Annulment, Separation and Divorce

The breakdown of a marriage is regrettable and can lead to difficult decisions regarding annulment, separation, or divorce. Regardless of the path chosen, the process can be distressing, with emotions running high. Our lawyers are committed to achieving the best possible outcome for clients in such situations, whether they are initiating or responding to legal actions. We handle both contested and uncontested divorces, as well as various interlocutory injunctions, such as discovery, interrogatories, and injunctive relief to prevent asset dissipation. For parties unwilling to cooperate, we can pursue contempt of court proceedings. Additionally, we advise and act on ancillary matters such as child custody, access, maintenance, spousal support, property division, and the sale of matrimonial property. We also provide guidance on and draft prenuptial agreements.

Family Office

We advise and guide clients through the complexities of establishing a family office, ensuring their objectives align with Singapore’s legal framework. Setting up a family office offers a key legal benefit: a single point of contact for all wealth management services. By consolidating assets and investments under one entity, a family office can streamline and enhance the management of a family’s wealth. Moreover, a family office can yield substantial tax planning advantages. Collaborating with our associated tax advisory firms, we help structure family offices in a tax-efficient manner, minimizing tax liabilities while complying with Singapore’s tax laws.

Estate Planning

Estate Planning is a key service we provide. We assist clients in organizing their personal affairs and assets for optimal wealth protection. This usually involves drafting Wills and utilizing Trusts. Additionally, we offer services for Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) and deputyship applications, as well as assistance with Grant of Probate and Letters of Administration applications. We also provide advice on estate and trust administration matters of all kinds.

Mental Capacity and Deputyship

We advise families of individuals who lack mental capacity. This could be due to age, illness, or disability. In such cases, the firm helps clients apply for deputyship through the courts, appointing a deputy to make decisions on their behalf. Our practice ensures that vulnerable individuals are properly protected and their interests are safeguarded through legal mechanisms.

Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document that allows a person (the Donor) to appoint another person (the Donee) to make decisions on their behalf regarding their finances and/or welfare if they lose the capacity to make decisions themselves. For example, the Donee could manage the Donor’s bank account if the donor falls into a coma. Having an LPA can significantly ease the burden on loved ones in the event one loses mental capacity. Making an LPA is also more cost-effective and simpler than applying for deputyship, where the relatives of a person who has lost mental capacity must apply to court to manage the affairs of that person. Our lawyers can advise on the creation of LPAs as well as deputyship applications, should the need for a deputyship arise.

Wills

Our lawyers have extensive experience in drafting Wills, with many clients returning to us for assistance with Grant applications and estate distributions over our 50-year history. Having a Will ensures that one’s family is cared for according to their wishes after passing. It appoints an Executor to manage assets and distribute them to beneficiaries as specified in the Will.

There are numerous advantages to having a Will. Through a Will, clients can select an Executor, sparing their descendants from hardship and preventing potential quarrels between intended beneficiaries. Without a Will, the law dictates who gets what. With a Will, clients can specify who receives what portion of the assets. Finally, having a Will simplifies and reduces the cost and time forestate administration.

Probate and Administration of Estates

Death is an inevitable part of life, and dealing with the assets of a deceased loved one is an important but often challenging process. Our team of experienced and compassionate lawyers can assist clients in applying for a Grant of Probate (if there is a valid will) or a Grant of Letters of Administration (if there is no will). These grants authorize the executor or administrator to manage and distribute the deceased’s assets according to their wishes or the law.

We also handle contentious probate matters and estate disputes. We understand that these issues can be emotionally charged, often involving long-standing family disputes. Our team is dedicated to handling such matters with sensitivity and care, ensuring the best possible outcome for clients.