LYTAG LAW LLP

A significant portion of our work at the firm involves accident claims (including vehicular and industrial accidents) as well as personal injury or property damage claims. Our experienced lawyers can guide and advise clients at every step of the process, whether initiating a claim or defending against one. We work closely with insurers and other professionals to ensure the best possible outcome for our clients. 

Conveyancing and Property Law

A person’s home is often their most valuable asset. Obtaining sound legal advice when purchasing a property can prevent future complications and save significant time and effort. Our lawyers specialise in retail conveyancing for both private and HDB properties, including sale and purchase agreements, options to purchase and discharging mortgages. We also handle more complex matters like sale of property through public tender. We possess in-depth knowledge of HDB rules and regulations and have advised clients on post-divorce transfers and estate distributions. We also advise various real estate agencies, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and laws.

Notably, our firm is renowned for handling collective sales (en-blocs) and has represented notable developments such as Golden Mile Complex. We are able to advise clients on both starting an en-bloc, and objecting to one.
 

Landlord and Tenant

Leases are a common method of property occupation, whether for business or residential purposes. A well-drafted tenancy agreement not only benefits both parties but also prevents potential disputes. Our lawyers specialize in drafting tenancy agreements for various durations, from short-term residential leases to long-term commercial leases spanning decades.

We also provide advice on entering into tenancy agreements and handle disputes such as unpaid rent and early termination. In essence, we manage all contractual matters that may arise between landlords and tenants.

Annulment, Separation and Divorce

The breakdown of a marriage is regrettable and can lead to difficult decisions regarding annulment, separation, or divorce. Regardless of the path chosen, the process can be distressing, with emotions running high. Our lawyers are committed to achieving the best possible outcome for clients in such situations, whether they are initiating or responding to legal actions. We handle both contested and uncontested divorces, as well as various interlocutory injunctions, such as discovery, interrogatories, and injunctive relief to prevent asset dissipation. For parties unwilling to cooperate, we can pursue contempt of court proceedings. Additionally, we advise and act on ancillary matters such as child custody, access, maintenance, spousal support, property division, and the sale of matrimonial property. We also provide guidance on and draft prenuptial agreements.

Family Office
 

We advise and guide clients through the complexities of establishing a family office, ensuring their objectives align with Singapore’s legal framework. Setting up a family office offers a key legal benefit: a single point of contact for all wealth management services. By consolidating assets and investments under one entity, a family office can streamline and enhance the management of a family’s wealth. Moreover, a family office can yield substantial tax planning advantages. Collaborating with our associated tax advisory firms, we help structure family offices in a tax-efficient manner, minimizing tax liabilities while complying with Singapore’s tax laws.

Estate Planning
 

Estate Planning is a key service we provide. We assist clients in organizing their personal affairs and assets for optimal wealth protection. This usually involves drafting Wills and utilizing Trusts. Additionally, we offer services for Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) and deputyship applications, as well as assistance with Grant of Probate and Letters of Administration applications. We also provide advice on estate and trust administration matters of all kinds.

Mental Capacity and Deputyship

We advise families of individuals who lack mental capacity. This could be due to age, illness, or disability. In such cases, the firm helps clients apply for deputyship through the courts, appointing a deputy to make decisions on their behalf. Our practice ensures that vulnerable individuals are properly protected and their interests are safeguarded through legal mechanisms.

Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)
 

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document that allows a person (the Donor) to appoint another person (the Donee) to make decisions on their behalf regarding their finances and/or welfare if they lose the capacity to make decisions themselves. For example, the Donee could manage the Donor’s bank account if the donor falls into a coma. Having an LPA can significantly ease the burden on loved ones in the event one loses mental capacity. Making an LPA is also more cost-effective and simpler than applying for deputyship, where the relatives of a person who has lost mental capacity must apply to court to manage the affairs of that person. Our lawyers can advise on the creation of LPAs as well as deputyship applications, should the need for a deputyship arise.

Wills

Our lawyers have extensive experience in drafting Wills, with many clients returning to us for assistance with Grant applications and estate distributions over our 50-year history. Having a Will ensures that one’s family is cared for according to their wishes after passing. It appoints an Executor to manage assets and distribute them to beneficiaries as specified in the Will.

There are numerous advantages to having a Will. Through a Will, clients can select an Executor, sparing their descendants from hardship and preventing potential quarrels between intended beneficiaries. Without a Will, the law dictates who gets what. With a Will, clients can specify who receives what portion of the assets. Finally, having a Will simplifies and reduces the cost and time forestate administration.

