Personal Protection Orders
A Personal Protection Order is a Court order that protects against family violence.
Seek help against family violence in Singapore
If you are in immediate danger, your first step should be to call the police without hesitation. Your safety is paramount. For victims of family violence or those who fear they may be at risk, there is a legal avenue to seek protection in Singapore—a Personal Protection Order (PPO). This order acts as an effective restraining measure against the person causing harm.
According to Section 64 of the Women's Charter (Cap 353), "family violence" encompasses the following:
- Instilling Fear: Wilfully or knowingly instigating fear of harm in a family member.
- Inflicting Harm: Causing harm to a family member through actions that were known or should have been known to result in harm.
- Unlawful Confinement: Wrongfully confining or restraining a family member against their will.
- Continuous Harassment: Persistently harassing a family member with the intention of causing anguish or knowing that such actions are likely to inflict distress.
Your Safety Matters
Whether you are a victim of family violence or live in fear of potential harm, we urge you to reach out to us. We are here to discuss your situation, offer guidance, and explore the available options to ensure your safety.
Personal Protection Orders can be sought to protect against the following individuals:
- Spouse or former spouse
- Children, including stepchildren and adopted children
- Father, mother, in-laws, or siblings of the offender
- Any other relative or person who is unable to care for themselves, as determined by the Court, and should be considered a member of the family
Contact us today to begin the journey towards securing your protection and peace of mind.
Work 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.
We've consistently received positive reviews from our clients on our service and results.
Why do clients choose us?
Meet some of our personal protection order 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: Recognized 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)#8859 (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 Personal Protection Order in Singapore
- The court believes that family violence was—or is likely to be—committed against a family member, on the balance of probabilities
- The court believes the order is needed to protect a family member.
“Family violence” – a definition
Carrying out any of the following acts under section 64 of the Women’s Charter will be defined as “family violence”:- Wilfully putting a family member in fear of hurt, or attempting to do so,
- Causing hurt to a family member by committing an act which they knew (or ought to have known) would result in such hurt to the family member,
- Wrongfully restraining/confining a family member against their will,
- Intentionally, continuously harassing a family member to cause anguish, or knowing that anguish was likely to be caused.
Who can apply for a protection order?
You can be protected under a PPO if you are:- Older than 21 years and not incapacitated. You may apply for an order to protect either your children (if under 21 years old) or yourself.
- A relative, guardian or responsible person involved in the care of a family member who is being abused, provided that person is younger than 21 or is incapacitated.
- A person appointed by a Minister in the case of a family member who is younger than 21 years of age, or is incapacitated.
- Not yet 21 and are married or have previously been married.
Which family members can be protected under an order?
A family member is defined under section 64 of the charter as:- Your child (including step children or adopted children)
- Your spouse or previous spouse
- Your mother or father
- Your mother-in-law or father-in-law
- Your sister or brother
- Another relative, who the court believes should be treated as a member of your family.
How to apply for a protection order
A PPO application can be filed at any Family Violence Service Centre. You should, where possible, include medical or police reports to back up your claim. You can also apply directly to the Family Justice Court, at their Family Protection Centre. A judge will review the filed application and issue a summons to the respondent, i.e. the person who the order will be against, and the summons will be served on the respondent by the court’s process server. Both you and the respondent must appear in court on the date appointed, but if you are reluctant to do this, then you can let the staff at the Family Protection centre know. They can then arrange for you to attend court virtually, via video link. After this, the case continues through the court system, potentially ending in a full hearing. However, it is possible to settle the case before that, if both parties consent, and no hearing is needed. However, where the defendant doesn’t agree with the order, then there will be a court hearing. Here, the judge will weigh up the strength of evidence on both sides, and consider witness evidence. Then they will decide whether to grant a protection order. It is not possible to attend the hearing via video link, however. Be aware that getting a protection order can take some time – perhaps as long as 3 to 5 months. Where a defendant does not turn up for their court appearance, an arrest warrant will be issued by the court. If an applicant doesn’t turn up, then the application will be struck out.Different types of protection orders
There are several different types of protection orders that the court can grant. A personal protection order is most often used, but there are also domestic exclusion orders, expedited orders and counselling orders. Specific provisions can also be included in personal protection orders, such as preventing the person named from inciting or helping someone else to commit violence against the protected person.Expedited order
These are used according to section 66(1), when the court believes there is an immediate danger of family violence against the person applying for the order. It is a temporary, urgent order used when someone has applied for a personal protection order but needs action now, rather than waiting for the order to be granted. No trial is necessary, but the judge must be sure that there is a real and imminent threat of violence against the applicant, who must affirm or swear on the application. The order usually lasts 28 days, unless extended by the court.Domestic exclusion order
Under section 65(5)(a), a court has the power to exclude the respondent from all, or part, of a shared residence. They can also exclude the respondent from coming within a certain distance of the applicant in a public place.Counselling order
Section 65(5)(b) gives the court power to compel the parties to attend counselling sessions at a family support agency. Children may sometimes be included in this order, too. Often, this sort of counselling order will be issued at the same time as a personal protection order, with a date set to review progress made.How long does a PPO last?
