How to choose the best divorce lawyers in Singapore

Choosing the best divorce family lawyers in Singapore (with affordable fees)

Everyone would like to have the best divorce lawyer without paying expensive fees, but where do you find a good divorce lawyer in Singapore and whose fees are reasonable and affordable?

Getting a good divorce lawyer in Singapore – without busting your budget – is one of the most critical decisions you will make in your divorce. Being represented by a skilled divorce lawyer can mean the difference between a smooth divorce and one marked by frustration, bad decisions and a bad outcome.

Furthermore, if your divorce lawyer’s fees are clear, transparent and affordable, you have the added comfort of knowing that you can budget and plan for your divorce fees without worrying that you might run out of money halfway.

Who is the best divorce lawyer in Singapore?

The top divorce lawyers in Singapore are those with a clear track record in winning difficult cases, who specialise in family law and who are consistently recommended by clients and legal publications.  They excel not just in winning cases, they are also adept at negotiation and often secure favourable outcomes for their skills through skilful mediation and careful preparation.

Here are our top 10 tips for finding a good divorce lawyer in Singapore with an eye on fair, transparent, and affordable fees.

1. Look for awards and accolades

Awards from reputable legal organisations and publications are strong indicators of of a lawyer’s excellence and expertise in divoce law.  Some notable examples include:

• The Straits Times: Recognises top law firms and lawyers across various practice areas. Being named among “Singapore’s Best Law Firms” in Family Law by The Straits Times is a testament to a firm’s excellence and reliability in handling family law cases.
• Benchmark Litigation Asia-Pacific: Recognizes lawyers who have demonstrated excellence in litigation and dispute resolution. Being named a “Litigation Star” in family law by Benchmark Litigation signifies a lawyer’s capability in handling complex divorce cases effectively.
• Doyles Guide: Lists leading lawyers and law firms based on feedback from peers and clients. Recognition by Doyles Guide as a leading divorce lawyer in Singapore indicates a lawyer’s high standing in the legal community and their proven track record in achieving favorable outcomes for clients.
• Asian Legal Business:  Identifies leading lawyers and rising stars who have made significant contributions to the legal field. Recognition by this publication highlights a lawyer’s impact and expertise in family law.

When the same lawyer or law firm consistently appears across multiple prestigious awards, it strongly suggests a high level of expertise, reliability, and client satisfaction.

2. Get a lawyer who specialises in 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. Look for lawyers with fixed and reasonable 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. Leverage the first consultation

A good lawyer should give you a good summary of your case at the first meeting and the appropriate strategies.

A good divorce lawyer usually has a sense of the general outcome of the client’s case during the first meeting. Hence, right from the first meeting, a good divorce lawyer should be able to let you know your rights and entitlement.

It would help if you also asked yourself the following questions at the first consultation:

• Is the office a professionally equipped outfit? Is it busy?
• Is the lawyer a divorce specialist?
• Did the lawyer listen?
• What is the lawyer’s track record?
• Are the legal fees clear?

5. Look for a lawyer who is compassionate, caring, and listens to you

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. After speaking to the lawyer, do you like them?

Your lawyer will be the one with whom you are going to share very intimate personal details of your private life, so choose someone you are comfortable with.

Some clients prefer male divorce lawyers. Others prefer female divorce lawyers. While the gender of your divorce lawyer would not determine the outcome of your case, you should choose someone you are comfortable discussing your case with.

Choose someone likeable, who listens to you, who understands you. If your lawyer makes you feel uncomfortable, they are not right for you.

7. Get a feel for the lawyer’s temperament

If your lawyer is spoiling for a fight against your spouse or displays great animosity towards the opposing counsel, that lawyer may not be right for you. You want a divorce lawyer who has a calm temperament. Lawyers who are calm and reasonable are more likely to offer solutions instead of fighting out in court and draining your finances.

You want a lawyer who encourages settlements, not arguments. This is one of the hallmarks of a good divorce lawyer.

All the best lawyers in Singapore are cordial, respectful and courteous towards their opponents and judges. Being respectful and courteous are traits every lawyer should have.

There is this misconception that aggressive lawyers will win cases. I can tell you that lawyers win cases because they are hard-working and well prepared. Your aggressive lawyer who wants to fight every battle will soon be out of your life when your divorce case is over – but their manner of unnecessary angry litigation would have cost you a lot of time and money, not to mention a terrible relationship with your ex-spouse and children.

Judges naturally prefer respectful and respected lawyers over someone who is loud, petty and overly aggressive and prolongs litigation.

I like to say: Get a lawyer who is respected and who is respectful.

8. Good divorce lawyers are hardworking

Right from the first meeting, a good divorce lawyer will demonstrate competence and knowledge. They will be straightforward with you and does not sell you false hope. As a result, you know that your case will be well handled.

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!

9. Look for divorce lawyers who are honest about your case

You want a divorce lawyer who is honest about your chances and, at the same time, is caring and compassionate.

You want your lawyer to be frank and direct with you without appearing unkind or uncaring.

Good divorce lawyers tend to be more cautious and realistic in their assessments. Divorce cases are rarely about one party winning everything.

10. Seek lawyers with a successful track record

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.

About PKWA Law

PKWA Law is an established mid-size law firm with more than 30 years of history.  It has more than 100 employees, and its family law lawyers are consistently ranked as leading family lawyers in Singapore by the Straits Times, Asian Legal Business, Benchmark Litigation Asia Pacific and Doyles Guide to Leading Singapore Family Lawyers.