A practical path to resolutionSaves time and money
Sessions can be arranged quickly, with urgent matters possible within 24 hours. This contrasts with litigation, which can be expensive and extend over months or years.
Professional mediation services in Singapore
Find common ground. Move forward.
Resolve disputes privately and constructively with an impartial SMC mediator—often faster and more cost-effectively than litigation.
A collaborative way to resolve disputes
Mediation enjoys a high settlement rate and, in many instances, is a cheaper and faster alternative to litigation.
Unlike the highly charged and adversarial environment of litigation, mediation is a facilitative process that resolves disputes in a confidential and non-confrontational manner. This enables parties to preserve their relationship after the dispute is resolved.
The flexibility of the process gives disputing parties the opportunity to identify and communicate their differences effectively. Parties are guided by the mediator to focus on issues that are important to them, consider practical solutions and shape an outcome that is mutually acceptable.
Mediation can help individuals resolve disagreements with family members, former employees or customers, and support employers seeking recourse from commercial transactions.
70%reach full and final settlement
Almost 90%of settled cases conclude within one working day
24 hoursurgent sessions can be arranged where needed
Benefits of mediation
More control. Less conflict.
Mediation keeps the people closest to the dispute at the centre of the solution.
Control over outcomes
Parties have control over the outcome and settle only when satisfied with the proposed terms. Once signed, a settlement agreement can be legally binding and enforceable in court.
Preserves relationships
SMC’s mediators encourage open communication and help improve relationships where possible—especially valuable when parties need to continue working together.
Maintains confidentiality
Mediation is private and conducted “without prejudice”. Matters discussed cannot generally be used against the parties later in court or arbitration.
Suitable disputes
A flexible process for a wide range of matters
All types of commercial disputes can generally be mediated, regardless of the value of the claim.
Commonly mediated
SMC supports disagreements across business and personal settings.
- Commercial and contractual disputes
- Workplace, employer and former employee matters
- Customer and service-related disagreements
- Family and matrimonial disputes under SMC’s Family Mediation Procedure Rules
Generally not suitable
Some matters require a court or public decision.
- Criminal cases
- Cases requiring a precedent, such as a class action
- Cases where only the courts can give an appropriate remedy, such as an injunction or personal protection order
- Disputes involving public policy
Fees and subsidised schemes
SMC’s mediation fees are generally pegged to the combined value of the claim and counterclaim, whether it is above or up to S$60,000.
Sector support
Subsidised schemes may be available for private education, media freelancers, intellectual property, tenancy, healthcare and sports disputes.
How to apply
A clear route from request to resolution
Businesses or individuals can download the relevant application form and return it to SMC by email. Please refer to the prevailing Rules, Forms and Fees.
Submit a mediation request
Party(s) fill in the relevant form to request mediation and submit it to SMC.
Initiating party(s) indicates interest to mediate
SMC invites the responding party
SMC contacts and encourages the responding party to consider mediation.
Responding party(s) does not agree to mediate
The file is closed
SMC informs the initiating party and closes the file.
Responding party(s) agrees to mediate
All parties agree to mediate
Request acknowledged
SMC acknowledges receipt of the request. Each party pays the filing fee within three working days.
Documents assessed
SMC may call a pre-mediation conference and/or request further information to maximise the chances of settlement.
Mediator appointed
SMC advises the applicable mediation fee, makes administrative arrangements and appoints suitable mediator(s).
Fee and agreement
Parties pay the mediation fee within the stipulated time and sign the Agreement to Mediate.
Mediation day
The mediator guides the parties through a private, structured discussion focused on practical resolution.
Settlement recorded
Where a settlement is reached, the parties sign a Settlement Agreement.
Start mediation
Ready to resolve your dispute?
Review the prevailing forms, rules and fees, or speak with the SMC team about the most suitable next step.