Guides and commentary from the team.

The order the steps actually happen in: the two eligibility tests, the ground you have to prove, the parenting programme that comes before filing, and what is filed with the court.

Separation means three different things here, only one of which involves a court. Which one you have decides what it is worth later, and whether you can rely on it as a ground for divorce.

Singapore law calls it maintenance, not alimony. There is no calculator and no percentage: the court works from a list of factors, and it can order nothing at all.

ACRA approving your name is not the end of the question. A competitor has twelve months from your incorporation to apply to have you renamed, and a trade mark injunction can force a change at any time.

Incorporation itself is fast and cheap. What decides whether it goes smoothly is the resident director requirement, the company secretary, and the obligations that begin the day the company exists rather than when someone gets around to them.

AGM within six months of the financial year end, annual return within seven. Both run from the financial year end rather than from incorporation or from the calendar year, and a private company that dispenses with its AGM still has a deadline.

In a share sale you buy the company and everything in it, including the liabilities you have not found yet. In an asset sale you buy what you choose and leave the rest behind. The choice drives the stamp duty, the GST, the due diligence and who ends up carrying the risk.

Sell a home too soon after buying it and you pay a tax on the way out. The rates were raised in July 2025 and the holding period extended from three years to four, so property bought since then carries a 16% charge if sold in the first year.

What separates possession from trafficking in Singapore is usually not what you did with the drug but how much of it was found, because the Act presumes trafficking above set quantities.

How much of your Ordinary Account you can use, why the remaining lease matters, and the accrued interest that has to go back when you sell. The last of those is the one that surprises sellers.

Buyer's Stamp Duty applies to every purchase, and Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty applies on top depending on who you are and how many residential properties you already hold. Both fall due within 14 days, and the sums are large enough to decide whether a purchase happens at all.

Every Singapore company must keep a register of the people who ultimately control it. Since the 2025 amendments a newly incorporated company must keep it from the date of incorporation, with no grace period, and failure is an offence carrying a fine of up to $25,000 on the company and on every officer in default.

Every Singapore company must have a secretary, and the office cannot be left vacant for more than six months. The requirement is residence rather than nationality, a sole director cannot fill it, and the consequences of neglecting it land on directors personally.

There is no document called a letter of probate. What people mean by it is one of two things, and which one you need depends entirely on whether there is a valid will.

A foreign company entering Singapore has three routes, and they are not three flavours of the same thing. One creates a separate legal entity, one extends the parent's liability to Singapore, and one cannot trade at all.

Nominee arrangements are lawful, and the rules around them changed substantially in 2025. Nominee directors and nominee shareholders now have to be recorded in their own statutory registers, and the resident director cannot resign at will.

A property's approved use decides what can lawfully happen inside it, and it is not the same question as what the lease permits. Making a material change of use without planning permission is an offence carrying a fine of up to $200,000 and up to twelve months' imprisonment.

Going through a divorce can be one of the most stressful experiences of a person’s life. It can become increasingly difficult when both parties disagree on the terms of the divorce, which is classed as a contested divorce. We have a foundat

Reinstatement is the obligation to strip the premises back at the end of the term, and for a fitted-out space it can run into six figures. It arrives when the business is least expecting it, and almost all of it is decided by a clause agreed years earlier under time pressure.

The qualifications are short: a natural person, 18 or over, of full legal capacity, with one director ordinarily resident here. The disqualifications are longer, they operate automatically on conviction or default, and acting while disqualified is itself an offence.

Commercial property is subject to GST; residential property is not. On a seven figure purchase that is a seven figure difference in cash needed at completion, and it turns on whether the seller is GST-registered, whether the buyer can recover the tax, and whether the deal qualifies as a transfer of a going concern.

Matters involving the law are generally classed as either civil or criminal in nature. Civil cases tend to deal with relationships between people, or people and businesses. Criminal matters, however, tend to relate to individuals being pros

A collective sale lets a majority of owners sell an entire development over the objections of the minority. The thresholds are 80% or 90% depending on the age of the building, measured by both share value and floor area, and an application that clears them can still be refused.

