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 generally charge either fixed fees or hourly rates. Hourly billing is more common in contested or complex cases and can lead to higher overall costs, while fixed-fee arrangements provide greater predictability.
The total cost of a divorce in Singapore depends mainly on:
- whether the matter is uncontested or contested.
- how your lawyer structures their fees.
Uncontested vs Contested Divorce
Uncontested divorces are usually more affordable because both spouses agree on all issues, which reduces the amount of legal work required.
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.
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.
The lawyer’s fee structure
Billing structure also plays an important role. Some firms charge by the hour, while others offer fixed-fee packages. With fixed fees, it is helpful for clients to understand what is included and what may be considered additional work. In some fixed fee arrangements, steps such as extra consultations or document amendments may fall outside the base package, and these additional components can increase the total cost.
Such additional charges are normal when extra work is needed beyond the usual scope. The key is for clients to review the fee structure carefully so they have a clear sense of what is covered and what might involve extra cost.
Range of Divorce Lawyer Fees in Singapore
Uncontested divorces in Singapore typically cost around $1,600 for a simple divorce with no ancillary issues, and around $2,600 for cases involving children, division of assets, maintenance, or property matters. Fees are lower because both parties agree on all issues, making the process more straightforward.
For contested divorces, fees vary because costs depend on the number of issues in dispute, the complexity of the case, and the amount of legal work required. Every contested matter is different, so lawyers will usually provide a tailored quote after understanding the circumstances.
PKWA Law Divorce Fees
At PKWA Law, our fees are fixed, clear and transparent. Our fees are also priced reasonably and within market range.
Click here to view PKWA Law’s fixed-fee divorce packages.
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- Children: The presence of children under 21, especially if there are acrimonious disputes over custody, care and control, or maintenance, adds complexity and cost.
- 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.
- 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.
- Choice of lawyer: Engage a lawyer who offers clear, fixed fees where possible.
- 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.
