Your Guide To Divorce Lawyer Fees In Singapore

Divorce can be a costly and stressful process in Singapore. Some contentious and contested divorce cases can see the cost of Divorce in Singapore soar, making it crucial to secure the best representation during your proceedings.

The cost of a Divorce in Singapore greatly depends on whether it is contested or uncontested. Lawyers’ fees for Divorce can be expensive in Singapore because several factors influence their costs, including whether they are solo practitioners or work for a large law firm and how long they’ve been practising.

Here’s what you should know:

Lawyer Fees For Divorce In Singapore Can Be Affordable

Fees will vary depending on the circumstances surrounding the Divorce. For contested Divorces, higher fees may be required, primarily if the parties disagree on many issues, including child custody. If so, the attorney would spend more time preparing the arguments and evidence for his client’s case.

A Contested Divorce is generally more expensive than Uncontested Divorces. Lawyers specialising in Family Law typically spend more time in Court than lawyers specialising in other types of law. Therefore, the cost is considerably higher than an uncontested Divorce lawsuit.

At Tembusu Law, our fees are all-inclusive. There are no hidden setup fees or other additional fees.

Breakdown On Lawyer Fees For Divorce In Singapore

At Tembusu Law, we handle both contested and uncontested Divorces, tailoring our services to meet the specific needs of each case.

The typical lawyer fee structure for Divorce in Singapore varies depending on your circumstances.

Less complicated cases usually occur when no shared property, children, or financial support is involved. This also means that there’s no need to talk it out when both people agree to everything. Thus, the fees are considerably lower.

The typical lawyer fee structure for Divorce in Singapore varies depending on your circumstances.

Less complicated cases usually happen when there’s no shared property, children, or financial support involved. This also means when both people agree to everything. Thus, the fees are considerably lower.

Legal fees for Divorce are more expensive in complicated cases involving matrimonial property, children, and maintenance. You can also expect other associated costs related to party negotiation and/or when one party doesn’t agree to all the Divorce terms.

For a more accurate quote on our lawyer fees for Divorce in Singapore, we highly recommend contacting us for a free consultation.

Factors Influencing Divorce Lawyer Fees

Understanding the factors that influence Divorce lawyer fees is crucial for effective financial planning and ensuring you receive the best possible legal support when navigating the complexities of a Divorce. Tembusu Law strives to provide transparent and competitive attorney fees tailored to each client’s unique circumstances.

Here are the key factors that can affect your Divorce lawyer fees in Singapore:

1. Case Complexity

The complexity of your Divorce case significantly impacts the overall legal fees. Simple, uncontested Divorces typically involve fewer legal processes and lower lawyer fees. In contrast, contested Divorces that require extensive negotiations, mediation, or Court appearances can increase the lawyer fees due to the additional time and resources involved.

2. Duration Of The Divorce Process

Prolonged legal battles, multiple Court hearings, and extended negotiations can lead to higher Divorce lawyers’ fees. Efficient case management and timely decision-making can help minimise the duration and, in turn, the overall fee.

3. Amount Of Legal Work Required

Comprehensive legal services such as asset division, child custody arrangements, spousal support negotiations, and drafting of legal documents require more extensive work from your attorney, thereby increasing the lawyer fee. The more detailed and involved your case is, the higher the Divorce lawyer in Singapore’s fee may be.

4. Attorney’s Experience And Expertise

The experience and specialisation of your Divorce lawyer play a pivotal role in determining the divorce attorney fees. Highly experienced Divorce lawyers with a strong track record in family law may charge higher fees compared to less experienced attorneys. However, investing in a seasoned lawyer can provide significant benefits, including more efficient case handling and better negotiation outcomes.

5. Additional Services And Support

Additional services such as mediation, financial advisory, and psychological support can add to the Divorce fee. While not always mandatory, these services can provide valuable support during the Divorce process and may be included in your fees, depending on your specific needs.

7. Client’s Financial Situation

Your financial situation can also impact the fee. Some law firms offer flexible payment plans or sliding scale fees based on the client’s ability to pay. At Tembusu Law, we understand the financial strains that Divorce can impose and strive to offer affordable fees without compromising the quality of our legal services.

8. Court And Filing Fees

In addition to fees, Court and filing fees must be considered part of the legal fees. These fees vary depending on the specifics of your case and the number of Court appearances required. Your attorney will provide a detailed breakdown of these costs during your initial consultation.

9. Negotiation And Settlement Requirements

The extent of negotiation and the need for settlement agreements can influence the Divorce lawyer’s Singapore fee. Effective negotiation skills can lead to favourable settlements without the need for prolonged litigation, thereby reducing the overall lawyer fees.

