Derek Choo Heng Han

Derek Choo is an Associate Director in PKWA Law’s Family Law Practice Group. He is recognised as a Rising Star by Asian Legal Business Singapore 2024 and shortlisted for ALB Asia 40 Under 40 (2025). Derek is commended for his “impressive presence in handling complex divorce cases and high-value matrimonial disputes” and is described as “a sought-after lawyer.”

Derek is known for his strategic clarity, persuasive advocacy, and deep empathy- qualities that consistently earn praise from clients, colleagues, and the courts. He believes in therapeutic justice and is particularly passionate about minimising the impact of divorce on children. He strives to resolve proceedings expediently and fairly, and has contributed to legal scholarship on children’s voices in divorce, published in the Asian Journal on Mediation.

He holds a Certificate of Attainment from the Family Therapeutic Justice Certification Programme organised by the Singapore Academy of Law.

Comprehensive Family Law Practice

Derek’s areas of work include:

• Contentious and Non-Contentious Divorces
• Divorce by Mutual Agreement
• Contentious and Non-Contentious Probate Applications
• Grant of Probate
• Grant of Letters of Administration
• Mental Capacity Applications
• Child Abduction Matters
• Guardianship Applications
• Adoption Applications
• Personal Protection Order Applications
• Maintenance Applications
• Variation and Enforcement Applications
• Last Will and Testament
• Lasting Power of Attorney
• Bankruptcy Applications
• Deed of Separation
• Pre-Nuptial and Post-Nuptial Agreements

Notable Cases and Achievements

Divorce, Child Custody & Division of Assets

• S$10 million divorce settlement via private mediation - Lead counsel in a high-value divorce involving a S$10 million asset pool. Achieved full settlement through private mediation, safeguarding the client’s personal assets and significantly reducing opposing claims.
• S$23 million divorce involving cross-border assets - Represented a hedge fund manager in a complex divorce involving assets in Singapore and China. Negotiated the withdrawal of a Personal Protection Order based on false allegations, preserving the client’s reputation and legal standing.
• Cross-border child abduction (Singapore–Thailand) - Acted in a child recovery matter involving unilateral removal to Thailand. Coordinated international efforts and secured substituted service and expedited orders.
• Custody win for father in contested proceedings - Achieved care and control for the father in a contested custody dispute - an uncommon outcome -through strategic negotiation and evidence-based advocacy.
• Opposition to strike-out application in contested divorce - Successfully resisted an application to strike out the husband's claim in a contested divorce involving allegations of adultery and unreasonable behaviour. The court affirmed the husband's right to have his claim heard, rejecting arguments of abuse of process and delay, and upheld the importance of allowing both parties to present their case fully.
• Child access & counselling orders - Secured liberal access for a father despite resistance from the child and non-compliance by the mother. Persuaded the court to order mandatory counselling and follow-up reviews.
• Complex asset pool divorce with third-party interests - Lead counsel in a protracted divorce involving public-listed shares, third-party claims, and high-net-worth portfolios. Managed extensive discovery and successfully defended third-party interests.
• Favourable mediation outcome for UHNW client - Acted for the Husband in a long-running divorce resolved via mediation. Secured 60% of the Singapore matrimonial home and transfer of a valuable Indian property at nil cash consideration.
• Sole custody & asset protection for Husband - Obtained sole custody and care and control for the Husband. The Court ruled no spousal maintenance payable and ordered a division that protected the Husband’s key interests.

Deputyship applications under Mental Capacity Act

• Successfully obtained deputyship orders with powers to sell property, manage finances, and apply for probate on behalf of patients.

Adoption applications

• Handled sensitive adoption matters for single parents and non-relatives, overcoming legal hurdles and securing court approval.

Probate & estate administration

• Experienced in resealing foreign grants (Australia, Thailand, Indonesia, NZ), obtaining fresh grants for foreign-domiciled clients, and securing court-sanctioned property sales.

Wills & estate planning for UHNW clients

• Drafted bespoke wills and estate plans for ultra-high-net-worth clients, including public figures and artists.

Representation in Shell Bukom gas oil heist

• Represented an accused person in one of Singapore’s largest corporate theft cases. Successfully reduced the client's sentence to 2 months' imprisonment through strategic mitigation and persuasive advocacy.

Reported Cases

• [2023] SGFC 9 – WNQ v WNR: Represented the Wife in a 38-year marriage involving complex financial disputes. Successfully argued for the return of over S$400,000 in disputed assets to the matrimonial pool. The case involved contested CPF withdrawals, vehicle sales, dividend declarations, and valuation disputes.
• [2018] SGHC 203 – CPF Estate Dispute: Acted in a High Court matter involving novel legal issues surrounding nominee rights and posthumous CPF claims. The case clarified the limits of equitable and trust-based claims under the CPF Act.
• [2018] SGFC 7 – Division of Matrimonial Assets: In a long marriage, the court adopted a structured approach to asset division. The case involved disputed financial contributions, adverse inference arguments, and valuation of matrimonial property.
• [2019] SGFC 105 – Personal Protection Order (PPO): Represented the complainant in a high-profile PPO application involving sustained harassment and reputational harm. The case spanned 11 hearing days and resulted in a successful PPO and costs order.

Recognition

• Recognised as one of “Singapore’s Rising Stars” in 2024 by Asian Legal Business.
• Part of PKWA Law’s award-winning team, named one of Singapore’s Best Law Firms by The Straits Times for six consecutive years (2021–2026)

Military Background

Prior to his undergraduate studies, Derek served as a Commando Officer in the Singapore Armed Forces. This experience instilled in him discipline, resilience, and leadership - qualities that continue to shape his legal practice.

Contact Us

Derek Choo's dedication to family law and his compassionate approach make him a trusted advisor for your family law needs. Contact us today to discuss how Derek and the PKWA Law team can assist you with your legal matters.