The court decides on an appropriate duration for the order based on the circumstances of each applicant. There is no fixed term. Personal protection orders may also be varied, suspended or revoked by the court, on successful application by either of the parties involved. For example, if the complainant and the respondent solve their relationship differences, and the complainant feels there is no need for the order to protect them, then they can apply for the court to revoke it. A complainant could also ask to have the order suspended, if they don’t feel ready to have it completely revoked. Applications can also be made to make orders more lenient or stricter.What if the family member ignores the order?
If the family member doesn’t comply with the order, then they are committing a criminal offence, and will face a fine of up to S$2,000 or six months in prison, or both. If they repeatedly break orders, then the penalties are higher, up to S$5,000 or a year in jail, or both. If you are aware of a family member breaking the order, you should first tell the police as soon as you can. They will investigate your allegation, and decide whether or not to charge the person.Can a court’s decision on an order be appealed?
Yes – you can file a notice of appeal to a judge in the Family Division of the High Court within 14 days of the court’s decision. However, you must pay a sum of money which acts as security for the other party’s costs, in the event that your appeal does not succeed.Other options for protection
In some situations, people need protection for non-physical harm, for example harassment, unlawful stalking or verbal abuse. If that is the case, then a protection from harassment order is the best course of action. Such an order can be taken out against both family and non-family members, for any conduct relating to harassment. Remember that “family violence” does not always mean physical violence. For instance, if you are living in fear of violence, or are being kept or treated like a prisoner by a family member, then you can also take legal action to protect yourself. Although the law in Singapore is designed to protect all victims of family violence of every kind, obtaining a protection order can be a complex process. You might find that speaking to a lawyer helps, as they can review your circumstances and tell you what the best evidence would be for you to give the court. They can also help you prepare for cross-examination in court. The lawyer will help you understand the law, and help you and your children (if any) to be protected from harm. Having a lawyer present in court with you when you have to face the respondent may also give you strength and reassurance." ["post_title"]=> string(26) "Personal Protection Orders" ["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(26) "personal-protection-orders" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2023-10-10 00:27:13" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2023-10-09 16:27:13" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(44) "https://singaporefamilylawyers.com.sg/?p=866" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } [1]=> object(WP_Post)#8728 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(723) ["post_author"]=> string(1) "2" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2022-03-12 10:13:16" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2022-03-12 02:13:16" ["post_content"]=> string(13235) "Divorce is a legal process that terminates a marriage between two individuals. It is a formal declaration that the marriage is dissolved, and the parties are no longer legally bound to each other. This article aims to provide quick but comprehensive guidance on the legal aspects of divorce in Singapore to help readers understand their rights and options when going through a divorce, empowering them to make informed decisions based on their situations.Legal requirements to get a divorce
Married for at least 3 years
Firstly, as a plaintiff, you must prove you have been married for at least three years. However, there are exceptions to this rule if the petitioner can prove exceptional hardship or if there has been misconduct by the other spouse. Although there is no clear legal definition of these terms, the following are examples of what may constitute those:- 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)#8749 (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