Probate and Administration of Estates

Death is an inevitable part of life, and dealing with the assets of a deceased loved one is an important but often challenging process. Our team of experienced and compassionate lawyers can assist clients in applying for a Grant of Probate (if there is a valid will) or a Grant of Letters of Administration (if there is no will). These grants authorize the executor or administrator to manage and distribute the deceased’s assets according to their wishes or the law.

We also handle contentious probate matters and estate disputes. We understand that these issues can be emotionally charged, often involving long-standing family disputes. Our team is dedicated to handling such matters with sensitivity and care, ensuring the best possible outcome for clients. 

Navigating Singapore’s immigration laws and policies can be daunting due to their intricacies and complexities. Each case is unique and requires specific, tailor-made legal advice and support. We have extensive experience assisting clients with their applications for visit passes, permanent residency, and citizenship. Our approach involves advising clients on meeting all legal requirements and presenting their applications in the best possible light to the authorities. Understanding our clients’ circumstances and the authorities’ requirements is crucial for success.

One notable example is our successful application for a Long Term Visit Pass for a foreign national who initially did not appear to meet the criteria based on publicly available information from ICA. After analysing our client’s circumstances, we provided advice and obtained an approval for the application. 

Facing criminal prosecution can be disempowering and distressing. A skilled criminal lawyer can make the process less intimidating. Our lawyers are dedicated to defending clients’ rights and providing comprehensive legal representation throughout Singapore’s criminal justice system. From initial investigations to appeals, our team assists clients in navigating the complexities of criminal matters.

Civil and Commercial Litigation

With experience representing individuals and companies at all levels of the Singapore Courts, our lawyers are well-versed in a wide range of contentious civil and commercial litigation matters. Drawing on decades of experience, we tailor specific solutions to the clients’ problems. Additionally, we advise on and draft specialized agreements to protect clients’ commercial interests. Our extensive experience and success in these areas of law enable us to provide effective and cost-efficient legal representation.

Counsel in International/Domestic Arbitration

Arbitration is a popular method of dispute resolution, both domestically and internationally. It offers advantages such as privacy, speed, and ease of enforcement. With most commercial contracts including an arbitration clause, this area of law is increasingly relevant. Our lawyers have experience in both domestic and international arbitration. We can guide clients through all stages of the arbitration process, from pre-arbitration negotiations to post-award proceedings like enforcement. 

Bankruptcy or insolvency can be distressing. Our lawyers offer experienced guidance on the clients’ rights, as well as to help formulate a sensible repayment plan, and negotiate with creditors for the best outcome.

Corporate Commercial Transactions (Domestic and International)
 

Our Corporate Commercial Practice leverages decades of experience to deliver practical legal solutions for transactions. We integrate insights from our Litigation Practice to provide comprehensive advice and anticipate potential pitfalls or contentious issues. Our expertise covers a range of corporate transactions, including incorporation of companies, shareholders’ rights, shareholders agreements, joint venture agreements, sale and purchase of shares, sale of business, procurement agreements, representative agreements, sale of goods agreements, and more. For international transactions, we collaborate with a network of associated law firms to deliver high-quality and seamless legal services.

Data Privacy and Compliance

The Personal Data Protection Act 2012 (PDPA) and its regulations, along with guidelines from the Personal Data Protection Commission of Singapore (PDPC), safeguard individuals’ privacy and ensure organizations handle personal data appropriately. Compliance with the PDPA is compulsory for all Singaporean entities, including companies, partnerships, associations, societies, and sole-proprietorships, which must appoint a Data Protection Officer. The PDPC enforces these laws rigorously, imposing significant fines for violations.

Our firm is well-versed with Singapore’s data protection laws and holds certification as a Certified Information Privacy Professional for Asia (CIPP/A). We collaborate closely with clients to grasp their specific business requirements and conduct thorough reviews of their policies and practices to evaluate PDPA compliance. We pinpoint legal risks and offer services to mitigate vulnerabilities, including appointment as Data Protection Officer, policy drafting, Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA), Records of Processing Activities (ROPA), and cross-border risk and compliance assessments.

Employment and Labour Advisory
 

We provide comprehensive legal guidance on employment-related matters to both employers and employees. This includes advice on employment contracts, workplace policies, disciplinary actions, termination, and compliance with employment laws and regulations. The practice also covers issues such as discrimination, harassment, wrongful dismissal, and employee benefits. We provide strategic advice tailored to the specific needs of each client, whether they are large corporations, small businesses, or individual employees. By staying updated on the latest developments in employment law, our lawyers help clients make informed decisions that protect their rights and interests in the workplace.

Trademarks

Trademarks are crucial for safeguarding the clients’ brand identity and image. However, the trademark process can be challenging. Our experienced lawyers can assist clients in filing their trademarks and navigating any objections or challenges that may arise.