30+ Years Of Divorce Law Experience & 98% Client Satisfaction Rate—
Because You Deserve Nothing Less
At Sterling Law, we specialise in both uncontested and contested divorces. Our clear, results-driven approach lays out exactly what to expect, so you can make informed decisions and advance toward a fair resolution—with no surprises.
Over 6000 Cases Served
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Is Your Divorce Proceedings Causing You Sleepless Nights?
Endless paperwork. Arguments over assets, custody and support. Feeling lost and uncertain about the next steps.
These are the burdens of a contested divorce—if you don’t have the right lawyers to guide you!
At Sterling Law, we take the weight off your shoulders. With proven strategies and decades of expertise, we resolve disputes fairly and efficiently, always prioritising your peace of mind..
Your 4-Step Roadmap To A Well-Managed Divorce
Step 1
Initial Consultation
In our first meeting, we thoroughly review your situation, explain applicable laws, and set realistic expectations for the path ahead.
Step 2
Strategic Planning
We customise a plan that reflects what matters most to you, whether it is prompt closure, fair asset division, or a stable parenting arrangement.
Step 3
Negotiations & Representations
Our team negotiates on your behalf, always aiming for fair and timely resolutions. Should court intervention be needed, you can rely on our firm’s extensive experience and skilled advocacy.
Step 4
Finalise & Transition
After reaching an agreement, we finalise the necessary documentation and ensure you understand all terms.
Why Choose The Family Law Department At Sterling Law Corporation
98% Client Satisfaction Rate
Get the fair outcome you deserve—backed by proven results that give you confidence in every step.
30 Years of Experience
Save yourself time, stress, and unnecessary conflict with guidance you can trust.
Over 6000 Cases Served
From the courtroom to the negotiating table, we’ve helped thousands achieve fair, timely resolutions.
The Right Lawyers Make All the Difference
Our divorce lawyers bring decades of experience, proven results, and unwavering support to guide you through even the most complex cases.
Tan Siew Kim
With over 30 years of experience as a family lawyer in Singapore, Kim has guided countless clients through the most challenging divorce disputes.
Specialising in contentious divorce proceedings, she brings unmatched expertise to the table, having represented clients from all walks of life in the Family Courts, High Court, and Court of Appeal. Kim’s extensive litigation experience and steady hand help her clients face even the most complex contested divorces with confidence.
Julian Koh
Julian is committed to delivering cost-effective and favorable outcomes in both contested and uncontested divorces.
Since being called to the Singapore Bar in 2016, he has helped clients resolve complex matters, including maintenance disputes and ancillary proceedings. A firm advocate for Mediation, Julian works to minimise conflict where possible while remaining sensitive to the emotions involved, ensuring his clients move forward with dignity and peace of mind.
Loo Liang Zhi
Liang Zhi is a dedicated family lawyer with a strong focus on contentious divorce proceedings and child welfare.
Drawing on his experience in dispute resolution and his award-winning research on child protection, Liang Zhi prioritises the well-being of children in divorce cases. He goes the extra mile to resolve disputes amicably, believing that minimising conflict allows clients—and their families—to heal and move on faster.
With his client-focused approach and commitment to fairness, Liang Zhi provides both guidance and support during difficult times.
Hilary Rupawalla
Hilary combines her deep passion for family law with hands-on experience in high-stakes contentious divorces, child custody matters, and relocation cases.
Her background includes time at leading family law firms and international practices, making her adept at navigating both court-led mediation and contested proceedings. Whether advocating for fair financial settlements or protecting parental rights, Hilary’s strategic approach ensures her clients feel heard and supported throughout the process.
Prasanth Ganesan
Prasanth is committed to resolving family disputes amicably, focusing on solutions that reduce conflict and stress. However, when negotiations fail, he is a fierce advocate for his clients’ rights in contested matters.
With a solid background in civil and criminal litigation, Prasanth brings strategic insight and adaptability to every case. His client-first approach ensures that concerns are addressed with care and precision, guiding individuals toward fair and practical resolutions during life’s most challenging transitions.
We’ve Assisted Over 98% Of Our Clients In Achieving Their Desired Outcomes
Cut Through the Confusion—Let Us Handle the Hard Work
Let us simplify your divorce with proven strategies and expert support. Get in touch today, and we’ll respond within 1 business day—because your peace of mind shouldn’t have to wait.
