A family in difficulty deserves a lawyer who understands both what the law can do and what it cannot undo.
A marriage ending is rarely just a legal event. There are children who did not choose this, assets built across years of shared life, and relationships that will outlast whatever the court orders. The legal process does not make those things simpler — but how it is handled can make the difference between a family that finds its footing and one that doesn’t.
At Bethel Chambers, we begin from a clear position: conflict in family proceedings is often unavoidable, but gratuitous conflict is never in a client’s interest. Where resolution is possible — through negotiation, mediation, or collaborative practice — we pursue it with the same rigour we bring to contested hearings. Where it is not possible, we advocate firmly and without hesitation.
Family law in Singapore covers a wide range of circumstances — from straightforward uncontested divorces to deeply contested custody battles, from adoption proceedings that mark the beginning of a family to personal protection orders that mark a necessary boundary within one. Each situation carries its own emotional weight and its own legal complexity. We take both seriously.
Our founder, Chong Yue-En, holds a Masters in Counselling alongside his legal qualifications — which means he understands the emotional architecture of family breakdown, not just the procedural steps. That understanding shapes how we advise, how we communicate, and how we help clients make decisions they will be able to live with long after the proceedings conclude.
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An uncontested divorce — where both parties agree on the fact of divorce and all ancillary matters — can be concluded in as little as three to four months. A contested divorce, where parties dispute the grounds or the ancillary matters (assets, custody, maintenance), can take significantly longer — sometimes two to three years in complex cases involving substantial matrimonial assets or custody disputes. The process begins with filing for divorce and concludes with the Final Judgment.
Matrimonial assets include assets acquired during the marriage and premarital assets that have been substantially improved by either spouse during the marriage. The family home is typically included regardless of how it is held. CPF monies, business interests, and assets held overseas may all be considered. Singapore courts divide matrimonial assets by adopting a structured approach under s 112 of the Women's Charter, taking into account both financial and non-financial contributions.
Singapore courts apply the paramount principle that the child's best interests govern all custody, care, and access decisions. In practice, most orders involve joint legal custody (both parents share decision-making on major matters) with sole care and control to one parent and defined access to the other — though arrangements vary considerably depending on the child's age, the parties' relationship, and the specific circumstances. Mediation and counselling are typically required before contested hearings.
Maintenance refers to financial support paid by one spouse to another, or by a parent to a child. In Singapore, a wife may apply for maintenance from her husband during and after divorce; a former husband may apply for maintenance in limited circumstances. Children are entitled to maintenance from both parents according to their means and needs. Maintenance can be varied after it is ordered if there is a material change in circumstances.
Collaborative practice is a structured dispute resolution process in which both parties and their lawyers commit, in writing, to resolving all issues through negotiation rather than litigation. It often involves financial neutrals and family counsellors working alongside the lawyers. If the process breaks down, both lawyers must withdraw and the parties obtain new representation for court proceedings. It is particularly suitable for parties who wish to preserve a co-parenting relationship and protect children from the adversarial court process.
The first 30 minutes are complimentary — and genuinely without obligation.
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