Dorothy Tan

Deputy Head, Family & Divorce Practice Group

Dorothy Tan is a Senior Associate Director in PKWA Law, and Deputy Head of the Family Law Department.

Dorothy is ranked as a Leading Family and Divorce Lawyer in the Doyle's Guide for Leading Family & Divorce lawyers in Singapore in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023. She is also listed as one of the “Top 100 Women in Litigation” in 2021 and 2022.  She is named a “Litigation Star” in Benchmark Litigation Asia Pacific in 2021 and 2022.  She is also named by the Singapore Business Review as one of Singapore's "Most Influential Lawyers aged 40 and under" in 2016.

Dorothy is the co-author of the divorce book "Divorce Done Right: A Guide to Family Law in Singapore" published in 2021.

Languages: English & Chinese
Dorothy Tan

Dorothy Tan holds the esteemed position of Deputy Head within the Family Law Practice Group at PKWA Law, where she also serves as a Senior Associate Director. Her remarkable legal career is marked by numerous accomplishments and accolades.

At the remarkably young age of 25, Dorothy showcased her legal prowess by leading a successful team in arguing and winning a case at the Court of Appeal. This groundbreaking case revolved around the newly established Singaporean law pertaining to the division of matrimonial assets. In a subsequent Court of Appeal case, she secured a remarkable victory, ensuring her client received 75% of matrimonial assets valued at $13.6 million, a substantial increase from the initial 25%. This dramatic shift in favor of her client is arguably one of the most significant outcomes in the history of appeals court decisions.

Dorothy’s exceptional expertise in family and divorce law is well-recognized. She has consistently been featured in the Doyle’s Guide for Leading Family & Divorce Lawyers in Singapore from 2016 to 2023. Additionally, she earned the distinction of being listed among the “Top 100 Women in Litigation” and designated as a “Litigation Star” by Benchmark Litigation Asia Pacific in 2021 and 2022. Notably, she was also honored by the Singapore Business Review as one of Singapore’s “Most Influential Lawyers aged 40 and under” in 2016.

In 2021, Dorothy co-authored the book “Divorce Done Right: A Guide to Family Law in Singapore”.

Dorothy’s achievements extend beyond her legal practice and into various awards and recognitions:

  • She is recognized as one of the Top 100 Women in Litigation in Asia-Pacific by Benchmark Litigation in 2021 and 2022, a prestigious list highlighting outstanding female litigators who have made substantial contributions to their field.
  • Dorothy has secured victories in two significant Court of Appeal cases, including her landmark achievement at the age of 25, where she successfully argued for the husband and clarified the new Singaporean law on matrimonial asset division.
  • In her second Court of Appeal triumph, Dorothy represented the husband in a complex and unconventional case, resulting in a substantial shift from 25% to 75% in favor of her client, one of the most substantial awards in Singaporean divorce cases.
  • She is recognized as a Litigation Star in family and matrimonial law in Asia-Pacific by Benchmark Litigation Asia Pacific in 2021 and 2022.
  • Dorothy is ranked in Doyle’s Guide to the Leading Family & Divorce Lawyers in Singapore from 2016 to 2023.
  • She was named among Asia’s top young lawyers in the Asian Legal Business 2016 listing of “40 under 40 – Asia’s Brightest Young Legal Minds.”
  • Dorothy was named in the Singapore Business Review’s “Singapore’s most influential lawyers aged 40 and Under” list for 2016.

Dorothy’ is co-author of the divorce book  “Divorce Done Right: A Guide to Family Law in Singapore” in 2021. She is also a contributor and author for Lexis Practical Guidance – Family Law Module.

In addition to her legal accomplishments, Dorothy is actively involved in various appointments and memberships:

  • She is an accredited mediator at the Singapore Mediation Centre and holds the title of Accredited Collaborative Family Practitioner (CFP).
  • Dorothy serves on the Singapore Mediation Centre’s Panel of Collaborative Family Practitioners (CFP).
  • She also holds the position of Associate Mediator on the Law Society Mediation Scheme Panel of Mediators.
  • Dorothy was appointed by the Chief Justice to the Inquiry Panel of the Law Society of Singapore.

