Logo Irblaw

Singapore Custody & Care and Control Lawyers You Can Count On

Dedicated to fair, child‑centred outcomes

Book an Initial Consultation

"*" indicates required fields

Your details*
I agree to the Terms and Conditions*

Why Choose Us

icon

Trusted, Award-Winning Legal Experts

Recognised for excellence in family law, I.R.B Law is named one of Singapore’s leading family law firms by The Straits Times, in collaboration with Statista
icon

Over 70 Years of Collective Legal Divorce Expertise

Our team brings 7+ decades of combined divorce experience with strategic counsel tailored to your case.
icon

Direct Access. Real Lawyers. Real Time.

Communicate directly with your lawyer via WhatsApp and seamlessly schedule your meetings. No gatekeeping.
icon

Premium Legal Excellence

We deliver strategy-driven advice with internal cross-reviews and senior lawyer oversight on every case.
icon

Join Thousands of Satisfied Clients

Our testimonials demonstrate proven results across family law, criminal, and corporate cases.
icon

Proven Track Record

Consistently achieving favorable outcomes for clients.
icon

Constructive, Solutions-Focused Approach

Our experienced team takes a non-confrontational path to resolving matters respectfully—reducing conflict, easing emotional stress, and encouraging productive discussions that lead to better long-term results.
icon

Compassionate, Client-First Support Every Step of the Way

We’re empathetic, and genuinely committed to your well-being—always ready to act in your best interests with clear, responsive communication.

Legal Services for Child Custody Matters

Different Types Of Child Custody?

(1) Sole Custody Order

A parent granted with a sole custody order is authorised to make all important decisions for the child. This order is granted to only one parent. The court grants this order due to the reasons as follows:

  1. The couple is unable to communicate with each other in a harmonious manner.
  2. A parent renounces the child custody to another parent for the sake of the other ancillary matters.
  3. A parent had abused the child before.

(2) Joint custody order

Both parents are granted with authority to make major decisions for the child. Both parents must discuss and agree upon the same decision. This order encourages the cooperation of both parents and thus, both parents have an equal right to decisions regarding the child.

The Singapore courts have granted more joint custody orders than the sole custody orders. It shows that the Singapore courts regard the presence of both parents in the child’s life as essential to the child’s growth. Parenting is a lifetime obligation and it does not end with the marriage.

(3) Hybrid order

One parent is granted with custody he/she shall discuss with the non-custodial parent any matters regarding the child’s welfare.

(4) Split custody order

The courts grant the custody of one or more siblings to one parent, whereas custody of the other sibling(s) is granted to another parent. This order is rarely granted by the courts as the courts would normally let the siblings live together so that they can provide emotional support for each other.

Under this order, only the custodial parent can take the child overseas unless the custodial parent gives permission to the non-custodial parent or the non-custodial parent obtained a leave of the court, to take the child overseas. The child shall not be taken overseas for more than a month.

Can a father get custody of his child?
In child custody cases in Singapore, care and control are typically awarded to the mother. The courts rarely grant a full care and control order to the fathers unless:

  • the consent is obtained from the mothers; or
  • the child is at an age where he/she is capable to express clearly to the court regarding his/her wish to live with the father; or
  • the mother is abusive and/or neglectful of her child.

Otherwise, the fathers can seek for a shared care and control order. Under this order, both parents get an equal amount of time that they can spend with the child. The father shall prove that he is the main caretaker of the child before the divorce. A shared care and control order would be granted by the court if it best serves the child’s welfare.

It is improbable for the court to grant a shared care and control order if a school-going child is involved due to the inconveniences of traveling between 2 homes regularly. Also, the courts would not grant this order if the parents’ relationship is rancorous and they have different parenting styles.

For Muslim families, child custody Syariah Court matters follow similar welfare principles as stated in the child custody Singapore framework.

How do the courts determine the type of custody to award?
The Singapore courts apply a standard called the “welfare principle”. It depends on the best interests of the child. This standard is not only about financial or physical comfort, but the courts will also look into the child’s moral, religious and physical welfare as well as the child’s affection to the parent.

