Family lawyers in Singapore
Family matters are deeply personal. We give you calm, plain-spoken advice and protect what matters most, whether that's your children, your home, or a fair arrangement for the future.
General information on family law in Singapore, not legal advice. For advice on your own circumstances, speak with one of our lawyers.
How we handle family matters
The partner handles your matter
The lawyer you meet is the lawyer who drafts your papers, attends your mediation and answers your calls. No associate handoffs.
Children come first
Where children are involved, we look for arrangements that protect their welfare and reduce conflict, because that's also what the court looks for.
Settle where possible, fight where needed
Most family disputes are best resolved by agreement. When that isn't possible, we're ready to represent you firmly in court.
Our family law services
We advise on the full range of family matters, before, during and after a marriage.
- Divorce
- Annulment of marriage
- Deed of separation
- Custody, care & control, and access
- Prenuptial & postnuptial agreements
- Spousal & child maintenance
- Protection against family violence
- Adoption
- Relocation with children
- Variation of existing court orders
Family law in Singapore
Family matters for non-Muslim marriages in Singapore are governed mainly by the Women's Charter and heard in the Family Justice Courts. Here's a short guide to the areas we're asked about most.
Considering divorce?
Our divorce page covers eligibility, the grounds for divorce, the two-stage process, division of assets, HDB and CPF, and fees in detail.
Read our divorce guideAlternatives to divorce
- Annulment
- Declares that a marriage is void, or ends a voidable marriage. A marriage is void where, for example, one party was already married or under 18. It may be voidable where it was never consummated or a party didn't truly consent. The three-year rule for divorce doesn't apply.
- Deed of separation
- A private written agreement between spouses who have decided to live apart, covering children, maintenance and property. It doesn't end the marriage, but it records the date of separation and can make a later divorce simpler.
Children
In every decision about children, the court's paramount concern is the child's welfare.
- Custody
- The right to make major long-term decisions, such as education, religion and healthcare. Usually shared by both parents.
- Care & control
- Who the child lives with day to day. Often granted to one parent, though shared care arrangements are possible.
- Access
- The time the other parent spends with the child, which can include weekdays, weekends, holidays and overnight stays.
Before and during marriage
- Prenuptial agreements
- Singapore courts aren't strictly bound by a prenup, but they do give weight to a fair agreement made with full disclosure and proper advice. Terms about children are always subject to the child's welfare.
- Maintenance
- You don't need to divorce to claim maintenance. A spouse or parent who isn't receiving reasonable support can apply to the Family Justice Courts for a maintenance order for themselves or the children.
If you are not safe
If you or your children are experiencing family violence, you can apply to the Family Justice Courts for a protection order, and urgent orders can be made quickly. In an emergency, call the police on 999.
Fees
Where the work is defined, such as a prenup or deed of separation, we quote a fixed fee. Contested matters are scoped once we understand what's in dispute. Divorce fees are covered on our divorce page.
| Prenuptial agreementAdvice and drafting of a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement. | Fixed fee |
|---|---|
| Deed of separationAdvice and drafting of a deed covering children, maintenance and property. | Fixed fee |
| Custody, maintenance & annulmentCourt applications, negotiation and mediation, by consent or contested. | Quoted upfront |
Every engagement includes
- Advice on your rights and realistic outcomes
- A clear scope and fee before work begins
- Preparation of all documents and court filings
- Representation by the lawyer you met
You will have a clear figure at your consultation before you commit to anything.
Where to start
If you're facing a family matter and unsure where to begin, book an initial consultation. It's a private, no-pressure conversation with the lawyer who would handle your matter, and you'll leave knowing your options and what they would cost.
Common questions
What's the difference between divorce and annulment?
A divorce ends a valid marriage because it has irretrievably broken down. An annulment declares that the marriage was void from the start, or ends one that was voidable, for example because it was never consummated. Unlike divorce, there's no requirement to have been married for three years.
Is a deed of separation legally binding?
It's a binding contract between the spouses, but it isn't a court order. If you later divorce, the court will usually take the deed into account but isn't strictly bound by it, especially on arrangements for children.
Are prenuptial agreements enforceable in Singapore?
Not automatically. The court has the final say on dividing assets and on children, but it gives significant weight to a prenup that is fair, was entered into freely with full disclosure, and where both parties had independent legal advice.
Can I claim maintenance without getting divorced?
Yes. You can apply to the Family Justice Courts for maintenance for yourself or your children while you are still married, if your spouse is failing to provide reasonable support.
Who gets custody of the children?
The court decides based on the child's welfare. In most cases both parents share custody, meaning major decisions. Care and control, meaning who the child lives with, is often given to one parent, with generous access for the other.
Can I relocate overseas with my child?
If the other parent doesn't agree, you'll generally need the court's permission. The court looks at the child's welfare as the paramount consideration, including the impact on their relationship with the parent who stays behind.
How much does a family lawyer cost?
It depends on the matter. For defined work like a prenup or deed of separation, we quote a fixed fee. Contested matters are scoped after we understand what's in dispute. You'll have a clear figure at your consultation before you commit.
Still have a question? Ask us directly.
Tell us what happened.
Send us a short description of your matter. We will let you know whether it is something we can assist with.