Resolving family disputes and safeguarding your personal interests.
Kim (Tan Siew Kim) has more than 30 years’ experience as a family lawyer. During her long career as a family lawyer in Singapore, Kim has represented clients of different backgrounds in divorces, and has experience helping them through difficult periods. She specialises in all aspects of contentious family matters and has a wide range of litigation experience, having conducted proceedings regularly in the State Courts (including the Family and Juvenile Courts), the High Court of Singapore and the Court of Appeal.
Kim represented the Respondent (the husband) in both the District Court and Family Division of the High Court. The Appellant argued that she signed the Draft Consent Order under duress and claimed that the Respondent and her did not live separate and apart for three years, and finally, that the Respondent had agreed to withdraw the divorce proceedings and gave her the impression that they had been withdrawn. The Court stated that an Interim Judgment may be set aside before the Final Judgment is made, but once the Final Judgment is made, the marriage is at a permanent end. It cannot be reinstated although it may be renewed. Based on all the compelling evidence produced by the Respondent, the High Court declined to grant the Appellant the orders sought and dismissed the appeal with costs granted in favour of the Respondent.
This was the first case in Singapore recognising the validity of a prenuptial agreement made abroad. Kim Tan’s client was a Dutch husband, who had made a pre-nuptial agreement with his Swedish wife in the Netherlands. They moved to Singapore where he found employment.The Court held that Singapore Courts should accord “significant weight” to the terms of a prenuptial agreement between foreign nationals that is governed by and valid according to the foreign law, unless its terms violate the public policy of Singapore.
Kim Tan represented the husband in the division of matrimonial property where both spouses were gainfully employed and were married for over 20 years with two children; The husband received 60% of the matrimonial assets.
Kim Tan’s client was the wife, whose husband had appealed to vary an order of the court, regarding the division of matrimonial assets and the payment of lump sum maintenance of $20,000. The High Court held that as the order of court for the division of the matrimonial property in the present case is not a continuing order, the question of a variation does not arise. As for the lump sum payment, the appellant was in no position to assert that the lump sum payment should be varied as he blatantly refused to make the payment. The High Court dismissed the husband’s appeals with costs.
We oversee and manage all complex legal proceedings on your behalf.
Our over 30 years of experience gives us the expertise to help majority of our clients win.
We simplify the divorce procedure for you to avoid lengthy and costly processes.
Hilary was admitted as an Advocate and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Singapore in July 2018.
Her experience ranges across working in Singapore’s leading commercial litigation and family law practices, as well as a Singapore office of an English law firm.
She is particularly passionate about the field of matrimonial law, and has experience in high net worth contentious and non-contentious divorces, relocation, child custody and variation applications.
She also has expertise in advocating for her clients in both court-led mediation and contested ancillary matters proceedings.
Julian graduated with a Bachelor of Laws LL.B (Hons.) from the National University of Singapore in 2015 and was called to the Singapore Bar in 2016.
He has experience acting for clients in both uncontentious and contentious divorce proceedings, maintenance applications, probate and administration proceedings as well as mental capacity matters (including deputyship proceedings).
Julian is a firm believer in the value of Mediation and has been published in Contemporary Issues in Mediation (Vol 1).
He is sensitive to the emotions and needs of clients and always strives to achieve a favourable and cost-effective result.
Liang Zhi is admitted as an Advocate and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Singapore, and is an Associate with the Firm. He graduated from the University of Liverpool with a Bachelor of Laws Second Class Honours (Upper) in 2016.
Prior to joining the firm, Liang Zhi spent a stint in a leading specialized disputes resolution firm and trained under a renowned Senior Counsel.
His areas of practice included contentious and non-contentious work where he regularly appeared as counsel in the High Court of Singapore and the Family Courts.