The courts may ask the social services or counselor to assess the child and parent and suggest a type of custody order which is suitable to them. The courts usually ask for a Social Welfare Report prepared by officers from the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth. The officers, in preparing the report, would observe the parents’ interaction with the child. This report is confidential, it is for the judges perusal only and it shall not be revealed to the parents and/or child.

The list below shows the non-exhaustive factors that the courts may consider in deciding the type of custody order:

  • The main caregiver of the child during his/her formative years
  • The present living arrangements
  • The child’s wishes
  • The parent’s wishes
  • The child’s age
  • The parents’ financial capability
  • Presence of family support

It is important to note that the parent who has a better financial capability does not mean that he/she has a better advantage over another parent. Also, the court would not prioritize the parents’ wishes and preferences above the child’s welfare.

Our Lawyers

With over 70 years of collective family law expertise across our team, we offer strategic guidance on the most complex cases, covering divorce, custody and maintenance matters, division of matrimonial assets, annulments, deed of separation, as well as mediation and settlement support.

icon

Mohamed Baiross

Partner
  • English/Tamil/Malay Fluency
  • Appeals, Litigation & Mediation Expertise
icon

Kulvinder Kaur

Partner
  • English/Tamil/Punjabi Fluency
  • Appeals, Litigation & Mediation Expertise
icon

Quek Liuyong

Partner
  • English/Chinese Fluency
  • Appeals & Higher Court Expertise
icon

Caryn Lee

Partner
  • English/Chinese Fluency
  • Appeals & Higher Court Expertise
icon

Leong Zhen Yang

Senior Associate
  • English/Chinese Fluency
  • Appeals & Higher Court Expertise

Court Victories

Case 1: Shared Custody in Complex Dispute Involving Child with Special Needs

IRB Law LLP acted in a highly contested custody dispute involving an 11-year-old child with multiple neurodevelopmental disorders. Despite serious allegations between the parties, the Court delivered a landmark judgment ordering shared custody, emphasising the importance of both parents’ roles in the child’s welfare. The Court recognised each parent’s strengths—the mother’s dedication to managing the child’s therapies and the father’s empathetic and creative approach—while also identifying areas for improvement. The mother was encouraged to acknowledge her son’s need for rest between therapies, while the father was advised to better appreciate the structured and supportive environment these therapies provided. A structured yet flexible care arrangement was ordered, with the mother caring for the child from Saturday to Wednesday nights, and the father for the remainder of the week. Arrangements for special occasions and overseas travel are to be mutually agreed, with flexibility for either parent to request adjustments. This outcome underscores the Court’s focus on the child’s welfare above parental conflict, and highlights the importance of cooperation, balance, and adaptability in co-parenting arrangements.

Case 2: Successful Appeal on Custody Variation

IRB Law LLP secured a successful appeal to vary child custody arrangements in favour of the mother. While the lower court had upheld the original order granting the father primary care and control, the High Court reversed this decision, prioritising the child’s welfare and expressed wishes. The Court found that the child, now older and able to articulate her preference, was happier and more comfortable living with her mother. As a result, primary care and control was transferred to the mother, with defined access granted to the father. This outcome underscores the Court’s paramount consideration of the child’s best interests in custody disputes. A structured yet flexible care arrangement was ordered, with the mother caring for the child from Saturday to Wednesday nights, and the father for the remainder of the week. Arrangements for special occasions and overseas travel are to be mutually agreed, with flexibility for either parent to request adjustments. This outcome underscores the Court’s focus on the child’s welfare above parental conflict, and highlights the importance of cooperation, balance, and adaptability in co-parenting arrangements.

Testimonials

google
Lynn k
12th September 2026

Mr Baiross and his team helped me with my litigation case and offered really good advice. I am very appreciative of his work and expertise as it helped me close my case. Thank you🙏🏼🥹