Frequently Asked Questions
Uncontested Divorce
What if my spouse agrees on one issue, such as the children arrangements, but not other issues, like maintenance?
If only some of the issues are agreed upon, then parties will have to proceed to the contested ancillary matters hearing for the issues that remain unresolved. For contested ancillary matters proceedings, parties have a duty of full and frank disclosure of all assets, income and liabilities and this would be done in the form of an affidavit of assets and means (AOM), which we are able to assist you with.
If my spouse and I reach an agreement on the reasons for divorce and ancillary issues, do we need a lawyer?
It is advised that either of you engage a lawyer to assist in the drafting of the agreement, and to assist you with the filing of documents and attendance at Court (if necessary). As a divorce can be an emotionally taxing period in your lives, it would be useful to have a specialised family lawyer to guide you through the process, offer useful advice and ensure that this process goes smoothly for you.
How do I file for a divorce?
To be eligible to file for a divorce in Singapore, you must meet the following conditions:
- Marriage Duration: You must have been married for at least three years unless you can demonstrate extraordinary hardship or if your spouse has been exceptionally unreasonable or cruel.
- Residency Requirement: Either you or your spouse must be domiciled in Singapore or have resided in Singapore for at least three years immediately before starting the divorce proceedings.
- Irretrievable Breakdown: You need to prove that the marriage has broken down irretrievably. The four factors that define “irretrievable breakdown” include:
- Adultery
- Unreasonable behaviour
- Desertion
- Separation
Do I need a lawyer to get divorced?
While you can file for a divorce on your own, handling the entire process—including filing documents, representing yourself in court, and corresponding with your spouse’s lawyer—can be burdensome. It is highly recommended to engage a lawyer to guide you through the process, provide valuable advice, and manage the complexities of the divorce to ensure everything proceeds smoothly.
How long do divorce proceedings in Singapore last?
The duration of divorce proceedings in Singapore can vary based on several factors, such as:
- Contested vs. Uncontested Divorce: Uncontested divorces generally take between five and six months, while contested divorces can extend to a year or more. The timeframe for uncontested divorces also depends on the level of cooperation between both parties.
- Complexity of Ancillary Matters: Issues like asset division and child custody can impact the overall duration.
Contact us today for more information on how long an uncontested divorce in Singapore might take and to explore your options.
Contested Divorce
What if I suspect that my spouse is hiding assets or that he/she has not fully disclosed all of his/her assets during the proceedings?
After parties file their affidavit of assets and means, which is a document setting out their position regarding assets, income, liabilities and contributions to the marriage, there is a phase known as Discovery & Interrogatories. You are able to ask questions to compel your spouse to provide information on the assets which you suspect him/her to have, and request your spouse to provide documentation of the same. An adverse inference will be drawn against your spouse if you can successfully show that your spouse has not made full and frank disclosure during the contested ancillary matters proceedings.
If you do suspect that your spouse is hiding assets from you in the midst of divorce proceedings, speak to a specialist family lawyer who can advise you on your position and the steps to take so that you can achieve a just and equitable share of the division of assets.
If my spouse and I do not agree on the financial issues, what documents do I need to prepare?
You should start preparing a list of your assets (including savings, investments, property details), your latest payslips and income documentation, and all documents or details relating to your spouse’s finances to the best of your knowledge.
How do I prove adultery?
You will need to prove that your spouse has conventional, voluntary extramarital sex to prove the fact of adultery in Court. To do this, you would need to adduce evidence to prove that this fact has taken place, such as video or photographic evidence of the act or of the parties in intimate poses or spending an extended time together in a hotel. You may also adduce text messages, emails or phone conversations to prove your case.
I suspect that my spouse is having an affair. What should I do?
⁃ Observe Changes: Pay attention to any shifts in your spouse’s behaviour or routine. Look out for signs such as increased secrecy around their phone, late nights, extra attention paid to their appearance (like new clothes or a new haircut), or unusual changes in their schedule.
⁃ Recognise Tell-Tale Signs: Common indicators might include excessive phone use, being overly protective of their phone, and significant changes in personal habits.
⁃ Consider Professional Help: If you notice these signs, it may be prudent to hire a trustworthy private investigator (PI). A PI can help gather concrete evidence and clarify the situation.