Currently, Liang Zhi’s firm dedication and conviction to help individuals can be seen through his interest in family law. His award winning research paper in UK on “Child Labour: Abolish or Regulate” is testament to his commitment to social issues and children’s welfare. He believes strongly in prioritising the welfare of children in divorce proceedings as it is often children that are the biggest victims in a divorce. He does so by putting in extra effort to understand client’s concerns and goes out of his way to help clients who are embroiled in messy divorces in the hope that the child’s needs are protected. He also strives to assist his clients to resolve their divorces amicably without the need for a full-blown Court hearing, as he believes that his clients will have more time to heal and move on with their lives.
Outside of work, Liang Zhi enjoys a good workout at the gym and football, is happily married and a pawrent to two cats.
Hilary was admitted as an Advocate and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Singapore in July 2018.
Her experience ranges across working in Singapore’s leading commercial litigation and family law practices, as well as a Singapore office of an English law firm.
She is particularly passionate about the field of matrimonial law, and has experience in high net worth contentious and non-contentious divorces, relocation, child custody and variation applications.
She also has expertise in advocating for her clients in both court-led mediation and contested ancillary matters proceedings.
Julian graduated with a Bachelor of Laws LL.B (Hons.) from the National University of Singapore in 2015 and was called to the Singapore Bar in 2016.
He has experience acting for clients in both uncontentious and contentious divorce proceedings, maintenance applications, probate and administration proceedings as well as mental capacity matters (including deputyship proceedings).
Julian is a firm believer in the value of Mediation and has been published in Contemporary Issues in Mediation (Vol 1).
He is sensitive to the emotions and needs of clients and always strives to achieve a favourable and cost-effective result.
Liang Zhi is admitted as an Advocate and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Singapore, and is an Associate with the Firm. He graduated from the University of Liverpool with a Bachelor of Laws Second Class Honours (Upper) in 2016.
Prior to joining the firm, Liang Zhi spent a stint in a leading specialized disputes resolution firm and trained under a renowned Senior Counsel.
His areas of practice included contentious and non-contentious work where he regularly appeared as counsel in the High Court of Singapore and the Family Courts.
Currently, Liang Zhi’s firm dedication and conviction to help individuals can be seen through his interest in family law. His award winning research paper in UK on “Child Labour: Abolish or Regulate” is testament to his commitment to social issues and children’s welfare. He believes strongly in prioritising the welfare of children in divorce proceedings as it is often children that are the biggest victims in a divorce. He does so by putting in extra effort to understand client’s concerns and goes out of his way to help clients who are embroiled in messy divorces in the hope that the child’s needs are protected. He also strives to assist his clients to resolve their divorces amicably without the need for a full-blown Court hearing, as he believes that his clients will have more time to heal and move on with their lives.
Outside of work, Liang Zhi enjoys a good workout at the gym and football, is happily married and a pawrent to two cats.
Hilary was admitted as an Advocate and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Singapore in July 2018.
Her experience ranges across working in Singapore’s leading commercial litigation and family law practices, as well as a Singapore office of an English law firm.
She is particularly passionate about the field of matrimonial law, and has experience in high net worth contentious and non-contentious divorces, relocation, child custody and variation applications.
She also has expertise in advocating for her clients in both court-led mediation and contested ancillary matters proceedings.
Julian graduated with a Bachelor of Laws LL.B (Hons.) from the National University of Singapore in 2015 and was called to the Singapore Bar in 2016.
He has experience acting for clients in both uncontentious and contentious divorce proceedings, maintenance applications, probate and administration proceedings as well as mental capacity matters (including deputyship proceedings).
Julian is a firm believer in the value of Mediation and has been published in Contemporary Issues in Mediation (Vol 1).
He is sensitive to the emotions and needs of clients and always strives to achieve a favourable and cost-effective result.
Prior to joining the firm, Liang Zhi spent a stint in a leading specialized disputes resolution firm and trained under
His areas of practice included contentious and non-contentious work where he regularly appeared as counsel in the High Court of Singapore and the Family Courts.