google
Iqah Kilei
3rd September 2026

We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the team at I.R.B Law LLP, especially Rano, who attended the court hearing with us, as well as everyone who assisted us throughout the entire divorce proceedings. This journey was definitely not an easy one, and there were many uncertainties along the way. We are thankful that throughout the entire process, the team was always patient in listening to our concerns and guiding us whenever we were unsure of the next step. They made the legal process easier for us to understand and gave us the reassurance we needed to get through each stage. One thing we especially appreciated was how realistic and transparent the team was with us. They would always prepare us for what to expect, including the possible worst-case scenarios. Rather than giving us false expectations, they helped us understand the different possibilities and manage our expectations accordingly. This allowed us to mentally prepare ourselves for whatever the outcome might be, even if it was not necessarily the outcome we hoped for. That honesty and guidance meant a lot to us throughout the process. Whenever we had questions or were unsure about something, the team was always there to guide us through it. Our enquiries were attended to promptly and professionally, and we truly appreciated how responsive and patient they were, especially during moments when we needed further clarification or reassurance. What meant the most was knowing that we did not have to navigate such a difficult process alone. Having a team that was professional yet understanding made an already stressful and emotionally exhausting journey much more manageable. Now that this chapter has finally come to an end, one thought feels especially fitting: “Today is not about who won or who lost. It is about finally closing a chapter that took more from everyone than it should have. Some endings don’t need celebration or resentment — just acceptance, peace, and the grace to move forward.” And that is exactly how we choose to look at the end of this journey. To Rano and the entire I.R.B team who played a part in getting us through this process, thank you for your professionalism, honesty, patience, guidance and support. We are sincerely grateful for everything you have done for us, and it will not be forgotten. 🤍

google
Natalia Denisko
1st September 2026

This company my friend recommend for divorcee case. Fast working reliable company, ready take case and actions immediately. Transparent calculations fees, high respect especially to Leong Zhen Yang and Faiza: fast, precise, punctual work does not neglect any detail, my case was complicated and risky. Thanks a lot!!!😍🙏❤️

google
Nurulhuda Iskandar
28th August 2026

Truly grateful to the team for assisting me throughout my divorce case at the Syariah Court, as well as my maintenance matter at the Family Justice Courts. From the very beginning, the lawyers were professional, knowledgeable and responsive. What stood out to me most was how committed they were to my case. They were willing to go the extra mile and fight for their client’s best interests, while ensuring that I understood the legal process and my options along the way. Going through a divorce and maintenance matter is never easy, but having lawyers who genuinely listen, guide and stand by you makes a huge difference. I always felt that my case was taken seriously and that they were willing to go all out to achieve the best possible outcome for me. I highly appreciate their dedication, professionalism and support throughout the entire journey. I would definitely recommend this law firm to anyone looking for a reliable, professional and committed legal team.

google
Ili Lutfiah
8th August 2026

We engaged IRB for a recent case and had an absolutely wonderful experience with Mr Baiross and Mr Joel. From our very first consultation, we knew we were in good hands. Mr Baiross took the time to understand our situation and walked us through the potential consequences with so much empathy, patience and genuine concern. He never made us feel rushed, and his ability to explain everything clearly gave us a lot of reassurance during what was a very stressful period for us. It was clear from the very first conversation that he genuinely cared about helping us, and we knew we wanted to engage him and his team. We were also incredibly fortunate to work with Joel throughout the process. His friendly and approachable demeanour made it so easy to communicate with him. He always kept us focused on the end goal, while making the entire process feel much less daunting. At times, it genuinely felt like we were discussing things with a friend rather than a lawyer. What we appreciated most about Joel was his ability to empathise with our situation and understand how we were feeling before offering his thoughts and advice. He never made us feel like our concerns were insignificant, and we always felt heard, respected and supported. His professionalism, patience and personal touch really stood out to us. Highly recommended to anyone looking for a team that is not only professional and knowledgeable, but also genuinely empathetic and invested in their clients.

google
Simran Kaur
23rd July 2026

I had a wonderful experience working with Faustina Joyce Fernando at IRB Law LLP. After struggling for a long time to navigate complex, stalled court document extractions on my own, Faustina stepped in with immense empathy, efficiency, and professionalism. She made strategic decisions that brought a swift, complete resolution to my case in record time. I am incredibly grateful for her clear guidance, kindness, and dedication. Highly recommend Faustina and the family legal team at IRB Law to anyone seeking reliable and compassionate legal support!

google
Life Of KMx
22nd July 2026

Very professional in handling the case.

google

Thumbs up to Norlina and her team. They are a nice team to work with as they handled our case with utmost professionalism. Highly recommended.

google
Lee Soon whatt
27th June 2026

Highly recommended for anyone seeking legal action. Case was handled professionally and I got the result that I was hoping to get. Consider the result as a win. Case handled by Mr Koh Boon Yang and Mr Zachary Lim was done with exceptional skill.