Cost-Saving Tips For Managing Divorce Fees

Navigating a Divorce can be both emotionally and financially challenging. Here are several cost-saving tips to help you manage and potentially reduce your legal fees for Divorce in Singapore:

1. Choose The Right Divorce Lawyer

Selecting a lawyer who offers competitive Divorce lawyer fees without compromising on quality is crucial. Research and compare the Divorce attorney fees of different law firms to find one that fits your budget while providing the expertise you need. Tembusu Law offers transparent and competitive divorce lawyer Singapore fees, ensuring you receive top-notch legal support without unexpected costs.

2. Be Well-Prepared

Being organised and prepared can significantly reduce the fee. Gather all necessary documents and information before your initial consultation. Providing your lawyer with complete and accurate information from the start can minimise the time they need to spend on your case, thereby lowering the overall lawyer fees for Divorce.

3. Opt For Mediation

Mediation is a cost-effective alternative to traditional litigation. By choosing mediation, you can resolve disputes amicably without needing prolonged Court battles, which can escalate Divorce lawyer fees. Tembusu Law offers mediation services that help streamline the Divorce process, reducing time and legal costs.

4. Limit The Scope Of Legal Services

Identify the areas where you need legal assistance and limit the scope of services accordingly. For instance, if you only require help drafting legal documents, you can negotiate a lower Divorce lawyer fee than full representation. Clear communication with your lawyer about your needs can prevent unnecessary Divorce lawyer fees.

5. Communicate Effectively

Maintain open and effective communication with your lawyer to avoid misunderstandings and additional costs. Promptly respond to requests for information and attend all scheduled meetings. Efficient communication ensures that your case progresses smoothly, helping to control the legal fees for Divorce.

6. Consider Fixed Fee Arrangements

Some law firms offer fixed fee arrangements for specific services, clarifying the total Divorce fee upfront. Tembusu Law provides transparent pricing models, allowing you to understand your Divorce lawyer’s fee from the beginning. Fixed fees can help you budget more effectively and avoid unexpected expenses.

7. Handle Simple Tasks Independently

Take on simple tasks yourself, such as gathering documents or completing forms, to reduce the amount of time your lawyer spends on your case. By handling these tasks independently, you can lower the lawyer fees for Divorce while benefiting from professional legal advice when needed.

8. Utilise Online Resources

Leverage online resources and tools to educate yourself about the Divorce process. Understanding the legal procedures and requirements can help you make informed decisions and reduce your reliance on legal services, decreasing Divorce attorney fees. Tembusu Law provides valuable resources about Divorce on our website to support you throughout your journey.

9. Plan Ahead Financially

Budgeting for your Divorce can help you manage Divorce lawyer fees more effectively. Discuss your financial situation with your lawyer upfront to explore flexible payment plans or instalment options. Tembusu Law offers affordable Divorce lawyer fees and flexible payment arrangements to accommodate your financial needs.

10. Seek A Free Initial Consultation

Many law firms, including Tembusu Law, offer a free initial consultation. Use this time to study your case, understand the potential costs, and determine whether the firm fits your needs. A clear understanding of the divorce lawyer fees from the outset can help you make informed legal decisions and avoid unnecessary expenses.

Example Of Divorce Costs In Singapore

If you’d like to have an idea of the estimated legal cost of your Divorce in Singapore and how we aim to make our legal services accessible and affordable, here’s an example of our suggested pricing and sample legal services package for a typical case:

Example: Simplified & Uncontested Divorce

– both spouses agree to a Divorce and all ancillary issues before the Divorce papers are submitted to the Court

Item & Scope of Work	Factors Affecting The Fees
Stage 1: Terminating the Marriage We prove to the Court that there’s enough reason to allow a Divorce by showing proof of the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage: Adultery: your spouse committed adultery and it’s now intolerable for you to live with him. You must have evidence to prove the adultery and people often engage a private investigator to obtain this evidence. Unreasonable Behaviour: your spouse behaved in an unreasonable manner that you (the Plaintiff) feel it’s now impossible to continue living with your spouse (the Defendant) e.g. domestic violence and physical abuse, verbal, emotional and psychological abuse, improper association with another person (i.e. having a girlfriend or boyfriend outside the marriage). Desertion: your spouse abandoned you for at least 2 years and has no signs of returning. Separation: you’ve lived apart and maintained separate households from your spouse. Separation with your spouse’s consent requires at least 3 years and Separation without your spouse’s consent requires at least 4 years.	No Matrimonial Property No Children No Maintenance All terms agreed No negotiation required Matrimonial Property Children Maintenance Some terms agreed Some negotiation still required
Stage 2: Ancillary Matters We deal with all other Ancillary Matters regarding Custody, Care & Control, Access & Visitation Rights of Children, Dividing Matrimonial Assets & Properties and Maintenance payments for the Wife and Children).