Currently, Liang Zhi’s firm dedication and conviction to help individuals can be seen through his interest in family law. His award winning research paper in UK on “Child Labour: Abolish or Regulate” is testament to his commitment to social issues and children’s welfare. He believes strongly in prioritising the welfare of children in divorce proceedings as it is often children that are the biggest victims in a divorce. He does so by putting in extra effort to understand client’s concerns and goes out of his way to help clients who are embroiled in messy divorces in the hope that the child’s needs are protected. He also strives to assist his clients to resolve their divorces amicably without the need for a full-blown Court hearing, as he believes that his clients will have more time to heal and move on with their lives.
Outside of work, Liang Zhi enjoys a good workout at the gym and football, is happily married and a pawrent to two cats.
Hilary was admitted as an Advocate and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Singapore in July 2018.
Her experience ranges across working in Singapore’s leading commercial litigation and family law practices, as well as a Singapore office of an English law firm.
She is particularly passionate about the field of matrimonial law, and has experience in high net worth contentious and non-contentious divorces, relocation, child custody and variation applications.
She also has expertise in advocating for her clients in both court-led mediation and contested ancillary matters proceedings.
Julian graduated with a Bachelor of Laws LL.B (Hons.) from the National University of Singapore in 2015 and was called to the Singapore Bar in 2016.
He has experience acting for clients in both uncontentious and contentious divorce proceedings, maintenance applications, probate and administration proceedings as well as mental capacity matters (including deputyship proceedings).
Julian is a firm believer in the value of Mediation and has been published in Contemporary Issues in Mediation (Vol 1).
He is sensitive to the emotions and needs of clients and always strives to achieve a favourable and cost-effective result.
Prior to joining the firm, Liang Zhi spent a stint in a leading specialized disputes resolution firm and trained under
His areas of practice included contentious and non-contentious work where he regularly appeared as counsel in the High Court of Singapore and the Family Courts.
Currently, Liang Zhi’s firm dedication and conviction to help individuals can be seen through his interest in family law. His award winning research paper in UK on “Child Labour: Abolish or Regulate” is testament to his commitment to social issues and children’s welfare. He believes strongly in prioritising the welfare of children in divorce proceedings as it is often children that are the biggest victims in a divorce. He does so by putting in extra effort to understand client’s concerns and goes out of his way to help clients who are embroiled in messy divorces in the hope that the child’s needs are protected. He also strives to assist his clients to resolve their divorces amicably without the need for a full-blown Court hearing, as he believes that his clients will have more time to heal and move on with their lives.
Outside of work, Liang Zhi enjoys a good workout at the gym and football, is happily married and a pawrent to two cats.
An uncontested divorce is one where both parties agree on all issues, including the grounds of divorce and ancillary matters such as child custody and the splitting of matrimonial assets, and do not need to go to court.
A contested divorce is one where any or all issues in a divorce case (such as grounds for divorce or ancillary matters) cannot be agreed upon and need to be resolved by way of contested court proceedings.