Our Pricing

We offer transparent fix-fee rates.

FAQs

What is a custody lawyer?
A custody lawyer is a type of family lawyer who specializes in cases related to child custody. These lawyers provide guidance and representation during legal proceedings involving the determination of parental rights.
How does child custody work in Singapore?
In Singapore, child custody refers to the right to make major decisions for the child, such as those concerning education, religion, and health matters. It is often granted to both parents (joint custody) even after a divorce. However, the court may grant sole custody if it is in the best interests of the child.
What factors does the court consider in custody proceedings in Singapore?
The court considers various factors including the child’s wishes, the mental and physical health of all parties involved, the child’s relationships with each parent, each parent’s ability to provide for the child’s needs, and any history of family violence or abuse.
How long do custody proceedings take in Singapore?
The duration of custody proceedings in Singapore varies depending on the complexity of the case, the degree of cooperation between the parties, and other factors. On average, it can take several months to over a year.
What is the difference between custody and care and control in Singapore?
While custody refers to the right to make significant decisions for the child, care and control refers to the daily physical care of the child. The parent with care and control is responsible for the child’s daily routines and needs.
Can a father get custody in Singapore?
Yes, fathers can get custody in Singapore. The court makes its decision based on the child’s best interests, not the parent’s gender.
What does a Singapore custody lawyer do?
A custody lawyer in Singapore can guide you through the legal process, represent you in court, negotiate with the other party on your behalf, and help ensure your rights and interests are protected.
What is joint custody?
Joint custody is where both parents share the right to make major decisions concerning their child, even though they are no longer married or cohabiting. It encourages both parents to remain involved in the child’s life.
Can custody orders be changed in Singapore?
Yes, custody orders can be modified if there has been a significant change in circumstances, and the change is in the best interests of the child.
How can I find the best custody lawyer in Singapore?
You can search online, seek referrals from friends or family, or use directories of legal professionals. Look for a lawyer who specializes in family law and has a strong track record in custody cases.
What are the costs of hiring a custody lawyer in Singapore?
Costs can vary widely depending on the complexity of the case, the lawyer’s experience, and the length of the proceedings. It’s advisable to discuss fees upfront during your initial consultation with a lawyer.
What is the role of the Child Representative in Singapore custody cases?
A Child Representative is appointed to represent the child’s interests in contentious custody disputes. They help ensure that the child’s views and preferences are considered during the proceedings.
How is child visitation determined in Singapore?
Visitation rights, also known as access, are usually granted to the parent who does not have care and control of the child. The court determines the frequency and duration of visits.
How can a custody lawyer help in a case of international child abduction?
A custody lawyer can help navigate the complex international laws and treaties related to child abduction, represent you in legal proceedings, and work with international authorities to return the child safely.
What happens if there is a breach of a custody order in Singapore?
A breach of a custody order is a serious matter. If this occurs, the court can enforce the order and penalize the offending party.
How is child support determined in Singapore?
Child support is determined based on the child’s needs and the financial abilities of the parents. The court ensures that both parents contribute to the financial support of the child.
What happens in cases of alleged child abuse during custody proceedings?
Allegations of child abuse are taken very seriously. If such allegations arise during custody proceedings, the court may order investigations or assessments to ensure the child’s safety.
Can I represent myself in a custody case in Singapore?
Yes, you can choose to represent yourself. However, custody proceedings can be complex and emotionally challenging. Having a lawyer can help ensure your interests and rights are adequately represented.
How confidential are custody proceedings in Singapore?
Family proceedings, including custody cases, are usually confidential. The identities of the parties involved are often protected, especially when children are involved.
Do grandparents have any rights in custody proceedings in Singapore?
While grandparents don’t have legal rights in custody cases, their roles and relationships with the child may be considered during custody proceedings, especially if they have been heavily involved in the child’s upbringing.
General Disclaimer

Please note that timelines vary based on court schedules and the complexity of each case. While emergency filings may be submitted, acceptance is subject to judicial discretion and is not guaranteed.. The outcome of each case depends on each case’s circumstances.

Enquire Call Us WhatsApp