⁃ Seek Legal Advice: Consult an experienced family law specialist or a contested divorce lawyer. They can offer guidance on the next steps and help you understand your legal options.
What does a PI need?
- What Are My Rights?
- What Steps Should I Take?
- What Documents Do I Need?
- What Should I Be Mindful Of?
- What Are My Options If I Do Not Want a Divorce?
- What About Finances and Children’s Arrangements?
- Prepare Relevant Documents: Bring a comprehensive list of your assets (including savings, investments, and property details), recent payslips, and any known details about your spouse’s finances.
- Prepare Your Questions: List any specific questions or concerns you have to ensure they are addressed during your consultation.
Divorce Process
What is the divorce process in Singapore?
Divorce in Singapore is a two-stage legal process. The first stage is the dissolution of marriage, where the court determines if the marriage has irretrievably broken down. If the court is satisfied, it grants an Interim Judgment to mark the legal end of the marriage. The second stage addresses ancillary matters, which include spousal maintenance, custody and care of children, and division of matrimonial assets.
What happens after the Interim Judgment is granted?
Once the Interim Judgment is granted, both parties must wait for at least three months, or until all ancillary matters are resolved—whichever is later—before applying for the Final Judgment. The Final Judgment formally completes the divorce and concludes all legal proceedings between the parties.
What is the difference between contested and uncontested divorce?
An uncontested divorce occurs when both spouses agree on the reason for the divorce and on all ancillary matters. This allows the case to proceed via a simplified track, making the process quicker and less costly. A contested divorce happens when parties cannot agree on the grounds for divorce or on issues such as property division or child custody, which may lead to more complex proceedings and court hearings.
Can I file for divorce without a lawyer?
Yes, it is possible to file for divorce without engaging a lawyer, particularly for uncontested divorces. The process can be done online using Singapore’s Divorce eService. However, you will still be expected to meet all legal and procedural requirements. For contested divorces or more complex matters, hiring a lawyer is advisable to ensure proper representation and guidance throughout the proceedings.
How long does It take to finalise a divorce in Singapore?
The duration of divorce proceedings depends on the complexity of the case. Uncontested divorces can typically be resolved within six months to one year. In contrast, Contested divorces take minimally one to two years to resolve with complex ones taking three or more years before the matter is heard in court and determined by the judge .
Maintenance Proceedings
What is a maintenance order?
A maintenance order is an order made by the family court in Singapore to provide for the payment of maintenance for a child or spouse under Sections 69 or 113 of the Women’s Charter.
Who may apply for maintenance?
For spousal maintenance, the former or current Wife or incapacitated husband may make such applications for themselves.
For children maintenance, any person who is a guardian or has the actual custody of the child, the child themselves if they are above the age of 21, the siblings of the child above the age of 21 if the child is below the age of 21, may apply.
Who is entitled to maintenance?
Both parents have a joint duty to maintain their children up to the age of 21. In addition, children above the age of 21 may also be eligible to seek maintenance from their parents in some situations under Section 69 of the Women’s Charter:
- The child has a physical or mental disability;
- The child is serving full-time national service;
- The child is or will be undergoing education or training for a trade, profession or vocation; or
- There are other special circumstances which satisfies the court that ordering maintenance is necessary.
Sections 69 and 113 also allows the Court to order for the maintenance of a wife, former wife, incapacitated husband or incapacitated former husband. The Court will consider various factors in deciding whether to make such an order and the quantum of such maintenance:
- the income, earning capacity, property and other financial resources which each of the parties to the marriage has or is likely to have in the foreseeable future;
- the financial needs, obligations and responsibilities which each of the parties to the marriage has or is likely to have in the foreseeable future;
- the standard of living enjoyed by the family/wife/incapacitated husband;
- the age of each party to the marriage and the duration of the marriage;
- any physical or mental disability of either of the parties to the marriage;
- the contributions made by each of the parties to the marriage to the welfare of the family, including any contribution made by looking after the home or caring for the family; and
- in the case of proceedings for divorce or nullity of marriage, the value to either of the parties to the marriage of any benefit (for example, a pension) which, by reason of the dissolution or annulment of the marriage that party will lose the chance of acquiring
What can I do if my spouse refuses to pay maintenance?