We offer a full suite of services with the main focus on all aspects of divorce & family law in Singapore :
PPO Trials
Maintenance Trials
Enforcement Trials
PPO Trials
Maintenance
Trials
Enforcement Trials
Divorce (Both simplified divorce and contested divorce)
Divorce and Separation
Child Custody and Visitation
Divorce (Both simplified divorce and contested divorce)
Divorce and Separation
Child Custody and Visitation
Paternity Disputes
Modification and Enforcement
Divorces and related applications
Paternity Disputes
Modification and Enforcement
Divorces and related applications
Lasting Power of Attorney
Power of Attorney
Dead of Separation
Lasting Power
of Attorney
Power of Attorney
Dead of Separation
Pre-nuptial/ Post-nuptial Agreements
Conveyancing
Civil Litigation
Pre-nuptial/ Post-nuptial Agreements
Conveyancing
Civil Litigation
Criminal Litigation
Deed Poll
Variation Summonses
Criminal
Litigation
Deed Poll
Variation Summonses
PPO Trials
Maintenance
Trials
Enforcement Trials
Divorce (Both simplified divorce and contested divorce)
Divorce and Separation
Child Custody and Visitation
Paternity Disputes
Modification and Enforcement
Divorces and related applications
Lasting Power
of Attorney
Power of Attorney
Dead of Separation
Pre-nuptial/ Post-nuptial Agreements
Conveyancing
Civil Litigation
Criminal
Litigation
Deed Poll
Variation Summonses
PPO Trials
Maintenance Trials
Enforcement Trials
Divorce (Both simplified divorce and contested divorce)
Divorce and Separation
Child Custody and Visitation
Paternity Disputes
Modification and Enforcement
Divorces and related applications
Lasting Power of Attorney
Power of Attorney
Dead of Separation
Pre-nuptial/ Post-nuptial Agreements
Conveyancing
Civil Litigation
Criminal Litigation
Deed Poll
Variation Summonses
PPO Trials
Maintenance
Trials
Enforcement Trials
Divorce (Both simplified divorce and contested divorce)
Divorce and Separation
Child Custody and Visitation
Paternity Disputes
Modification and Enforcement
Divorces and related applications
Lasting Power
of Attorney
Power of Attorney
Dead of Separation
Pre-nuptial/ Post-nuptial Agreements
Conveyancing
Civil Litigation
Criminal
Litigation
Deed Poll
Variation Summonses
PPO Trials
Maintenance
Trials
Enforcement Trials
Divorce (Both simplified divorce and contested divorce)
Divorce and Separation
Child Custody and Visitation
Paternity Disputes
Modification and Enforcement
Divorces and related applications
Lasting Power
of Attorney
Power of Attorney
Dead of Separation
Pre-nuptial/ Post-nuptial Agreements
Conveyancing
Criminal
Litigation
Civil Litigation
Variation Summonses
Deed Poll
We offer a full suite of services with the main focus on all aspects of divorce & family law in Singapore :
PPO Trials
Maintenance Trials
Enforcement Trials
Divorce (Both simplified divorce and contested divorce)
Divorce and Separation
Child Custody and Visitation
Paternity Disputes
Modification and Enforcement
Divorces and related applications
Lasting Power of Attorney
Power of Attorney
Dead of Separation
Pre-nuptial/ Post-nuptial Agreements
Conveyancing
Civil Litigation
Criminal Litigation
Deed Poll
Variation Summonses
PPO Trials
Maintenance
Trials
Enforcement Trials
Divorce (Both simplified divorce and contested divorce)
Divorce and Separation
Child Custody and Visitation
Paternity Disputes
Modification and Enforcement
Divorces and related applications
Lasting Power
of Attorney
Power of Attorney
Dead of Separation
Pre-nuptial/ Post-nuptial Agreements
Conveyancing
Civil Litigation
Criminal
Litigation
Deed Poll
Variation Summonses
PPO Trials
Maintenance
Trials
Enforcement Trials
Divorce (Both simplified divorce and contested divorce)
Divorce and Separation
Child Custody and Visitation
Paternity Disputes
Modification and Enforcement
Divorces and related applications
Lasting Power
of Attorney
Power of Attorney
Dead of Separation
Pre-nuptial/ Post-nuptial Agreements
Conveyancing
Criminal
Litigation
Civil Litigation
Variation Summonses
Deed Poll
Family Law Specialists is a boutique family law firm in Singapore with over 30 years of experience dealing with high conflict matrimonial disputes. All our divorce lawyers strive to provide swift and hassle-free processes and positive results for our clients.
Our lawyers are well-versed in all areas of matrimonial law and has years of experience in acting for clients in both uncontentious and contentious divorce proceedings
Our lawyers are trained in dispute resolution and have spent years handling divorce and family disputes.
With our years of experience, we’ve helped more than 90% of our clients achieve a positive outcome for themselves.
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Get in touch with us to get a free consultation for more legal advice.
