How to Choose the Best Divorce Lawyers in Singapore

Choosing the Best Divorce Family Lawyers in Singapore

Everyone wants the best divorce lawyer in Singapore, but cost is often a real concern. The challenge is finding a lawyer who is not only skilled and experienced, but also reliable and affordable.

Selecting the right divorce lawyer is one of the most important decisions you will make. A capable lawyer can mean the difference between a divorce that is handled smoothly and efficiently, and one that becomes stressful, expensive, and filled with avoidable mistakes.

With fixed, transparent, and affordable legal fees, you gain peace of mind. You know exactly what to expect, can plan ahead with confidence, and focus on moving forward—without the fear of hidden costs or financial strain.

10 Practical Steps to Choosing the Right Divorce Lawyer in Singapore

The best divorce lawyers in Singapore are those with a proven track record in handling complex cases, specialising exclusively in family law, and earning consistent recognition from clients and respected legal publications. A strong divorce lawyer is not only effective in court but also skilled in negotiation, often achieving favourable outcomes through mediation and meticulous preparation.

With that in mind, here are 10 practical tips to help you choose a good divorce lawyer in Singapore — one who combines expertise with clear, transparent, and affordable fees.

1. Look for Proven Recognition (Awards and Accolades)

Awards and independent rankings from reputable publications are strong indicators of a lawyer’s expertise and standing in family and divorce law in Singapore. Some of the most trusted recognitions include:

• The Straits Times – Singapore’s Best Law Firms: Recognises leading law firms across different practice areas. Being consistently named among Singapore’s best in Family Law reflects excellence, reliability, and trust.
• Benchmark Litigation Asia-Pacific: Highlights top litigators. Recognition as a Litigation Star in family law demonstrates a lawyer’s ability to handle complex divorce disputes effectively.
• Doyles Guide: Based on peer and client feedback, this guide lists leading divorce lawyers and firms. A place in Doyles Guide signals a lawyer’s strong reputation and proven track record.
• Asian Legal Business: Features leading practitioners and rising stars in the region. Recognition here shows a lawyer’s contribution and expertise in the field of family law.

When a lawyer or firm is recognised by multiple prestigious organisations year after year, it’s a strong sign of consistent expertise, credibility, and client satisfaction.

2. Choose a Specialist in Family and Divorce Law

Within the legal profession, lawyers often specialise in specific areas of law or maintain a more generalist practice. Given the complex and emotionally charged nature of divorce cases which often involve sensitive matters such as children and asset division, it is advisable to engage the services of a specialist divorce lawyer.  A specialist divorce lawyer will have extensive knowledge and expertise in family law to negotiate, devise effective strategies and secure the best outcomes for you.

Furthermore, a specialist divorce lawyer will have handled numerous divorce cases similar to yours. They have experience navigating the legal system and are familiar with the common challenges and pitfalls that can arise during divorce proceedings. This experience allows them to anticipate issues, develop effective strategies, and advocate for your best interests.

3. Choose Transparent, Fixed Legal Fees

A divorce case can be expensive if your spouse is intent on fighting you all the way. Therefore, make sure that your lawyer tells you clearly how much and how they are going to charge you. There is no reason why the lawyer cannot indicate how much your divorce will cost you. Do not hire your lawyer until you are clear about the fees.

If possible, look for a lawyer who offers you fixed fees or capped fees. Having fixed or capped fees mean that you don’t have the nightmare scenario of spending a fortune on legal fees.

While you do not want to spend too much on fees, you should also not engage a divorce lawyer simply because they are the cheapest. What you want is a good competent lawyer with reasonable fees.

4. Make the Most of Your First Consultation

Your first consultation is an important opportunity to assess both the lawyer and the firm. A good divorce lawyer should be able to explain your rights, outline your options, and give you a realistic sense of the likely outcome of your case. They should also suggest practical strategies tailored to your situation.

