By Ms. Gloria James, Head of Expat Matters Practice
Divorce can evoke a range of emotions and uncertainties. One of the most common questions we hear is: What kind of legal advice do I need—and how much will it cost?
The truth is that having the right legal guidance at the right time can significantly impact the outcome of your divorce, particularly in financial matters and decisions involving your children.
That’s why our matrimonial law team is here to support you every step of the way, offering clear advice, genuine care, and practical solutions that are both effective and affordable.
Our consultations are designed to empower you with clarity, confidence, and actionable strategies:- Free initial 20 minutes unraveling the divorce process and general applicable laws with you, followed by an additional paid 30 minutes or 1 hour of personalized strategy planning, designed specifically to address your unique situation.
- Focused consultation that includes tailored advice on your legal position and suggested strategy moving forward. Ideal for those seeking swift, tailored advice, these sessions provide a clear understanding of your legal position and practical guidance to move forward with confidence.
- Flexible booking options let you manage your time and budget with ease by choosing consultations in 30-minute increments, offering the convenience and adaptability you need.
At Gloria James-Civetta & Co., you’ll have access to a team of experienced divorce lawyers who handle complex divorce cases like yours every day, with skill, confidence, and care.
We offer a full suite of family law services—including mediation, litigation support, asset protection strategies, and divorce coaching—backed by up-to-date legal expertise.
Our mission is simple: to provide cost-effective, strategic guidance that helps you take the next step with confidence and clarity.
Understanding the Role and Impact of Legal Advice
Legal advice isn’t about flashy promises—it’s about making smart, steady decisions when the stakes are high. We’re here to help you protect what matters most with clear, strategic guidance.
Whether your divorce is amicable or contested, our legal advice helps ensure:
- Fair financial settlements that take into account all aspects of your shared assets, obligations, and entitlements.
- Workable parenting arrangements that prioritise the well-being of your children and reduce the potential for future disputes.
These outcomes don’t just bring peace of mind today—they lay the foundation for stability and closure in the years ahead.
The Long-Term Risks of Not Seeking Legal Advice
Deciding not to consult a lawyer can lead to unintended consequences.
At our law firm, we often receive enquiries from individuals who went through an uncontested divorce without legal guidance. They assumed the process would be straightforward, only to discover, after the divorce was finalised, that the terms were unclear, impractical, or unfair.
In many cases, they require a variation of the court order to change the terms of their divorce. Unfortunately, variation orders can be:
- Legally complex, often requiring substantial documentation and justification.
- A lot more expensive than the original uncontested divorce.
- Time-consuming, especially if the other party does not agree to the changes.
Example: One client discovered post-divorce that the agreement failed to address their entitlement to the former matrimonial home. Without a clear settlement or Court Order, this led to confusion, conflict, and eventually a costly court application that could have been avoided with proper legal advice at the start.
Seeking legal advice early on ensures finality and certainty, helping you avoid complications down the line.
Keeping Legal Costs Manageable
At our law firm, we strive to provide practical and cost-effective legal support.
One of the ways we do this is by matching clients with lawyers who suit their needs and budget:
- Our team includes lawyers with varying years of experience.
- Where a junior lawyer supports a senior lawyer, you will not be charged senior rates for the junior’s work.
This structure enables us to deliver experienced legal representation without increasing your costs.
We also encourage clients to be strategic:
- You can choose to consult a lawyer on specific issues only (e.g., division of CPF or access arrangements).
- You may also engage us for unbundled services, where we handle certain parts of the process while you manage the rest.
Cost-Saving Measures at GJC Law
We take transparency and affordability seriously. Here’s how we help you manage your legal fees:
Fixed Fee Services
: For uncontested divorces and other common matters, we offer fixed fees or clear fee ranges so you know what to expect from the start.
Stage-by-Stage Billing
: Clients are informed at every phase of the divorce process—whether it involves a fixed fee or an estimated cost—so there are no surprises.
Monthly Billing Options
: Instead of large, one-time payments, our monthly billing option gives you the flexibility to manage your finances during a time of transition.
Our Commitment to Clients
Legal work is not just a profession—it’s a responsibility. At GJC Law, our lawyers are motivated by the chance to help clients move forward with confidence.
We aim to deliver:
- Fair, workable solutions tailored to each family’s circumstances.
- Positive, life-changing outcomes, not just documents and court orders.
“Our duty as lawyers is to help clients understand the bigger picture by giving them sound legal advice based on law, years of experience, and precedents.” — Ms Gloria James, Head Lawyer at GJC Law
If you are considering divorce, seeking early legal advice is one of the most practical steps you can take. It doesn’t have to be overwhelming—or unaffordable. With the proper support, you can protect your interests, avoid costly mistakes, and take confident steps toward a new chapter. At GJC Law, we’re here to help you do exactly that.