Siew Kim is very experienced and professional in her work. When I first met her in her office, I couldn’t stop myself from crying my eyes out. She was very patient and listened to my failed marriage story.
She was so experienced that after hearing my first few sentences, she concluded that my ex-husband has another woman outside. I was still in denial that he will not do that to me. Straight away she entered a mobile number on my hp and asked me to engage this experienced PI to follow up on my case in order for me to “wake up” and stop deceiving myself further. To cut the story short, the verdict is out and she has guessed correctly. Only very experienced lawyer can seen through this whole plot from my ex-husband. Although she is very busy and super tight with her schedule, she never failed to make a point to see me and give me advices, guiding me step by step on how to approach my ex-husband and talk terms with him. She is a god sent to me to help me go through such a difficult period; holding my hands and walking through this distressing stage. I’m grateful to her and her team for expediting my case and checking on me now and then. I will not forget her kindness and will continue to keep in touch with her even after my divorce case is over. In a good way, as a dear friend. Thank you, Siew Kim. May your new office flourish endlessly.
19 November 2022
Tan Siew Kim was recommended by a mutual friend. I am happy that it turned out to be one the best decision I ever made in my life. In all our meetings, Siew Kim always had a listening ear.
She would seek first to understand your issue and backgrounds of events before proposing next step. As Siew Kim and myself come from different backgound and experience, it is normal of me to hold different viewpoints. She would patiently explain the rationale behind each differing viewpoints. I got more confidence every times after speaking with her. During the trial prrocess, she fought relentlessly, argued wisely and staged intelligently. She was very composed, confident and steadfast during the whole trial process. We won the court case and I am grateful to her and her team. Siew Kim is patient and very professional. Strong recommendation from me if you are going through divorce process with your spouse.
31 October 2022
This review is a bit overdue for Ms Tan. I engaged her in December 2021 to help me with my PPO and divorce as my ex husband is a very difficult and temperamental person. Ms Tan is very experienced and patient.
She will listen attentively to your plight and provides sound advises on what steps to take next. Ms Tan is always contactable even though it’s very late at night she will still respond to your calls or messages. She also prepares me well for my mediation sessions with food and backup plans within my acceptable limits, should our proposed plans fail. As such, everything is within our control and expectations. To add on, Ms Tan has a very strong and responsible team who supports and responds effectively and efficiently to the other party’s demands. Even after my case ended, Ms Tan still keeps in contact with me and provides advice for any help I require. I’m not sure about other lawyers but for Ms Tan she doesn’t mind being kept in the loop each time I converse with my ex husband (who is very good at spinning stories) through emails. I’m very grateful to ms Tan and highly recommend her for any family law matters
4 October 2022
I was searching for a lawyer and came across Ms Tan Siew Kim. I read her past cases that she did and I was facing a crisis on my case and need someone to bring me out of this long legal battle.
After meeting her in person and Mr Kenneth, I was rest assured that they are ones who will be able to get me out of my long legal battle. They provided me good guidance and support thru my problematic case. And the most important is that the support rendered was not only during office hours but also after and on weekends with quick response from them. They are very warm, friendly and respectful to your needs of the case with priority and time given in person with detailed explanation of what’s to be expected. Good law firm with good and dedicated team of lawyers headed by well experienced lawyer like Ms Tan.
14 April 2022
I spoke to around 7 lawyers before choosing Kim to handle my divorce. The decision proved to be the right one. She handled my now ex-husband with skill and confidence.
To be honest, I was a complete wreck because my ex-husband is difficult and manipulative. I was stricken with grief, anxiety and worries. After I met Kim, my life turned around. She helped me to achieve my hopes and addressed my fears. Her sincerity, kindness and earnestness made her an exceptionally gifted lawyer. A genuine soul with a generous heart! I am truly blessed as she always has my best interests at heart. I am grateful to Kim for her efforts and definitely recommend her.
