What are Divorce Fees in Singapore?
For many clients at PKWA Law, one of the first and most pressing questions is: “How much will my divorce cost?”
In Singapore, lawyers typically charge either fixed fees or hourly rates. Hourly billing is common in contested or complex cases but often result in higher costs than fixed fee arrangements.
The cost of a divorce in Singapore varies depending on whether the divorce is uncontested or contested, and on the lawyer’s billing model. Below, we break down the typical fee ranges and the key factors that affect the overall cost.
What is the Market Range for an Uncontested Divorce: Typically $1,500 to $3,500
An uncontested divorce is one where both parties agree on all key issues, including the grounds for divorce and the ancillary matters (such as division of assets, child custody, and maintenance). Because of the agreement between both spouses, these cases are generally quicker, simpler, and more cost-effective.
According to Singapore Legal Advice, divorce fees generally range from $1,500 to $3,500 for simplified uncontested divorces and $10,000 to $35,000 for contested divorces. Some law firm may charge up $5,000 for an uncontested divorce, though this is not common.
PKWA Law Divorce Fees
At PKWA Law, our divorce fees are well within the market range, offering clients exceptional value and trusted epresentation from our team of award winning family lawyers. Our divorce fees are as follows:
Uncontested Divorce
- $1,490 – No children, property, or maintenance
- $2,490 – With children, property, or maintenance
Contested Divorce
- For contested divorces, fees depend on the complexity of the case. In all cases, our pricing remains clear and transparent, with no surprises along the way.
Contested Divorce: From $10,000 Upwards
A contested divorce occurs when parties cannot agree on the divorce itself or on one or more ancillary matters. These cases often require multiple rounds of negotiation, mediation, affidavits, and court hearings, which significantly increase legal costs.
According to Singapore Legal Advice, contested divorce fees can range widely, from around $10,000 to $35,000 or more, depending on the number of disputes and the length of proceedings. Many lawyers charge fees based on hourly rates, which can be appropriate for complex cases but often lead to higher costs than fixed fee arrangements.
Key Factors Affecting Overall Divorce Costs
The final cost of a divorce is determined by the complexity of the case, driven by factors such as:
a. Lawyer’s Billing Model: Lawyers can charge based on fixed fees or by hourly rates. It is more assuring if fees are fixed. If the lawyer charges by hourly rates, it may end up being more costly than fixed fee arrangements.
b. Type of Assets: The complexity of matrimonial assets (e.g., multiple properties, CPF monies, business interests, overseas assets) requires more legal work for valuation, tracing, and division.
c. Children: The presence of children under 21, especially if there are acrimonious disputes over custody, care and control, or maintenance, adds complexity and cost.
d. Level of Conflict: The number of contested issues and the intensity of the conflict between spouses directly relate to the number of hearings, negotiations, and affidavits required.
d. Litigation vs. Settlement:The single most important factor is whether the parties can settle at mediation or require a full-blown trial through litigation. Litigation is significantly more expensive and time-consuming.
f. Choice of lawyer: Engage a lawyer who offers clear, fixed fees where possible.
g. Mediation: Mediation can help spouses reach a settlement on the divorce and issues like custody, maintenance, and division of assets without a full trial. Settling through mediation often saves time, legal costs, and emotional stress. Mediation is strongly encouraged by the Family Court.
Contact PKWA Law today
At PKWA Law, our divorce fees are competitive and transparent, backed by a team consistently ranked among Singapore’s leading divorce specialists.
Contact our experienced divorce team today for a no-obligation fixed-fee quote.