The offence of harassment is punishable in Singapore under the Protection from Harassment Act (POHA). It covers offences that happen in Singapore, and also crimes committed by foreigners against Singapore nationals. Attacks carried out onli

A new launch is paid for in stages as the building goes up, on a payment schedule and a contract prescribed by law. The timetable, the defects liability period and the liquidated damages for late delivery are all set out in the developer's agreement rather than negotiated.

Personal injuries arise from various causes, such as road traffic accidents, incidents at work, accidents in public places, and medical negligence. Personal injuries can be physical, mental/emotional, or both. Personal injury claims arise f

Two people buying a home together choose a manner of holding, usually in a hurry, and it decides what happens to the property when one of them dies. Under a joint tenancy the survivor takes it and the will is irrelevant. Under a tenancy in common the share passes under the will.

Eligible working fathers are entitled to 4 weeks of government-paid paternity leave for children born on or after 1 April 2025, doubled from the previous 2 weeks. Shared Parental Leave is now a separate entitlement rather than a share of the mother's leave.

The good news for expectant mothers in Singapore is that the law entitles you to maternity leave or benefits. The entitlement for all working mothers is either 12 or 16 weeks of leave, depending on your employment situation and whether your

Transferring one co-owner's share to the other so that one of them counts as owning no property. It is not available for HDB flats between spouses at all, and for private property IRAS scrutinises arrangements whose purpose is to reduce ABSD.

What is Probate? Following the death of someone with a valid Will, their executor(s) (and their trustees, if applicable) whom the deceased appointed in their Will, must apply to a court for a Grant of Probate. However, if the deceased made

The OTP is the document that fixes almost everything about a property purchase: the price, the deadlines, and what happens if you walk away. HDB resale uses a prescribed form with statutory limits; private sales use a negotiated one.

Just as in many other countries around the world, in Singapore, the law requires that a probate process is undertaken before estate property can be distributed to beneficiaries. A Will, on its own, is not usually enough to manage the proper

Introduction Following the death of a family member, their property (collectively called “the deceased’s estate”) must be administered and distributed under the law. If the deceased had made a Will, then normally they would have appointed a

Deputyship is a Singaporean system in which the Family Courts have the authority to appoint a deputy to act on behalf of a person who lacks mental capacity and cannot make critical decisions independently. The power to do this comes from th

Court orders made during divorce or family proceedings are intended to provide clarity, structure, and protection for all parties involved. However, life circumstances rarely remain static. Changes in income, living arrangements, children’s

Singapore has seen a notable increase in the volume of traffic accidents in 2024 compared to 2023. According to official sources, the number of traffic accidents resulting in fatalities increased from 131 cases in 2023 to 139 cases in 2024.

Planning for the future is not always easy, especially when it involves the possibility of losing mental capacity due to illness, accident, or age-related conditions such as dementia. However, putting proper legal arrangements in place earl

When dealing with overseas authorities, one of the most common questions we receive from clients is: “I’ve been told I need an apostille — what does that mean?” In simple terms, an apostille is an official certification that allows a Singap

In Singapore, inheriting a HDB flat is not the same as inheriting private property. HDB flats are subject to public-housing rules, and whether a beneficiary can inherit, keep, or sell a flat depends on HDB eligibility conditions, the manner

JCP Law is proud to announce its recognition as one of Singapore’s Best Law Firms in the The Straits Times Best Law Firms 2026 rankings. This annual ranking, published by The Straits Times in collaboration with Statista, identifies the top

A plain-English walk-through of eligibility, the two-stage divorce process, ancillary matters, and realistic timelines under Singapore law.