22 July 2021
It is advised that either of you engage a lawyer to assist in the drafting of the agreement, and to assist you with the filing of documents and attendance at Court (if necessary). As a divorce can be an emotionally taxing period in your lives, it would be useful to have a specialised family lawyer to guide you through the process, offer useful advice and ensure that this process goes smoothly for you.
If only some of the issues are agreed upon, then parties will have to proceed to the contested ancillary matters hearing for the issues that remain unresolved. For contested ancillary matters proceedings, parties have a duty of full and frank disclosure of all assets, income and liabilities and this would be done in the form of an affidavit of assets and means (AOM), which we are able to assist you with.
The duration of divorce proceedings depends on the complexity of the matter. An uncontested divorce can typically take within 6 months to a year. This is because, even if parties have signed the agreement noting down the agreed terms, in a document known as the draft Interim Judgement, you would still have to wait for 3 months from the grant of the Interim Judgement for the Final Judgement to be granted. The Final Judgement marks the formal end of your divorce.
Start by observing and noting down any changes in their usual schedules or other uncommon behaviours that they have recently displayed, such as late nights out, secret usage of handphones, increased interest in personal appearance etc. You may choose to hire a private investigator to confirm your suspicions. You should also speak to a specialist family lawyer who can advise you and guide you on the next steps you can take to best protect your interests.
You will need to prove that your spouse has conventional, voluntary extramarital sex to prove the fact of adultery in Court. To do this, you would need to adduce evidence to prove that this fact has taken place, such as video or photographic evidence of the act or of the parties in intimate poses or spending an extended time together in a hotel. You may also adduce text messages, emails or phone conversations to prove your case.
You should start preparing a list of your assets (including savings, investments, property details), your latest payslips and income documentation, and all documents or details relating to your spouse’s finances to the best of your knowledge.
After parties file their affidavit of assets and means, which is a document setting out their position regarding assets, income, liabilities and contributions to the marriage, there is a phase known as Discovery & Interrogatories. You are able to ask questions to compel your spouse to provide information on the assets which you suspect him/her to have, and request your spouse to provide documentation of the same. An adverse inference will be drawn against your spouse if you can successfully show that your spouse has not made full and frank disclosure during the contested ancillary matters proceedings. If you do suspect that your spouse is hiding assets from you in the midst of divorce proceedings, speak to a specialist family lawyer who can advise you on your position and the steps to take so that you can achieve a just and equitable share of the division of assets.
PPO Trials: If you are a victim of family violence that has been committed against you by a family member, we can assist you taking out a Personal Protection Order (PPO) application to protect you from further violence. A PPO restrains the abuser from committing family violence against you any further, and it is granted when family violence has been or is likely to be committed, and when the Court is satisfied that a PPO is necessary. You can file a PPO application to protect yourself if you are at least 21 years of age, or on behalf of your children who are below 21 years of age.
Maintenance trials: If you are married and your husband is not providing you with maintenance for yourself and/or your children, you can apply for a maintenance order for your husband to provide yourself and/or your children with financial support. If you are going through a divorce, you can take out an interim maintenance application for your spouse to provide you with financial support to meet your immediate financial needs during the period pending the finalisation of divorce proceedings.
Enforcement trials: Once you obtain a court order or judgement in respect of your divorce proceedings and your ex-spouse fails to comply with any of the provisions of the said order, we can assist you to apply to Court to enforce the order against your ex-spouse. There are a range of enforcement options available depending on the nature of the order that has not been complied with. Some examples include garnishee proceedings, committal proceedings etc.
Divorce (Both simplified divorce and contested divorce): If you are contemplating ending your marriage with your spouse, you can consider either a simplified divorce or contested divorce. In order to get a divorce in Singapore, some basic requirements must be met, such as:
Variation summons: The terms of a Court Order may not always be cast in stone, such as children orders and maintenance orders. In the event that there is a material change in circumstance, we can assist you to apply to Court to vary the order. Some examples of a material change in circumstance include: