Cost of Divorce and Engagement of Services in Singapore

Pre Divorce Strategy

How much does it cost to get a divorce in Singapore?

For an Uncontested Simplified Divorce, our firm is able to offer a fixed fee arrangement. Our fees for simplified divorce start from $1500.

For a contested divorce, the legal fees start from $3000 and vary depending on the complexity of the matter, including the number of contested issues.

What can I do to control the cost of the divorce?

Any of the following:

Comply with Court directions. Work together with your lawyers to provide documents, information and instructions in an organised and timely fashion.
Approach alternate dispute resolution, such as Court-directed mediation, seriously. Where parties are able to resolve issues in mediation or negotiations, they avoid litigation, which is both costly and stressful.
As much as possible, communicate with your spouse directly on issues not immediately related to the divorce. Communicating with your spouse through lawyers’ letters where it is not necessary would only increase costs.
Keep an open mind to your lawyer’s advice. This is particularly so where your lawyer is advising you on the risks and benefits of accepting a settlement compared to proceeding towards a hearing. However, you should always feel free to raise your concerns with your lawyer.
Keep any ill-feeling towards your spouse out of the divorce proceedings. While this is always easier said than done, animosity towards an estranged spouse does not help you in the divorce proceedings, and only complicates matters and increases costs.

What is likely to increase the cost of the divorce?

Some things that would increase the cost of the divorce include:

Taking out court applications will certainly increase the cost of the divorce. In certain cases, such applications may be necessary (e.g. summons for interim maintenance or summons for access to children while divorce proceedings are ongoing). Have a frank discussion with your lawyer on your circumstances and the necessity and practicality of any court applications.
Choosing to litigate matters where they may be resolved through mediation and compromise.
Failing to meet Court directions and timelines. This protracts your matter unnecessarily. To make matters worse, the Court may order costs against you for failing to adhere to timelines.

How Are Divorce Costs Managed?

We aim to provide clarity and peace of mind by offering fixed fees or a clear fee range from the outset. These are outlined in a written agreement (Warrant to Act), so you’ll know what to expect at each stage of the process.

In contested cases, costs generally increase depending on the number and complexity of the disputed issues. As a general guide, the cost of a contested divorce starts from $3,000 upwards. If there’s any change in scope along the way, we’ll keep you informed with updated cost estimates and revised agreements, so there are no surprises.

How often will I receive a bill?

We will render you a bill after each stage of work done.

Will I be signing a document that explains the scope of work you will undertake?

Yes. When you first engage us, you will have to sign a Warrant to Act. This document will set out the scope of our work, our fee schedule, and the hourly rates of the lawyers working on your matter.

Should the scope of work change as the matter progresses, we will provide you with a revised Warrant to Act.