
About
Kim (Tan Siew Kim) has more than 20 years’ experience as a family lawyer.
During her long career in family law, 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’s practice stands out for providing the personal touch in assisting clients through this difficult period of time. She personally guides her clients through each stage of the divorce process.
In addition to her practice, while at RHTLaw Taylor Wessing, Kim conducted private client seminars on family disputes for high net worth families. She has also advised local companies, major banks, MNCs and various statutory boards and liaised with counsel from other jurisdictions for both corporate and family matters.
Kim is regularly featured in local magazines and the press, notably for her views and comments on family matters.
Kim was head of the family law practice at Lee and Lee, and a senior family lawyer at RHTLaw Taylor Wessing. She is currently a consultant with Sterling Law Corporation.
Reviews (15)
Featured Services
Divorce
Kim Tan has had more than 20 years of divorce experience in assisting clients, primarily professionals, expatriates, and high networth individuals, through this difficult period in their lives. Contentious divorce cases are her speciality, and her practice stands out for the highly-personal service extended to each and every client. Kim is well-versed in issues such as cross-border disputes over child custody and matrimonial assets. She personally guides her clients through each stage of the divorce process, making use of her vast experience handling contentious divorces.
Relevant reported cases:
VQB And VQC [2021] SGHCF 5
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that the Respondent had agreed to withdraw the divorce proceedings and gave her the impression that they had been withdrawn.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.
BHN v BHO [2013] SGHC 91
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.
JQ v JR [2005] SGDC 93
Kim Tan assisted her client, who was the father, in obtaining interim access to the child. The mother had made unilateral arrangements for the child without giving reasonable notice to the father, impeding the father’s access period. The Court held that the father was successful on his application for overnight access and the mother was ordered to attend a parenting workshop that she had to bear the costs for. Subsequently, Kim successfully obtained care and control for the father.
Lee Kok Yong v Lee Guek Hua (alias Li Yuehua) [2007] SGHC 26
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.
TQ v TR [2007] 3 SLR(R) 719; [2007] SGHC 106
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.
Goh Ah Teck v Yeo Bee Luan [2001] SGHC 92
Kim Tan's client was the wife, who had been awarded maintenance of $300 for herself and $1,000 to each of the two children. The husband appealed against the order on the grounds that the District Judge had over- estimated his income, the findings of the monthly expenses of the respondent was wrong and lastly, the respondent was given a higher standard of living than she had before the breakdown of marriage. The appeal was dismissed.
Lim Kok Sian Brandon v Ong Ai Geok [2004] SGDC 248
Kim Tan represented the wife in a case that dealt with the principles governing the determination of the quantum of maintenance for a former wife. The wife was initially awarded a much lower sum of maintenance - monthly maintenance of $1,895 for four months and $895 for the next 31 months. She appealed against the decision of the District Court and the appeal was allowed. The Petitioner was ordered to pay the respondent maintenance at $3,500 per month for three years and thereafter at $2,500 per month. This was upheld by the Court of Appeal.
Pre-Nuptial Agreement
As part of her family practice, Kim assists her clients in drafting pre-nuptial agreements. Her experience in family law and divorce enables her to advise clients on the important issues of the pre-nuptial agreement based on their circumstances.
Relevant Reported Case:
TQ v TR [2007] 3 SLR(R) 719; [2007] SGHC 106
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.
Media & Publications
Media Features
- Steps to take if you suspect your spouse is cheating – SingaporeLegalAdvice.com
- “In divorce cases, child representatives a double-edged sword, say experts” – Today
- “The most depressing part of family law” – The New Paper
- “Wronged men less likely to end marriage” – Straits Times
- “Would you snoop on your boyfriend’s phone while he’s asleep?” – Her World magazine
Services & Fees
Fees
Fee estimate after evaluation of enquiry.
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.
I am grateful to have Kim to handle my divorce.
She is confident and advised according to the case, with no standard reply. Met a few lawyers and no one gave me the confidence to proceed. My case is not complicated but they made it complicated.
Friends were surprised it was settled so fast. My child is more settled down.
She was highly recommended and I do highly recommend her!
Thank you Kim for making the process quick and less painful.
She is absolutely the best lawyer I ever encountered.
I got a PPO to defend. My ex motive was to apply for variation order for my child who is under my care and control. I did some research and went around to compare different law firm/lawyers. I shortlisted a few law firm, made appointment and went ahead. Some schedule are so busy that they do not have time to meet up, some have to make appointment and only get to speak to their assistant who will then convey message to the lawyer. What I really wanted was a passionate lawyer who can fight for what we deserve and painful SOP just to speak to a lawyer about the problems we are facing. I am deeply grateful that I found Kim. She was the first and the last lawyer that I spoke to during my search for a really good lawyer to defend my PPO. She listened with empathy, she is sincere and professional and she assisted with all her best and really produce only the best for her client interest! Unlike many other law firm or lawyer who work just for the sake of another new case. Kim really spends time to understand about her client situation thoroughly so that she will be able to assist in the best way she could. She gave good advice and well update me for every step I have to take during the process. She provide me with “‘homework” so that she could have clearer picture of everything, I really appreciate it this.
To be prepared is half the battle won. She did exactly. She prepared everything so well. Half way through and we won the battle! My ex voluntarily withdrew the PPO! I am greatly thankful for everything she has done for me and my child. She is indeed extremely well specialize in her areas of law as family lawyer.
Yes, I highly recommend Kim. I am thankful that she is the lawyer that I chosen.
My previous law firm was recommended by a friend, they were merely doing their paperwork and getting things done and I sensed things wasn’t going right so during the most crucial moment I went in search for a new lawyer. I am so very grateful that I found Kim. During our first phone call, We connected immediately and I knew She was the one.
We are alike in many ways and strangely I started to enjoy my every session with her. Kim is very experience and highly intelligent. She spent time to discuss my case and gave me good advice, and prepared me well during each stage of the divorce process. She managed to turn my case around and I saw light at the end of the tunnel. I am deeply grateful for everything she has done for me and my child. She is always there for me and I know I am in safe hands because she will always think for me and there to help me despite her busy schedule.
I highly recommend Kim because like what I always say she is the best lawyer and the only lawyer to fight for me. She has exceeded and gone beyond my expectations and won my case for me. There is no regrets but only a thankful and grateful heart. Kim you will always be someone close to my heart. We are both busy and do know that you are someone I always am thankful for.
We love u Kim ❤️