When attending your first meeting, ask yourself:

• Is the law firm professional, organised, and well-resourced?
• Is the lawyer a specialist in divorce and family law?
• Did the lawyer take the time to listen and understand your concerns?
• Does the lawyer have a strong track record in cases like yours?
• Are the legal fees explained clearly and transparently?

These questions will help you decide whether you feel confident placing your trust in the lawyer and their team.

5. Seek Empathy, Respect and Professional Temperament

Your divorce lawyer should have a compassionate personality. Your lawyer should be caring, supportive and listen to you when you are talking.

More than any other legal field, a divorce lawyer must have the ability to sympathise and care for the client.

You deserve to have a divorce lawyer who will listen to you and feel your pain because you are going through one of the most painful experiences a person can have. If you don’t feel that your lawyer cares, then that lawyer is not right for you.

6. Are You Comfortable with the Lawyer?

Divorce involves sharing sensitive and personal details about your life. That’s why it is important to choose a lawyer you feel comfortable and safe confiding in.

Some clients prefer working with a male lawyer, others with a female lawyer. While the gender of your lawyer will not affect the legal outcome, it may influence how comfortable you feel discussing personal matters.

Above all, select a lawyer who is approachable, who listens carefully, and who understands your concerns. If your lawyer makes you feel uneasy or unheard, they may not be the right fit for you. Comfort and trust are essential foundations for a strong lawyer-client relationship.

7. Choose a Lawyer with a Calm and Respectful Approach

If your lawyer seems intent on fighting every battle or shows hostility toward your spouse or opposing counsel, they may not be the right fit. A good divorce lawyer should have a calm temperament and focus on solutions, not unnecessary conflict. Lawyers who encourage settlement over arguments can often save you significant time, costs, and stress.

In Singapore, the best divorce lawyers are known for being courteous, respectful, and professional—traits that judges value highly. There is a misconception that aggressive lawyers are more effective. In reality, cases are won through hard work, preparation, and clear strategy, not unnecessary hostility.

An aggressive approach may damage relationships with your ex-spouse and children, and prolong litigation. The better choice is a lawyer who is both respected and respectful—firm in protecting your interests, yet constructive in finding practical resolutions.

8. Pick a Divorce Lawyer Who is Supported By a Strong Team

The best divorce lawyers are also extremely hardworking. They often spend long hours researching, drafting, discussing and reading documents to help their clients’ cases. There is no substitute for hard work!

A good divorce lawyer will demonstrate competence and clear advice from the very first meeting. Beyond individual skill, it is also reassuring when your lawyer is supported by a dedicated family law team. Complex divorce cases often require input on different issues—such as child custody, property division, and CPF matters. Having a team behind your lawyer means greater resources, shared experience, and continuity of service, so your case is always managed efficiently and thoroughly. At PKWA Law, our clients benefit from one of Singapore’s largest family law practices, ensuring that every matter is backed by both individual expertise and collective strength.

9. Choose a Divorce Lawyer Who Gives Realistic Advice

A good divorce lawyer will be honest and transparent about your chances, while still treating you with care and compassion. You should expect frank, direct advice that helps you understand both the strengths and weaknesses of your case—without unnecessary harshness.

Experienced divorce lawyers in Singapore know that family cases are rarely about one party winning everything. Instead, the Court looks for fair and practical outcomes, especially when children and shared assets are involved. A lawyer who gives realistic assessments prepares you for likely outcomes and helps you make informed decisions with confidence.

10. Look for Proven Results in Divorce Cases

Finally, you want a divorce lawyer who has a good track record of winning divorce cases involving children custody, maintenance and division of matrimonial assets. At the end of the day, your divorce lawyer should get you what you are reasonably entitled to.

Need Guidance?

Choosing the right divorce lawyer can make all the difference in ensuring your case is handled smoothly and affordably. At PKWA Law, we have over 30 years of experience in family law, with fixed and transparent divorce fees. Recognised among Singapore’s leading family law firms, our team offers a free first consultation to help you understand your options.