Item & Scope of Work

Factors Affecting The Fees

Stage 1: Terminating the Marriage

We prove to the Court that there’s enough reason to allow a Divorce by showing proof of the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage:

Adultery: your spouse committed adultery and it’s now intolerable for you to live with him. You must have evidence to prove the adultery and people often engage a private investigator to obtain this evidence.
Unreasonable Behaviour: your spouse behaved in an unreasonable manner that you (the Plaintiff) feel it’s now impossible to continue living with your spouse (the Defendant) e.g. domestic violence and physical abuse, verbal, emotional and psychological abuse, improper association with another person (i.e. having a girlfriend or boyfriend outside the marriage).
Desertion: your spouse abandoned you for at least 2 years and has no signs of returning.
Separation: you’ve lived apart and maintained separate households from your spouse. Separation with your spouse’s consent requires at least 3 years and Separation without your spouse’s consent requires at least 4 years.

No Matrimonial Property
No Children
No Maintenance
All terms agreed
No negotiation required

Matrimonial Property
Children
Maintenance
Some terms agreed
Some negotiation still required

Stage 2: Ancillary Matters

We deal with all other Ancillary Matters regarding Custody, Care & Control, Access & Visitation Rights of Children, Dividing Matrimonial Assets & Properties and Maintenance payments for the Wife and Children).

Item & Scope of Work
Stage 1: Terminating the Marriage We prove to the Court that there’s enough reason to allow a Divorce by showing proof of the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage: Adultery: your spouse committed adultery and it’s now intolerable for you to live with him. You must have evidence to prove the adultery and people often engage a private investigator to obtain this evidence. Unreasonable Behaviour: your spouse behaved in an unreasonable manner that you (the Plaintiff) feel it’s now impossible to continue living with your spouse (the Defendant) e.g. domestic violence and physical abuse, verbal, emotional and psychological abuse, improper association with another person (i.e. having a girlfriend or boyfriend outside the marriage). Desertion: your spouse abandoned you for at least 2 years and has no signs of returning. Separation: you’ve lived apart and maintained separate households from your spouse. Separation with your spouse’s consent requires at least 3 years and Separation without your spouse’s consent requires at least 4 years.
Stage 2: Ancillary Matters We deal with all other Ancillary Matters regarding Custody, Care & Control, Access & Visitation Rights of Children, Dividing Matrimonial Assets & Properties and Maintenance payments for the Wife and Children).
Factors Affecting The Fees
No Matrimonial Property No Children No Maintenance All terms agreed No negotiation required Matrimonial Property Children Maintenance Some terms agreed Some negotiation still required

Item & Scope of Work

Stage 1: Terminating the Marriage

We prove to the Court that there’s enough reason to allow a Divorce by showing proof of the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage:

Adultery: your spouse committed adultery and it’s now intolerable for you to live with him. You must have evidence to prove the adultery and people often engage a private investigator to obtain this evidence.
Unreasonable Behaviour: your spouse behaved in an unreasonable manner that you (the Plaintiff) feel it’s now impossible to continue living with your spouse (the Defendant) e.g. domestic violence and physical abuse, verbal, emotional and psychological abuse, improper association with another person (i.e. having a girlfriend or boyfriend outside the marriage).
Desertion: your spouse abandoned you for at least 2 years and has no signs of returning.
Separation: you’ve lived apart and maintained separate households from your spouse. Separation with your spouse’s consent requires at least 3 years and Separation without your spouse’s consent requires at least 4 years.

Stage 2: Ancillary Matters

Factors Affecting The Fees

No Matrimonial Property
No Children
No Maintenance
All terms agreed
No negotiation required

Matrimonial Property
Children
Maintenance
Some terms agreed
Some negotiation still required

*Note: The actual costs of a Singapore Divorce will depend on the agreed scope and amount of work involved (e.g., how many terms are already agreed between the couple); further adjustments will be made to the rates depending on any increase or decrease in the actual scope and complexity of work.

If you need extra help with your cash flow, we can work out instalment payments for our transparent and fixed fees to help you better manage your finances and keep track of your legal expenses.

This helps you afford the legal support that you need, and it also gives us the opportunity to be involved in your case and help you.