Singapore is an at-will employment jurisdiction, meaning both an employer and an employee are entitled to terminate their employment. The process for this is usually set out in the contract of employment. However, lots of employment legisla

Regardless of where you are in the world, construction projects are characterised by multi-party contracts and various technical and logistical issues. It’s no wonder they are easily subject to disputes that can prove, at best, costly and,

Located in Southeast Asia, Thailand is a popular holiday destination. Many people know it for its beautiful beaches and warm and welcoming people. Consequently, it’s not necessarily the most obvious connection to think of Thailand as a busi

Famous for its beautiful beaches and warm hospitality, Thailand is also rapidly emerging as a potential location for foreign businesses. The country has a strong economy and is the second-largest economy in Southeast Asia after Indonesia. T

Singapore is heralded as one of the most favourable locations in Asia for conducting business, whether for entrepreneurs, start-ups, or global organisations looking to expand into the Asian marketplace. Rated highly as business-friendly in

Singapore, often referred to as the ‘Switzerland of Asia’ has consistently been one of the most popular countries in Asia and further afield for start-ups and international businesses wanting to extend their reach in this part of the world.

An employment contract is a legally binding agreement between an employer and an employee that sets out the details of an appointment. It will cover things such as a probation period and include a description of the job, including responsib

Voluntarily causing hurt is a criminal offence in Singapore under Section 321 of the Penal Code 1871. It carries a punishment of imprisonment for up to 3 years, a fine of up to S$5,000, or both. The Penal Code also provides for the offence

The laws on immigration in Singapore are governed by the Immigration Act 1959 (the IA). Under section 57 of the IA, there are fifteen different types of immigration offences. Committing an immigration offence in Singapore can have serious c

Having a valid will is crucial to ensure you have control over how your assets are dealt with when you pass away. If a will is not drafted correctly, there is a risk it will be found to be invalid, in which case legal rules dictate how your

Copyright is an essential aspect of intellectual property law that seeks to protect original artistic works. It generally prevents third parties from using or copying a piece of original work without the creator’s permission. The law encour

Debt recovery can apply to various types of agreements or contracts. For example, an informal agreement could be made between friends for one to lend money to the other. Alternatively, two businesses might sign a formal contract giving rise

As of 1 July 2024, couples in Singapore may rely on Divorce by Mutual Agreement (DMA) as a ground for divorce under the Women’s Charter. This important legal development introduces a more amicable and collaborative approach to divorce, allo

When a person dies, those appointed to deal with the deceased’s assets will require access to their bank accounts. Any funds held in a bank account owned by the deceased will form part of their overall estate, which consists of all the asse

Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements are legal documents that couples can use to outline financial arrangements between them in the event of divorce or separation. Although no one wants to contemplate the breakdown of the relationship when

Section 377BB of the Penal Code came into force in 2020 and sets out a series of provisions aimed at acts of voyeurism. This is the first time under Singapore law that there is a specific offence of voyeurism. In a recent matter, Nicholas T

If you drive recklessly or dangerously on Singapore roads, you can face severe penalties. Even first-time offenders can face imprisonment if convicted of dangerous or reckless driving, regardless of causing hurt or death. The court can also

In Singapore, adultery remains one of the recognised ways to establish that a marriage has irretrievably broken down, which is the sole legal ground for divorce under the Women’s Charter. However, adultery does not automatically entitle a p

A letter of intent (LOI) is an important document for property transactions in Singapore. An LOI outlines the initial understanding and intent between the parties to the transaction and sets the groundwork for the final transaction. An LOI

A letter of demand is a crucial document in resolving legal disputes. It can either settle the dispute amicably or be the start of a formal legal process. In Singapore, a letter of demand is important in civil proceedings and can be used as

In Singapore, the Oaths and Declarations Act allows a person to declare that something is true by making a statutory declaration. Any person can make a statutory declaration as long as it is made voluntarily and, in the manner prescribed by

As with any other contract, there is always the possibility of breach of an employment contract – both the employer and the employee can violate the agreement. The law provides that one party can file a civil lawsuit against another who fai

Singapore generally has a freedom-of-contract approach. The Employment Act of 1968 prescribes the minimum standards and provides a framework for the employer-employee relationship in Singapore. If it is not less favourable than the prescrib

In Singapore, the only legal basis for obtaining a divorce is that the marriage has irretrievably broken down. The Women’s Charter does not list multiple separate “grounds” for divorce; instead, it recognises various facts or circumstances

The deed poll is the first step, not the whole job. What ICA will accept, what it takes to execute the document, and every record that has to be updated afterwards.

