PKWA Law Quoted in The Straits Times about Divorce by Mutual Agreement and How It Works

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PKWA Law was interviewed by The Straits Times on the topic of divorce by mutual agreement, one of the most significant reforms to Singapore’s divorce laws in recent years.

In the article, PKWA Associate Director Jessica Chow explained how the new framework operates in practice and highlighted that couples relying on divorce by mutual agreement must demonstrate that they have genuinely explored reconciliation before concluding that the marriage has irretrievably broken down.

Jessica explained that the option allows couples to move away from fault-finding towards problem-solving – which matters most where there are children. Where parents are not locked into an adversarial contest over blame, she noted, they are generally better able to communicate and work together on decisions affecting their children.

Jessica also noted that if the Family Justice Courts are not satisfied that sufficient reconciliation efforts have been made, or if there remains a real prospect of reconciliation, the court may delay or decline to grant the divorce.

The article explores how the new legal framework has reduced the need for spouses to assign blame for the breakdown of their marriage while maintaining appropriate safeguards to ensure that divorce remains a considered decision.

Read the full article in The Straits Times: If we can’t have a good marriage, at least have a good divorce: S’pore man on amicable split

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/community/if-we-cant-have-a-good-marriage-at-least-have-a-good-divorce-spore-man-on-amicable-split

If you would like advice on divorce, divorce by mutual agreement, or any other aspect of Singapore family law, please contact our experienced family lawyers for a confidential consultation.

PKWA Law Quoted in The Straits Times on Why Unreasonable Behaviour Remains the Most Common Ground for Divorce

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PKWA Law was interviewed by The Straits Times on the reasons why unreasonable behaviour continues to be the most commonly cited fact in civil divorce proceedings in Singapore.

According to the latest marriage and divorce statistics released by the Department of Statistics, unreasonable behaviour accounted for 48.7% of all civil divorces in 2025, while adultery was cited in just 0.9% of cases.

In the article, PKWA’s Lim Chong Boon explained that many marriages which break down because of infidelity are nevertheless filed on the basis of unreasonable behaviour.

This is often because proving adultery requires clear evidence that a spouse had a sexual relationship with another person. Gathering such evidence may involve engaging a private investigator or relying on other forms of evidence, which can increase both the complexity and cost of the proceedings. By contrast, unreasonable behaviour covers a broad range of conduct and is often the more practical legal basis for commencing divorce proceedings.

The introduction of divorce by mutual agreement in July 2024 has also provided couples with another option where both parties agree that the marriage has irretrievably broken down without attributing blame to either spouse. Nevertheless, unreasonable behaviour remains the most commonly relied upon fact for civil divorces.

At PKWA Law, our family lawyers advise clients on the most appropriate legal approach based on their individual circumstances. Every family situation is different, and the choice of the fact to rely upon should take into account the available evidence, the parties’ objectives and the overall circumstances of the marriage.

If you are considering divorce and are unsure which fact best fits your circumstances, our family law team is available for a confidential discussion.

Read the full article in The Straits Times:

Why unreasonable behaviour is the top reason cited for divorce in S’pore, and adultery the least –https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/community/why-unreasonable-behaviour-is-the-top-reason-cited-for-divorce-in-spore-while-adultery-the-least

Three Lawyers from PKWA Law Named in ALB Singapore Rising Stars 2026

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Three of our featured lawyers — Jessica Chow, Sabrina Chau, and Athelia Ong — have been included in the Singapore Rising Stars 2026 list published by Asian Legal Business.

This recognition is awarded to promising lawyers under 40 who have demonstrated strong capabilities and earned the respect of clients and peers alike.

All three practise in family and divorce law, covering areas such as matrimonial proceedings, child custody matters, and asset division. Their work involves navigating complex legal and personal issues, where both technical knowledge and a thoughtful approach are essential.

The recognition of three lawyers from the same practice highlights the firm’s depth in family law and its commitment to maintaining high professional standards.

We extend our congratulations to Jessica, Sabrina, and Athelia on their inclusion in this year’s list.

PKWA Law Shortlisted for Benchmark Litigation Asia-Pacific Family & Matrimonial Firm of the Year 2026

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PKWA Law is honoured to have been shortlisted for the Benchmark Litigation Asia-Pacific Family & Matrimonial Firm of the Year 2026 award.

