The alternative to going to court is settling the dispute through mediation, arbitration or negotiation. Usually, these processes involve an objective third party who intervenes and helps the parties reach an agreement.

All Types Of Disputes
Disputes That Require Expert's Evaluation
Business And Consumer Disputes
e-Commerce Disputes
Employee-Related Disputes

All Types Of Disputes

Mediation

• The Singapore Mediation Centre (SMC) is a non-profit organisation that trains and selects neutral mediators who can step in and help parties reach amicable agreements.
  
  
• It has both local and international panels of mediators.
  
  
• Any business can apply to SMC for help. SMC will then invite all the parties to the dispute to mediate.
  
  
• The mediation fee starts from S$900 per party per day. The fees are pegged to the amount that the party is claiming in terms of compensation or damages.

See:	• The Singapore Mediation Centre • Frequently Asked Questions

Arbitration

• Unlike mediation, arbitration is legally binding.
  
  
• Arbitration is actually very similar to going to court. The main difference is that arbitration takes place privately.
  
  
• The Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC) handles all arbitration cases in Singapore.
  
  
• As Singapore has signed the New York Convention, arbitration decisions can be enforced in over 120 countries.
  
  
• There are 3 parts to the fees you have to pay for arbitration:
  
  
  • Management Fee or Appointment Fee
    
    
    • A Management Fee is charged for all arbitration cases handled by SIAC. It is based on the value of the claim. For instance, the management fee for a domestic case is S$1,750 for claims up to S$250,000 (Administration Fees).
      
      
    • If SIAC is not handling the arbitration, both parties can ask SIAC to appoint an arbitrator. The Appointment Fee is S$750 for domestic cases and S$1,250 for international cases (Appointment Fees).
      
      
  • Arbitrator’s Fee
    Rates for arbitrators range from S$300 – S$800 per hour.
    
    
  • Lawyer’s Fees
    Rates will depend on your agreement with the lawyer.
    

See:	• Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC) • What Lawyers are Entitled to Charge • Frequently Asked Questions on SIAC

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Disputes That Require Expert's Evaluation

• Sometimes, your case may require an expert’s opinion, e.g. in insurance, renovation and construction claims.
  
  
• An expert can provide you with a “neutral evaluation”.
  
  
• An expert’s opinion is particularly useful when parties have reached a deadlock in negotiations.
  
  
• The expert provides an objective assessment on the merits of the case.
  
  
• The Singapore Mediation Centre (SMC) provides Neutral Evaluation services.
  
  
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