If you’re still unsure of what to expect regarding the process and timeline of a Divorce, here’s a quick summary of how a Divorce will typically proceed:

9 Step-By-Step Divorce Process In Singapore
1. Start The Divorce Process And Apply For Divorce To Dissolve The Marriage You file and serve the Writ of Summons and Statement of Claim on your spouse. Your spouse must respond within 8 days, confirming whether your spouse will challenge or contest the Divorce. A Contested Divorce and Trial is a long, painful and expensive process – you and your witnesses must give evidence during Court sessions and hearings after which the Court will make a decision and deliver its judgement. However, if you both agree and do not contest that the irretrievable breakdown of your marriage has occurred, then at least Stage 1 of the Divorce process won’t need a trial and you can continue directly to deal with the Ancillary Matters.
2. Memorandum Of Appearance & Defence If your spouse contests the Divorce, he must file these 2 documents in Court. The Memorandum of Appearance confirms that he’ll be participating in the Divorce and Court process. The Defence summarises your spouse’s main reply to your claims stated in your Statement of Claim.
3. Interim Judgement Upon reviewing the divorce proceedings, if the Court agrees that there’s enough evidence to show that the marriage has irretrievably broken down, an Interim Judgement will be granted that dissolves the marriage. This decree initially dissolves the marriage, transitioning the Singapore divorce process into the phase where Ancillary Matters such as child maintenance, financial support, and division of purposes assets acquired during the marriage are addressed.
4. Communication, Discussion, Negotiation & Mediation You and your spouse discuss and negotiate to try to reach a compromise or settlement – this helps you both avoid going through a painful, messy and fiercely contested divorce and trial. These discussions can take place via Family Dispute Resolution Conferences (FDRCs) and Counselling Sessions organised by the Family Justice Court.
5. Pre-Trial & Ancillary Matters Hearing If you and your spouse cannot reach a compromise or settlement regarding your respective demands, a Trial will take place for the Judge to review the evidence in support of the respective claims. If your spouse doesn’t contest your Divorce application and only challenges you on the Ancillary Matters, your spouse must file the Memorandum of Appearance to point out the Ancillary Matters he intends to challenge without filing a Defence.
6. Affidavits You and your spouse each file an Affidavits of Assets & Means (also called an “AOM”) to give details of your assets and financial responsibilities such as your salary and sources of income and expenses. If you want to get more information from your spouse regarding their assets and finances, you can use the Discovery process to ask for the Court’s help to force your spouse to give you the requested information. This legal procedure allows you to request the Court’s assistance to compel your spouse to disclose the necessary information.
7. High Court If your matrimonial assets and properties have a total net value of more than $5 million, then your Divorce will be handled in the High Court.
8. Ancillary Matters Hearing After you and your spouse have submitted the Court papers and Affidavits, a separate Court hearing date will be scheduled for you and your spouse (or your Divorce Lawyers or Family Lawyers) to present the legal arguments and evidence in support of your claim for Ancillary Matters. This includes Custody, Care & Control, Access & Visitation Rights of Children, Dividing Matrimonial Assets & Properties and Maintenance payments for the Wife and Children: Children: which parents will get Custody of the Children, Care and Control of the Children, and Access to the Children? Maintenance of the Wife and Children: how much maintenances should the husband pay for the Wife and Children? Matrimonial Assets & Property: how should the matrimonial assets & property (e.g. matrimonial home, investment properties, cash in bank accounts) be distributed between you and your spouse?
9. Final Judgement Following the resolution of Ancillary Matters, a period of at least three months must pass from the date of the Interim Judgement before the Final Judgment is issued. The judgement finalises all terms of the Divorce, officially dissolving the marriage. The divorce fees associated with reaching this stage can vary depending on the specifics of each case, including whether fixed fees or a lump sum fee were agreed upon.

9 Step-By-Step Divorce Process In Singapore

1. Start The Divorce Process And Apply For Divorce To Dissolve The Marriage

You file and serve the Writ of Summons and Statement of Claim on your spouse. Your spouse must respond within 8 days, confirming whether your spouse will challenge or contest the Divorce.

A Contested Divorce and Trial is a long, painful and expensive process – you and your witnesses must give evidence during Court sessions and hearings after which the Court will make a decision and deliver its judgement. However, if you both agree and do not contest that the irretrievable breakdown of your marriage has occurred, then at least Stage 1 of the Divorce process won’t need a trial and you can continue directly to deal with the Ancillary Matters.

2. Memorandum Of Appearance & Defence

If your spouse contests the Divorce, he must file these 2 documents in Court. The Memorandum of Appearance confirms that he’ll be participating in the Divorce and Court process. The Defence summarises your spouse’s main reply to your claims stated in your Statement of Claim.

