Derek Choo Heng Han

Associate Director, Family Law

Advocate & Solicitor, Supreme Court of Singapore

“Impressive presence in the legal field ….. A sought after lawyer” – Asian Legal Business

Derek Choo is an Associate Director in PKWA Law’s Family Law Practice Group. He is recognised as a Family Law Rising Star by Doyles Guide 2026, 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 an authority on adoption and deputyship matters and is frequently quoted in the media on these areas of law.

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.

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

Awards & Accolades

Ranked as a Family Law Rising Star 2026 by Doyles Guide to Leading Singapore Family & Divorce Lawyers
Derek is recognised as one of “Singapore’s Rising Stars” in 2024 by Asian Legal Business.

Notable Cases

All client names and identifying details have been carefully anonymised or generalised to preserve clients’ confidentiality.

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.

Areas of Practice

Divorce & Separation: Specializing in uncontested and contested divorce, and separation agreements.
Child & Family Matters: Including custody, adoption, guardianship, child abduction, and maintenance applications.
Wills & Probate: Handling Last Wills, Grants of Probate, and Letters of Administration.
Personal Protection & Capacity: Adoptions, PPOs and Mental Capacity Act applications.

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.

Client testimonials

Hear what our clients say about us.

I’m writing in to express my gratitude and to highlight Mr Derek Choo’s outstanding professionalism and client services. He is brilliant, passionate, resourceful, resilient and a compassionate lawyer. His expertise and dedication were instrumental in helping me to secure a successful outcome for my case. I will not delay in putting forward Derek to my friends, relatives or anyone who needs his services. Thank you so much, Derek!

Ng Wee Meng Andrew

Derek Choo and his team provided a first class service, their attention to detail was second to none and they responded to all queries in a very timely manner. I have no hesitation in recommending their services.

David Heaselden

I have engaged PKWA for my divorce proceedings after doing some research and I have made the right choice. My case was assigned to their lawyer, Derek Choo and legal manager, Firdaus. Derek is very thoughtful and efficient; he has explained my rights over the matrimonial home and assets. He has provided valuable guidance during mediation session. He even followed up my case and called during his reservist to discuss. Firdaus is very responsive and followed up timely in administrative works. He even helped to deliver the legal paper personally to my ex-spouse after the 1st attempt failed. Both gentlemen have gone above and beyond the call of duty to ensure things are on track. I am very satisfied with the outcome of the final judgement. Highly recommended PKWA for their excellent service.

Clara Tan

I want to take a moment to sincerely thank Mr. Derek Choo and Ms. Jennifer Tung for their outstanding guidance throughout my divorce process. Their professionalism and compassionate approach made a challenging time in my life much more manageable. Their attention to detail and expertise instilled confidence in me, while their strategic mindset ensured that my best interests were always prioritized. Communication was prompt, clear, and reassuring, creating a strong sense of support when needed. I wholeheartedly recommend their services to anyone seeking dedicated and empathetic legal counsel. Once again, thank you!

Sean Kock