Sonny Patel

Publications

- Author, Financial Remedies Journal (2025) – Justice that Heals: Lessons from Singapore’s Family Justice System

- Editor and Co-author, The divorce journey for British expats in Singapore (2022)

Career

Sonny Patel is Partner and Head of Asia at Expatriate Law, leading the firm’s Singapore practice and advising clients on complex cross-border family disputes involving England, Southeast Asia and the Middle East. His practice focuses on international divorce, high-value financial remedy proceedings, jurisdiction disputes, international relocation and child abduction matters.

Sonny is particularly recognised for his expertise in forum strategy and the co-ordination of proceedings across multiple jurisdictions. He regularly advises internationally mobile and high-net-worth individuals on matters involving competing legal systems, offshore assets and complex international family structures.

Sonny joined Expatriate Law in 2014, initially based in the firm’s Dubai office before relocating to Singapore to establish and lead the firm’s Asia practice in 2019. Prior to joining Expatriate Law, he trained and practised exclusively at respected central London family law firms, developing a strong foundation in complex financial remedy work.

He has extensive experience advising expatriate clients across Southeast Asia and the Gulf region and is noted for combining technical excellence with pragmatic and commercially focused advice. Clients value his calm and reassuring manner, strategic thinking and ability to manage highly sensitive cross-border disputes effectively.

Sonny is an active participant in international family law networks across Asia and maintains close relationships with specialist family lawyers throughout the region, enabling seamless co-ordination of cross-border matters.

Rankings and Recognition

• Ranked in Chambers & Partners HNW guide: Family/Matrimonial (Singapore)

• Ranked in Spear’s 500 Family Law Index: Recommended

• Finalist, International Team of the Year – LexisNexis Legal Awards (2022, 2024, 2026)

• Finalist, International Family Lawyer of the Year – LexisNexis Family Law Awards (2022)

Awards