3. Interim Judgement

Upon reviewing the divorce proceedings, if the Court agrees that there’s enough evidence to show that the marriage has irretrievably broken down, an Interim Judgement will be granted that dissolves the marriage. This decree initially dissolves the marriage, transitioning the Singapore divorce process into the phase where Ancillary Matters such as child maintenance, financial support, and division of purposes assets acquired during the marriage are addressed.

4. Communication, Discussion, Negotiation & Mediation

You and your spouse discuss and negotiate to try to reach a compromise or settlement – this helps you both avoid going through a painful, messy and fiercely contested divorce and trial. These discussions can take place via Family Dispute Resolution Conferences (FDRCs) and Counselling Sessions organised by the Family Justice Court.

5. Pre-Trial & Ancillary Matters Hearing

If you and your spouse cannot reach a compromise or settlement regarding your respective demands, a Trial will take place for the Judge to review the evidence in support of the respective claims.

If your spouse doesn’t contest your Divorce application and only challenges you on the Ancillary Matters, your spouse must file the Memorandum of Appearance to point out the Ancillary Matters he intends to challenge without filing a Defence.

6. Affidavits

You and your spouse each file an Affidavits of Assets & Means (also called an “AOM”) to give details of your assets and financial responsibilities such as your salary and sources of income and expenses.

If you want to get more information from your spouse regarding their assets and finances, you can use the Discovery process to ask for the Court’s help to force your spouse to give you the requested information.

This legal procedure allows you to request the Court’s assistance to compel your spouse to disclose the necessary information.

7. High Court

If your matrimonial assets and properties have a total net value of more than $5 million, then your Divorce will be handled in the High Court.

8. Ancillary Matters Hearing

After you and your spouse have submitted the Court papers and Affidavits, a separate Court hearing date will be scheduled for you and your spouse (or your Divorce Lawyers or Family Lawyers) to present the legal arguments and evidence in support of your claim for Ancillary Matters.

This includes Custody, Care & Control, Access & Visitation Rights of Children, Dividing Matrimonial Assets & Properties and Maintenance payments for the Wife and Children:

Children: which parents will get Custody of the Children, Care and Control of the Children, and Access to the Children?
Maintenance of the Wife and Children: how much maintenances should the husband pay for the Wife and Children?
Matrimonial Assets & Property: how should the matrimonial assets & property (e.g. matrimonial home, investment properties, cash in bank accounts) be distributed between you and your spouse?

9. Final Judgement

Following the resolution of Ancillary Matters, a period of at least three months must pass from the date of the Interim Judgement before the Final Judgment is issued. The judgement finalises all terms of the Divorce, officially dissolving the marriage.

The divorce fees associated with reaching this stage can vary depending on the specifics of each case, including whether fixed fees or a lump sum fee were agreed upon.

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Conclusion About Divorce Lawyer Fees

Understanding Divorce lawyer fees is essential for making informed decisions and managing your legal expenses effectively. At Tembusu Law, we provide expert legal advice and representation in managing difficult family law disputes.

Whether it’s obtaining child custody, addressing issues of domestic violence, or handling annulments, our legal team brings a wealth of experience to various family legal matters.

Start with our free consultation to discuss your specific situation without any obligations. With our expert guidance, you will benefit from the extensive experience of our divorce lawyers in singapore.

Get in touch with us now.

Frequently Asked Questions About Divorce Lawyer Fees In Singapore

How Expensive Would It Be If Two Parties Agree To Have A Divorce?

In Singapore, the cost of a divorce should not be too high if both parties consent to the terms of the divorce. This is known as an uncontested divorce, in which both spouses consent to all the terms of a divorce. It is easier and less expensive to get an uncontested Divorce than a contested Divorce.

Why Are Contested Divorce Fees More Expensive Than An Uncontested Divorce Cost In Singapore?

There can be many reasons why contested Divorce costs in Singapore are more expensive than an Uncontested Divorce. One key reason is that resolving the terms in a Contested Divorce takes longer. When two parties cannot agree on Divorce terms, they may be forced to go through lengthy court proceedings. Aside from pre-trial legal motions and hearings, it entails numerous steps, including discovery, depositions, expert reports, and trial preparation.

Who Is Responsible For Paying For The Divorce Lawyer Fees In Singapore?

In most cases, you are responsible for paying your own legal fees. The Court can also determine if a person should be responsible for paying the other person’s legal fees, such as in a situation where the losing party bears winning party’s legal costs.

Do You Allow Instalment Payments For Lawyer Fees?

Yes. We accept instalments of lawyer fees for Divorce in Singapore. We know that many people have financial constraints, so we have made instalment payments available for our clients who need additional financial assistance.

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