divorce order then needs to be varied once it has been obtained. Get your advice right from the start, and don’t file an uncontested divorce before getting legal representation.
- Hiring a lawyer in the first place means you immediately know what you are entitled to, to save you having to argue over something you will never realistically get. If both you and your spouse understand your rights, then the negotiating process will go much smoother and quicker.
- Hire a good lawyer for full and proper advice early on, to protect your children and property, especially if you have assets worth a lot of money.
The preparations of the Uncontested Divorce papers
If you are going through a contested divorce then your lawyer will check whether you need to attend the Mandatory Parenting Program, send the HDB Query (if you’re an owner of such a flat) and draft the Proposed Parenting Plan and Proposed Matrimonial Plan, as well as sorting other issues. But if you’re having an uncontested divorce then the workload is simpler, although the following will still need to be prepared:- Write for divorce
- Statement of Claim
- Statement of Particulars
- Affidavit of Evidence in Chief
- Draft Consent Order
Hearing Date
A hearing date for an uncontested divorce should be given within about 4 weeks of the papers being filed. Uncontested divorce hearings happen in chambers, meaning no parties or their lawyers are present. No members of the public can watch either.How long does an uncontested divorce take?
If the issues outlined above are agreed upon, then here at PKWA Law we can ordinarily get an Interim Judgement (conditional divorce) about a month after the papers have been filed. About 3 months after this, you should get your Final Judgement, and then the divorce proceedings are concluded." ["post_title"]=> string(28) "Guide to Uncontested Divorce" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(0) "" ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["ping_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(19) "uncontested-divorce" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2024-05-20 20:07:14" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2024-05-20 12:07:14" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(44) "https://singaporefamilylawyers.com.sg/?p=988" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } }Contact Us
Call Us:
+65 6854 5336
WhatsApp Us:
+65 9090 3158
Email Us:
enquiry@pkwalaw.com
Address:
480 Lorong 6 Toa Payoh
#16-01, East Wing, HDB Hub,
Singapore 310480
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