Family Law
Divorce under civil or Muslim law, children, assets and adoption.
General information on family law in Singapore, not legal advice. For advice on your own circumstances, speak with a lawyer at the firm.
In our words
Speak to
Family and marital issues demand sensitive handling. Interpersonal disagreements that cross national boundaries also require thoughtful and tactical management. Here at Md. Nasser Ismail & Co., our experienced team understands that handling delicate family and interpersonal matters entail significant stakes. Therefore we ensure that we have your best interests at heart.
Even if you and your spouse have mutually decided that the marriage must end, many personal, practical and financial issues must be resolved. If conflict runs deep or arises along the way over important matters such as child custody & access, just and equitable property division and other ancillary matters, we at Md. Nasser Ismail & Co are able to help you.
How we help
Divorce, Separation & Annulment
We help you deal with the difficulties in determining the most suitable legal grounds for divorce, separation or annulment. We also advise on and execute best solutions for issues related to child custody & access, just and equitable property division and other ancillary matters that are connected to such proceedings.
Asset Management and Maintenance
Financial matters are crucial in divorce, separation and non-marital interpersonal relationship cases. We offer sound guidance in attaining negotiated and contested resolutions to disagreements regarding maintenance and all manner of assets and property.
Custody and Guardianship
Our team is experienced in handling custody and guardianship applications in both contentious and non-contentious situations. In cases of high conflict, we make certain that the interests of both the client and the children are protected.
International Disputes
We take on complicated cross-national cases that involve child-relocation disputes and child-abduction. We work closely with our international counsel networks to ensure that the interests of our clients and their children in every jurisdiction are safeguarded.
Finance & Asset Protection Planning
We provide expert advice in drafting pre-nuptial, post-nuptial, marital agreements and separation, cohabitation, reconciliation deeds. We also facilitate negotiations to arrive at mutually acceptable contracts.
Domestic Violence
We advise clients of their rights and support them in acquiring protection and redress where needed. Our team also provides representation for clients who face domestic violence.
Adoption
We advise on adoption processes and mediate with relevant authorities for necessary approval, as well as make court applications for the adoption procedure.
What we handle
- Divorce (Civil & Shariah)
- Divorce, Separation and Annulment
- Asset Management and Maintenance
- Custody and Guardianship
- International Disputes
- Finance and Asset Protection Planning
- Domestic Violence
- Adoption
Fees
Fees depend on the scope of the matter. Ask us for a quote.
| Initial consultationExplaining where you stand and the options open to you. | On enquiry |
|---|---|
| Uncontested divorceWhere both parties agree on the terms. | On enquiry |
| Contested proceedingsWhere the terms are disputed in court. | On enquiry |
Where to start
Call or email us with a short outline of your matter, and we will advise on the next step.
Common questions
How does a divorce work in Singapore?
A civil divorce has two stages. The court first decides whether the marriage has broken down and grants an Interim Judgment, then deals with the children, maintenance and the division of assets. The marriage only ends when the Final Judgment is issued, at least three months after the Interim Judgment.
Read the full guide →What are the grounds for divorce in Singapore?
There is one ground: the marriage has irretrievably broken down. You show this by proving one of six facts: adultery, unreasonable behaviour, desertion for two years, three years' separation with consent, four years' separation, or, since 1 July 2024, divorce by mutual agreement.
Read the full guide →How does a Muslim divorce work in Singapore?
Muslim divorces are handled by the Syariah Court under the Administration of Muslim Law Act. Before a case can start, the person filing registers with the court and attends compulsory counselling. The court then deals with the divorce and related claims such as nafkah iddah, mut'ah, custody and the matrimonial assets.
Read the full guide →What is the difference between custody, care and control, and access?
Custody is the right to make major decisions about a child's upbringing, such as education, religion and serious medical treatment. Care and control decides who the child lives with day to day. Access is the time the other parent spends with the child. In every case the court's main concern is the child's welfare.
Read the full guide →How are matrimonial assets divided in a divorce?
The court first decides which assets are matrimonial assets, then divides them in the proportion it considers just and equitable. It looks at both financial contributions and non-financial ones, such as caring for the home and children, rather than applying a fixed formula.
Read the full guide →How does maintenance for a spouse and children work?
Both parents must maintain their children, usually until age 21. A husband can be ordered to maintain his wife or former wife, and a wife can be ordered to maintain a husband who is incapacitated. There is no fixed formula: the court looks at needs, means and the family's standard of living.
Read the full guide →What is a personal protection order?
A personal protection order (PPO) is a court order that stops a family member from committing family violence against you. Since 2 January 2025, family violence includes physical, sexual, emotional and psychological abuse. Breaching a PPO is an offence.
Read the full guide →How does adoption work in Singapore?
Adoption is governed by the Adoption of Children Act 2022, in force since 15 October 2024. Prospective parents attend a pre-adoption briefing, usually obtain an Adoption Suitability Assessment, gather the required consents and apply to the Family Justice Courts, which grant an adoption order if it is in the child's welfare.
Read the full guide →Still have a question? Ask us directly.
Have questions?
Send us a quick note below and let's figure things out together.