What we do, and how we do it
Three focused services for families at important crossroads.
Each service is scoped clearly, priced openly, and handled personally by a solicitor — not passed along to a clerk or rushed to a close.
← Back to HomeOur Approach to Each Matter
Every matter we take on begins the same way: with a conversation in which we listen more than we speak. We want to understand what the family is facing, what they are hoping for, and what they are worried about — before we say anything about the law.
From there, we work in measured steps. We set out a clear scope of work in writing, agree on a fee before we begin, and provide written updates throughout. Nothing happens without the client's understanding and agreement.
We operate under the Laws of Malaysia, primarily the Law Reform (Marriage and Divorce) Act 1976, the Married Women Act 1957, and the Guardianship of Infants Act 1961. Where a matter involves Syariah jurisdictional questions, we will be transparent about the boundary and coordinate appropriately.
We accept new clients on a limited basis at any one time, because we do not want to take on more than we can serve properly. If our current capacity does not allow us to take on a new matter, we will say so honestly.
Listen first
Every engagement starts with an unhurried conversation.
Agree in writing
Scope and fees are set out before any work begins.
Work in steps
Each phase is completed and confirmed before the next begins.
Update throughout
Written progress notes at every stage of the matter.
To discuss which service applies to your situation
+60 7-2938 6471Pre-Nuptial Conversation and Drafting
A pre-nuptial agreement is not a preparation for failure. It is a way for two people to discuss — openly, calmly, and before the complexity of marriage sets in — what each person brings to the relationship and how they would wish to handle things if circumstances change.
Sulam Sayang treats this service as a facilitated conversation. We meet with the couple (together or separately, depending on preference) to understand their financial situation, their concerns, and their intentions. We then draft an agreement in plain, readable English that reflects those intentions under Malaysian law.
What is covered
- Personal and jointly owned property arrangements
- Financial responsibilities during marriage
- Blended family and inheritance considerations
- Business interests and investments where applicable
- One round of revisions included in scope
How the process works
Initial consultation — we listen to both parties' priorities and any particular concerns
We prepare a plain-language draft and send it to both parties for review
One round of revisions based on feedback from either or both parties
Final agreement executed and provided in signed hard copy and digital form
Standard fee
RM 360
Typical timeline
Situations this applies to
- Paying spouse's income has reduced significantly
- Child's needs have changed (education, medical)
- Recipient's financial situation has improved
- Either party has relocated
- Original order is no longer enforceable in practice
Application for Variation of Maintenance
Maintenance orders are made in the circumstances of the moment. Those circumstances change — income falls, children's needs grow, a parent relocates. When the original order no longer reflects reality, it can be varied through the court.
We prepare the application patiently and thoroughly: gathering the right evidence, framing the application in measured terms, and representing the client at hearings. Between sittings, we keep the client informed in writing so they are never left wondering where things stand.
What is included
- Initial assessment of grounds for variation
- Evidence gathering and affidavit preparation
- Application filing at Johor Bahru Family Court
- Representation at all hearings within standard scope
- Written update after every court sitting
How the process works
We assess whether there are sufficient grounds for a variation application
Evidence is gathered and the application is drafted for filing
The application is filed at the Family Court; hearing dates are obtained
We represent the client at all hearings and provide written updates between them
Standard fee
RM 700Comprehensive Reconciliation or Separation Plan
Some families come to us at a point of genuine uncertainty — they are not sure whether to try to rebuild the relationship or to manage a separation. Our job is not to make that decision for them. It is to give them a clear picture of what each path looks like in practical terms, and then to support whichever they choose.
This is our most comprehensive service. It covers parenting arrangements, financial coordination, communications protocols, and any necessary legal filings. We work alongside counsellors and mediators where appropriate, and the final plan is documented in plain English that the family can refer back to — not only in court, but in the quieter moments when they need clarity.
What is covered in the plan
- Parenting arrangements and decision-making protocols
- Financial coordination and separation of assets
- Communications guidelines between parties
- Required legal filings coordinated and prepared
- Counsellor or mediator coordination where engaged
- Final plan document in plain English for family reference
How the process works
Extended initial consultation to understand the full family situation
Joint or separate sessions to discuss each area (parenting, finances, communication)
Coordination with any counsellors or mediators the family is working with
Draft plan prepared and reviewed with both parties
Legal filings prepared and filed; final documented plan delivered
Standard fee
RM 985
This service is appropriate when…
- A couple is uncertain whether to reconcile or separate
- Children are involved and parenting needs to be structured
- Financial affairs need to be separated in an orderly way
- Communication between parties has broken down
- A family wants a documented framework to return to
Choosing the Right Service
If you are not sure which service applies to your situation, this overview may help. Or simply call us — that is often the fastest way to understand what fits.
| What applies to you | Pre-Nuptial RM 360 |
Maintenance Variation RM 700 |
Reconciliation / Separation RM 985 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Planning ahead before marriage | |||
| Existing maintenance order needs changing | |||
| Family considering reconciliation | |||
| Separation involving children | |||
| Court representation needed | |||
| Mediator coordination included |
Not sure which applies? Call us on +60 7-2938 6471 — we are happy to help you work it out.
Professional Standards Across All Services
Privacy & Confidentiality
All client information is held in strict confidence. We do not discuss client matters outside confidential settings, and our files are stored securely.
Bar Council Compliance
All solicitors hold current Annual Practising Certificates and comply with the Legal Profession Act 1976 and the Bar Council's professional rules.
Written Fee Agreements
Before any engagement begins, we provide a written fee agreement in plain English. Nothing is added to the fee without prior discussion and consent.
Child Act Awareness
In any matter involving children, our approach is guided by the Child Act 2001. The child's welfare remains central to every arrangement we help structure.
Bilingual Service
All services are available in English and Bahasa Malaysia. Documents can be prepared in either language or in both, depending on the client's preference.
Scope Change Protocol
If a matter becomes more complex than the standard scope, we raise this before proceeding and agree any additional work in writing before incurring further fees.
Not sure where to begin?
A short telephone conversation is often the clearest way to identify which service applies to your situation. There is no charge for that initial exchange.