Dispute Resolution
Litigation, arbitration and settlement for companies and individuals, from contract and company disputes to insolvency, defamation and accident claims.
General information on disputes and litigation in Singapore, not legal advice. For advice on your own circumstances, speak with one of our lawyers.
In our words
Lawrence handles all areas of commercial litigation, arbitration and dispute resolution. Specifically, his cases involve conflict of laws, banking, defamation, admiralty, corporate law, intellectual property law, insurance law, building & construction law and insolvency law.
Chen Mine's areas of practice range from construction claims, family law, contractual claims and other general litigation matters to conveyancing, probate and other non-contentious matters.
What we handle
- Admiralty
- Arbitration
- Banking Disputes
- Bankruptcy and Insolvency Matters
- Building and Construction Disputes
- Company and Commercial Disputes
- Conflict of Laws Matters
- Contractual Claims
- Criminal Litigation
- Debt Collection Matters
- Defamation and Libel Actions
- E-Commerce and Information Technology Disputes
- Employment Disputes and Workmen’s Compensation Claims
- Insurance Disputes
- Intellectual Property Infringements and Disputes
- Matrimonial and Family Law Matters
- Motor and Industrial Accident Claims
- Negligence Claims
- Personal Injury Actions
- Property and Tenancy Disputes
- Trust, Equity and Taxation Disputes
- Wills, Probates and Administration of Estates
Fees
Fees depend on the dispute and the stage it has reached. Ask us for a quote.
| First meetingReviewing your documents and explaining where you stand and the options open to you. | On enquiry |
|---|---|
| Letter of demand or replyA formal letter setting out your position before any court or arbitration step. | On enquiry |
| Court or arbitrationQuoted once we understand the dispute. | On enquiry |
Where to start
Call the Southpoint office or email us with a short outline of the dispute and the key documents, such as the contract and the correspondence so far.
Common questions
I have received a letter of demand. What should I do?
Do not ignore it. A letter of demand is not a court document, but if it goes unanswered the sender may start a court claim. Note the deadline, gather your documents, and decide with advice whether to pay, negotiate or dispute the claim.
Read the full guide →How long do I have to bring a claim?
Under the Limitation Act, most claims in contract and tort must be brought within 6 years. Personal injury claims generally have 3 years. If the time limit passes, the other side can rely on it as a complete defence, however strong the claim.
Read the full guide →Can mediation settle my dispute without going to court?
Often, yes. In mediation, a neutral mediator helps the parties negotiate their own settlement in a confidential setting. Nothing is binding until a settlement agreement is signed, and some settlements can then be recorded as a court order.
Read the full guide →Should I resolve my dispute by arbitration or in court?
Arbitration is only available if the parties have agreed to it, usually in their contract. It is private and gives the parties more say over the process, and awards can be enforced in many countries. Court litigation is public, allows appeals and makes it easier to bring in other parties.
Read the full guide →Which court will hear my claim?
It depends mainly on the amount claimed. Certain claims up to S$20,000 can go to the Small Claims Tribunals, claims up to S$60,000 to the Magistrate's Court, claims up to S$250,000 to the District Court, and larger claims to the High Court. Some kinds of dispute go to specialist tribunals.
Read the full guide →How does a civil lawsuit work in Singapore?
Most claims start with an Originating Claim and a Statement of Claim. The defendant must respond within short deadlines, the court then manages the case through case conferences, and the parties exchange documents and witness statements before trial. Many cases settle or end early.
Read the full guide →The other side has not paid my judgment. What can I do?
The court does not collect the money for you, but you can apply for enforcement. Options include having the debtor examined on oath about their assets, seizing and selling their property, redirecting money owed to them such as a bank balance, and bankruptcy or winding up.
Read the full guide →What is a statutory demand, and can it lead to bankruptcy or winding up?
A statutory demand is a formal written demand for a debt of S$15,000 or more. If the debtor does not pay, secure or settle it within 21 days, the debtor is presumed unable to pay, and the creditor can apply to make an individual bankrupt or to wind up a company.
Read the full guide →I disagree with my IRAS tax assessment. Can I challenge it?
Yes. For income tax, you first file a notice of objection with IRAS, within 30 days of the notice of assessment for individuals or 2 months for companies. If IRAS does not agree, it issues a notice of refusal to amend, and you can then appeal to the Income Tax Board of Review.
Read the full guide →What can a minority shareholder do if the majority is treating them unfairly?
Section 216 of the Companies Act 1967 lets a shareholder ask the High Court for relief where the company's affairs are run oppressively or in a way that unfairly prejudices or discriminates against them. The court has wide powers, and the most common remedy is an order that one side buy out the other at a fair price.
Read the full guide →Still have a question? Ask us directly.
Have questions?
Call our Southpoint office, email us, or send a short outline of your matter with the form, and one of our lawyers will be in touch.