The Benchmark Litigation Asia-Pacific Awards recognise leading litigation practices across the region following an extensive independent research process. The research includes interviews with clients, lawyers and members of the legal profession, together with detailed reviews of significant cases and each firm’s standing in the market.

The firms shortlisted for the Family & Matrimonial Firm of the Year 2026 award are:

  • Drew & Napier (Singapore)
  • Haldanes (Hong Kong)
  • Hugill & Ip (Hong Kong)
  • PKWA Law Practice (Singapore)
  • Rita Ku & Ser (Hong Kong)
  • Shook Lin & Bok (Singapore)

Being shortlisted alongside these highly regarded firms is a meaningful recognition of the strength of PKWA Law’s Family Law practice and the reputation the firm has built over more than 30 years.

Our Family Law team advises clients across the full spectrum of family and matrimonial matters, including divorce, child custody, division of matrimonial assets, maintenance, international family disputes, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, and protection from family violence. We combine technical expertise with a practical and compassionate approach, recognising that family disputes often involve some of the most important decisions our clients will make.

Low Jin Liang, Head of Family Law, said:

“We are deeply grateful to our clients for the trust they place in us, and to our lawyers and staff whose dedication and professionalism have contributed to this recognition.

This shortlist is an encouragement to continue pursuing excellence in everything we do. We remain committed to providing clear advice, outstanding representation and the highest standard of service to every client who entrusts us with their legal matters.”

PKWA Law Wins Matrimonial and Family Law Firm of the Year at ALB SE Asia Law Awards 2026

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ALB SE Asia Law Awards 2026Singapore, 21 May 2026 – We are proud to announce that PKWA Law has been named Matrimonial and Family Law Firm of the Year at the 22nd ALB SE Asia Law Awards 2026, presented by Asian Legal Business (Thomson Reuters). The winner was announced at the awards gala held in Singapore on 21 May 2026.

The award recognises excellence, innovation, and outstanding client service in matrimonial and family law practice across Southeast Asia. PKWA Law was selected as the winner from a shortlist of 14 distinguished finalists, which included some of the region’s most respected family law practices.

“This recognition is a tremendous honour, and it belongs to every member of our team,” said Low Jin Liang, Head of Family Law at PKWA Law. “Family law is one of the most demanding and human areas of legal practice – our clients come to us at some of the most difficult moments of their lives, and our job is to guide them through with skill, empathy, and unwavering commitment. To be recognised by ALB and an independent panel of industry peers as the best in Southeast Asia is deeply meaningful.”

PKWA Law extends its heartfelt thanks to:

  • Our clients, who place their trust and confidence in us during life’s most personal challenges. This award is, above all, a reflection of the privilege of serving you.
  • Our lawyers, whose dedication, expertise, and compassion drive everything we do.
  • Our support staff and legal managers, whose tireless work behind the scenes makes excellence possible.
  • Our families, for their patience and support of the demanding work we do.
  • Asian Legal Business and the independent judging panel, for this recognition.

PKWA Law remains committed to setting the standard for matrimonial and family law in Singapore and the wider region, and to advocating for the best possible outcomes for every client and family we serve.

About the ALB SE Asia Law Awards: Presented annually by Asian Legal Business (a Thomson Reuters publication), the awards celebrate outstanding achievements by law firms, in-house teams, and individual practitioners across Southeast Asia. Winners are determined by an independent judging panel.

PKWA Law Named as a Leading Family & Matrimonial Law Firm in the 2026 Benchmark Litigation Asia-Pacific rankings

PKWA Law has been named as a Leading Family and Matrimonial Law Firm for 2026 by Benchmark Litigation Asia-Pacific, one of the most respected independent legal rankings in the region. The shortlist is the result of months of independent research, peer surveys and interviews conducted across Asia-Pacific.

In addition, our lawyer Low Jin Liang has been named a Future Star for Family and Matrimonial Law, a recognition reserved for lawyers who have demonstrated strong potential and are making a meaningful contribution to their practice area.

Lim Chong Boon was named as a Litigation Star 2026.

Benchmark Litigation Asia-Pacific is widely regarded as an authoritative guide to litigation and dispute resolution practices across the region. Being shortlisted reflects the standing of our family law practice among peers and clients, and the quality of work our team delivers day to day.