Dorothy Tan’s outstanding legal career, wealth of achievements, and dedication to her field make her a highly respected figure in Singapore’s legal community.

In my hour of need, I was recommended to PKWA. Dorothy Tan LISTENED to my case and worked tirelessly over the holidays and weekends to meet impossible deadlines. A very upsetting and stressful time, but I will be forever grateful as Dorothy believed in my case and sought a fair and just resolution against insurmountable odds. At every juncture, Dorothy provided realistic, honest assessments and I proceeded based on her recommendations. If Dorothy and her team decide to champion your cause, you should consider yourself very fortunate.

Christopher Twiss

I wish to convey my appreciation to Dorothy and her team Ing Yee and Firdaus who represented me in my divorce. I have received excellent legal representation and professionalism in every aspect of the process. Dorothy took the time to listen to all my concerns and responded with clear, concise notes outlining all the different courses of action including the positives and negatives with each choice. I felt greatly assured by this outstanding team of professionals. I am grateful to have Dorothy and her team who handled this case with what I would consider perfection, dedication and utmost competence. It was a great pleasure working with this wonderful team.

Franck L

All of you show me that genuine great lawyers exist. Many more people out there who deserve justice ought to know you.

Ms K

I have no hesitation in recommending PKWA and Dorothy to anyone looking for competent, knowledgeable, sympathetic, and efficient representation.

Bjorn Vang Jansen

In my hour of need, I was recommended to PKWA. Dorothy Tan LISTENED to my case and worked tirelessly over the holidays and weekends to meet impossible deadlines. A very upsetting and stressful time, but I will be forever grateful as Dorothy believed in my case and sought a fair and just resolution against insurmountable odds. At every juncture, Dorothy provided realistic, honest assessments and I proceeded based on her recommendations. If Dorothy and her team decide to champion your cause, you should consider yourself very fortunate.

Christopher Twiss

I wish to convey my appreciation to Dorothy and her team Ing Yee and Firdaus who represented me in my divorce. I have received excellent legal representation and professionalism in every aspect of the process. Dorothy took the time to listen to all my concerns and responded with clear, concise notes outlining all the different courses of action including the positives and negatives with each choice. I felt greatly assured by this outstanding team of professionals. I am grateful to have Dorothy and her team who handled this case with what I would consider perfection, dedication and utmost competence. It was a great pleasure working with this wonderful team.

Franck L

All of you show me that genuine great lawyers exist. Many more people out there who deserve justice ought to know you.

Ms K

I have no hesitation in recommending PKWA and Dorothy to anyone looking for competent, knowledgeable, sympathetic, and efficient representation.

Bjorn Vang Jansen


                    

                    
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Legal articles by Dorothy Tan

Expat Divorce in Singapore

Divorce rates are rising in Singapore, perhaps unsurprisingly given the growing number of expatriates and...

Annulment of Marriage

Annulment of a marriage is different to a divorce. When a marriage is annulled, the annulment in effect says...

Contested Divorce in Singapore

If you find yourself wanting to divorce in Singapore, you’re likely to have lots of questions about the...

Navigating the Divorce Process in Singapore: Things You Need to Know

Divorce is a legal process that terminates a marriage between two individuals. It is a formal declaration...

Expat Divorce in Singapore

Divorce rates are rising in Singapore, perhaps unsurprisingly given the growing number of expatriates and...

Annulment of Marriage

Annulment of a marriage is different to a divorce. When a marriage is annulled, the annulment in effect says...

Contested Divorce in Singapore

If you find yourself wanting to divorce in Singapore, you’re likely to have lots of questions about the...

Navigating the Divorce Process in Singapore: Things You Need to Know

Divorce is a legal process that terminates a marriage between two individuals. It is a formal declaration...

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