NOTE TO READERS: We are often asked, why does an accused person need legal advice if he is already going to plead guilty to an offence? This article is an illustration of the many issues that the Court considers during sentencing, and repre

What is a notary public? Notary publics are typically senior-level lawyers who are qualified to act under the Notaries Public Act. The lawyer must have undertaken an extra qualification to become a notary public. They are involved with the

If you or someone you know are worrying about your debts, perhaps fearing the next bill you receive, then you may find this article helpful. It explains the Debt Repayment Scheme in Singapore, which can help you regain control of your finan

What happens when someone goes Bankrupt? When someone can no longer pay off their debts, they may become bankrupt. In Singapore, someone owing money can choose to file voluntarily for bankruptcy if the debts they can’t repay are worth $15,0

Law firms can issue cease and desist letters to potential defendants before the commencement of formal legal proceedings. Such letters usually contain demands to stop a continued breach or infringement and request payment of damages. Ultima

When parents separate or divorce, one of the most important matters to resolve is the future care and well-being of their children. In Singapore, decisions relating to children are guided by laws that place the child’s welfare and best inte

On 1 January 2020, Parliament introduced long-awaited amendments to the Penal Code of Singapore, following several high-profile cases involving Criminal Breach of Trust (CBT). The key changes relate to section 409 of the Code, and involved

There are serious consequences to drink driving in Singapore – including the potential for loss of life. For the driver who is accused and found guilty of it, it can ruin their life. In prosecuting offences such as these, the authorities wi

Unfortunately, tenancy disputes between landlord and tenant are quite common in Singapore, and in other countries too. In this article we give guidance on resolving tenancy disputes. Please get in touch if you need further information or ad

A marriage annulment in Singapore is a legal process that declares a marriage invalid or void, meaning it is treated as if it never legally existed. Unlike divorce, which ends a valid marriage, annulment applies only in specific circumstanc

Your employment contract may contain non-compete clauses. These are used by an employer to prevent employees from carrying out business in certain geographies and markets for a certain period of time. The purpose of non-compete clauses is t

If you find yourself in the unfortunate position of being a victim of family violence, what can you do about it? In Singapore, there are several types of protection you may apply for to protect yourself from an abusive family member. Accord

A prenup is not binding on a Singapore court, and it is not worthless either. It is evidence, and how much weight it carries turns on how it was made.

If you’re facing marital difficulties but are not ready—or not yet eligible—to file for divorce in Singapore, a Deed of Separation may be a helpful legal arrangement to consider. This document allows spouses to live apart while agreeing on

Introduction In Singapore, the termination of employment for employees is governed by both their contract of employment and the Employment Act (“EA”). This doesn’t include domestic workers, seafarers, and any person whom the Minister has ex

In Singapore, when someone passes away but leaves no Will, the law sets out how to administer the estate of the deceased. It also outlines the type of person who can act as administrators of the deceased’s assets and other affairs (like lia

What is Defamation? Defamation can be defined as the intent, knowledge or reason to believe that one’s words will harm the reputation of another (the victim). It is a criminal offence in Singapore, according to section 499 of the Penal Code

Notarisation refers to documents that have been certified by a Notary Public. A Notary Public is a qualified and practising Singapore lawyer who has generally at least 15 years’ professional experience, and who has been empowered under stat

The formal legal term for an act of molestation is Outrage of Modesty. These incidents can happen anywhere and anytime, and have become more popular in Singapore, especially in nightlife hotspots and on public transport. The Singapore Polic

It may surprise some visitors to Singapore to learn that prostitution is legal. A pragmatic decision was taken that it was safer to legalise the activities and regulate them closely, rather than to make it illegal and risk driving it underg

Speeding in a vehicle is highly dangerous – sticking to the limits is the safe and morally responsible thing to do. It will also help you to avoid prosecution, keep your record clean, and save money. Sadly, speeding remains a common offence

As a result of new social trends, and the increasing risk of people posting information online to embarrass or harass others, an amendment has been made to the Singapore Protection from Harassment Act (POHA). The aim was to give more protec