What we handle

The work, in plain terms.

Divorce

In Singapore the process has two stages: dissolving the marriage, and then resolving the ancillary matters, which are the children, the maintenance and the assets. They are dealt with in that order, and confusing the two is a common source of anxiety.

Children: custody, care and control, and access

These are three different questions and the court treats them differently. Custody concerns who makes the major decisions. Care and control concerns where the child lives day to day. Access concerns the time the other parent spends with the child. The child's welfare is the court's first consideration.

Maintenance

For a spouse and for children, including applications to vary an existing order when circumstances have genuinely changed.

Division of matrimonial assets

The matrimonial home, CPF monies, savings, investments and business interests. The court weighs both financial and non-financial contributions, which means that time spent raising children counts.

Personal protection orders

Where there is family violence, we can move quickly. Tell us plainly what is happening.

Deeds of separation

For couples who are not ready to divorce, or who do not yet satisfy the time requirements, a properly drafted deed can settle matters in the meantime.

How it works

Three steps, no mystery.

01

Tell us what happened

A short call, an email or a message. You explain the situation in your own words. There is no charge for finding out whether we are the right firm for you.

02

We give you a straight assessment

What your position is, what the process looks like, roughly how long it takes, and what it is likely to cost. If we think you do not have a case, we will say so.

03

We act, and you deal with Mr Tan

You are not handed to a junior. The lawyer you met is the lawyer running your matter, and you can reach him.

Questions

Questions we are asked.

General information, not advice on your situation. For that, speak to us.

What are the grounds for divorce in Singapore?
There is one ground: that the marriage has broken down irretrievably. That must be established in one of the ways set out in the Women's Charter, which include separation, unreasonable behaviour, adultery, desertion, and divorce by mutual agreement. We will explain which route fits your circumstances and what each one requires.
How long does a divorce take?
An uncontested divorce, where both parties agree on the terms, can often be concluded within a few months. A contested divorce, particularly one involving disputes over children or assets, takes considerably longer. The honest answer is that the timeline is driven almost entirely by how much is agreed.
Can one lawyer act for both of us?
No. Your interests are not the same, so one lawyer cannot act for both spouses. If matters are largely agreed, however, the process can still be efficient and relatively amicable.
Will I lose the flat?
Not necessarily. The division of the matrimonial home depends on contributions, the needs of any children, and a range of other factors. It is one of the first things we look at with you, because it is usually the largest asset and the one people worry about most.
Next step

Speak to the lawyer who will handle your matter.

Tell us briefly what has happened. We will tell you honestly whether we can help, what the process looks like, and what it is likely to cost.

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