If your spouse fails to comply with a maintenance order, you have the right to apply to the court to enforce the order. This means you can take legal action to ensure the payments are made. The court may summon your spouse and take appropriate measures to secure the outstanding payments, which can include fines or even imprisonment for repeated non-compliance.
What are considered matrimonial assets?
Matrimonial assets are broadly defined under Section 112(10) of the Women’s Charter. They include:
- Assets acquired by either or both spouses during the marriage
- Assets acquired before the marriage but used by the couple or their children
- Assets acquired before the marriage that were substantially improved during the marriage
Some assets are excluded, such as gifts or inheritances that have not been enhanced or used in the marriage. Common matrimonial assets include the family home, cars, savings, CPF balances, shares, jewellery, and even lottery winnings acquired during the marriage. Additionally, gifts between spouses may be considered matrimonial assets depending on the context of the gift.
How does the court divide matrimonial assets?
The division of matrimonial assets is addressed during ancillary matters hearings. The court aims for a just and equitable division, based on several factors set out in Section 112(2) of the Women’s Charter. These include:
- Financial contributions by each spouse towards the assets
- Non-financial contributions, such as homemaking or caring for family members
- Any debts incurred, and whether they benefited the family
- The needs and care of the children
- Any agreements between spouses, including prenuptial or postnuptial agreements
- Each party’s financial independence and post-divorce needs
It is important to note that there is no fixed formula—each case is assessed individually, and asset division can vary significantly based on the facts presented.
What Is the process for dividing matrimonial assets?
After an Interim Judgment for divorce is granted, the court will schedule an Ancillary Matters Pre-Trial Conference (APTC). This closed-door session helps the court manage the next steps and explore settlement options. If mediation fails, the court will direct both parties to file a First Ancillary Affidavit outlining their positions.
If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to a contested ancillary matters hearing, where the court makes a final decision on the asset division. If the total net value of assets is below S$5 million, the case is heard in the Family Justice Courts. For asset pools exceeding S$5 million, the matter is heard in the Family Division of the High Court.
Should I consult a lawyer for maintenance or asset division matters?
If your divorce involves spousal maintenance disputes or the division of significant matrimonial assets, it is highly advisable to consult a family lawyer. These matters can become complex, especially when assessing financial and non-financial contributions, business ownership, or inheritance issues. A lawyer can help ensure your rights are protected, guide you through court procedures, and represent your interests effectively during negotiations or hearings.
Legal advice is particularly important if your spouse is contesting the division, hiding assets, or refusing to comply with court orders. With proper legal support, you can navigate these sensitive and often emotional proceedings with greater clarity and confidence, while working toward a fair outcome.
Personal Protection Order
What is a PPO?
A PPO is an order made by the family court in Singapore. Its purpose is to protect a spouse suffering from family violence.
Family violence is defined under section 64 of the Women’s Charter (Chapter 353) as:
- a) wilfully or knowingly placing, or attempting to place, a family member in fear or hurt;
- b) causing hurt to a family member by such act which is known or ought to have been known would result in hurt;
- c) wrongfully confining or restraining a family member against his will; or
- d) causing continual harassment with intent to cause or knowing that it is likely to cause anguish to a family member.
Is family violence only deemed as physical violence?
No, it can also be psychological abuse such as intimidation, threatening behaviour, harassment, mocking, controlling, confining, or restricting a person from free movement. The list is not exhaustive.
How do you apply for a PPO?
You can apply to the family courts to prevent further instances of family violence. If the court finds on the balance of probability that family violence has been committed or is likely to be committed, they will make an order to protect the complainant.
What happens if the order is breached?
If the order is breached, you can report the matter to the police. If the offender is found guilty of contravening the PPO, he/she can be liable for a fine of not more than $2,000 and/or imprisonment of up to 6 months. Repeated offenders can be liable for a fine of not more than $5,000 and/or imprisonment of up to 12 months.
How long does a PPO last?
There is no fixed duration for a Personal Protection Order (PPO) in Singapore. The court will decide how long the order should remain in force based on the specific circumstances of the case. Factors such as the severity of abuse, history of violence, and potential risk to the applicant will influence the duration granted by the court.
What if you’re afraid of seeing the respondent during the PPO process?
If you are fearful of facing the respondent in court, you should inform a counsellor or a staff member at the Family Protection Centre. The court may make arrangements for you to attend certain proceedings—such as mentions—via video-link from a separate location. However, please note that video-link attendance is not available for court hearings. You may also request to be counselled separately from the respondent during any mandatory counselling sessions.
Do you need a lawyer to apply for a PPO in Singapore?
It is not mandatory to engage a lawyer when applying for a PPO. Individuals may submit the application on their own. That said, engaging a lawyer may be helpful to ensure your application is correctly prepared and supported with relevant details. This can reduce the likelihood of delays or rejections.
When should you consider hiring a lawyer for a PPO?
If your case is particularly complex, or if you’re unsure about how to handle legal procedures, having a lawyer can be beneficial. A lawyer can represent you in court, guide you through the steps of the PPO process, and increase your chances of successfully obtaining the order. This is especially useful for applicants who feel overwhelmed or require assistance navigating the legal system.
Custody, care and control and access application
What is custody, care and control?
Custody gives the parent authority and responsibility to make major decisions in the children’s lives such as country of residence, education, religion and major healthcare decisions.
Care and control gives the parent authority and responsibility over the day-to-day matters of the child and the child resides with this parent.
For any orders relating to children, the court considers the best interests of the children.
What kind of custody orders can be given?
Custody orders in Singapore may be granted solely to one parent or jointly to both. In cases where there is no serious disagreement over the child’s upbringing, the court may even decide not to issue any custody order.
The court generally prefers joint custody as it considers this to be in the best interests of the child. Having both parents actively involved supports the child’s emotional and developmental needs, and co-parenting is strongly encouraged. Sole custody is only granted in exceptional circumstances—such as when one parent has abused the child, or when the parents’ relationship is so acrimonious that cooperation is impossible, even after attempts at counselling and mediation. In such cases, the lack of cooperation is seen as harmful to the child’s well-being.
What kind of care and control orders can be given?
The Court can either award care and control to one parent or shared care and control to both parents. In very rare and unusual circumstances where there are several children, the Court may also award split care and control. However, this is very rare, as the Court rarely deems it to be in the best interests of the children to split them up.
In general, the Court will award care and control to the parent who is better able to care for the child. Often, this also includes the parent who is better able to facilitate.
What is access?
Access is an order entitling the parent who does not have care and control to the children to have regular contact with the children. In most situations, access is unsupervised, to allow the non-care parent to spend time with the children without a third-party monitoring this. However, on occasions where there is possible abuse requiring supervision or where the relationship between the non-care parent and the children is strained and requires facilitating, supervised access may instead be ordered.
It is also important for parties to specify the terms for access relating to school holidays, public holidays, birthdays, overnights and bringing the children overseas for holidays.
What are the best interests of the children and how is it determined?
This is often construed widely and can include moral, physical and emotional welfare, stability, ties of affection and various other factors. Often, maintaining the children’s relationship with both parents is an important consideration that is deemed to be in the children’s best interests. All custody, care and control as well as access terms are made with the ultimate goal of ensuring the children’s happiness, security, mental and physical well-being, educational and emotional development as they grow into young adults.
The preferences of the child is also a contributing factor and may be determined through various mechanisms such as child representatives or judicial interviews
What are the duties of parents to maintain their children?
Both the father and mother have a joint duty to maintain or contribute to the maintenance of their children, whether they are in his/her custody, and whether they are legitimate or illegitimate.
The children must typically be maintained until 21 years old, although parental responsibility for maintenance can extend over 21 years old if the child is suffering from some mental/physical disability, serving national service, studying for their tertiary education, or some other special circumstances.
What are the restrictions once a custody order Is issued?
Once a custody or care and control order is in place, the child cannot be taken out of Singapore by anyone other than the parent granted custody or care and control. The only exceptions are if the non-custodial parent has either the written consent of the custodial parent or court permission. Even with approval, the child cannot be taken out of the country for more than one month without further legal clearance.
Should I consult a lawyer about child custody?
If you anticipate that your divorce may involve a custody dispute, or if your spouse is likely to contest the arrangements, it is advisable to speak with an experienced divorce lawyer. Legal guidance is especially important in contested cases, where the outcome can significantly impact both your rights and your child’s future.