An expert view of the meritsConflicting expert evidence
Cases involving conflicting expert evidence where it might be costly and time consuming for expert witnesses to testify at length at trial.
Neutral evaluation services in Singapore
See your dispute with greater clarity.
Receive a reasoned, impartial assessment from an experienced neutral evaluator—privately, efficiently and on terms tailored to your case.
An impartial assessment of your case
In neutral evaluation, an unbiased third party such as a former judge or senior counsel hears your case, either through written briefs and/or oral presentations. They consider the legal merits of your case and give you their reasoned opinion.
Neutral evaluation allows disputing parties to better understand the strengths and weaknesses of their case and have a clearer sense of their positions. Embattled parties can receive a cost-effective and speedy ruling, avoiding hefty arbitration or litigation bills. The process is private and confidential.
Parties may use neutral evaluation to resolve entire disagreements or differences in opinion(s) on a single point of law and/or technicality to the dispute at large.
When to use it
Useful across a wide range of disputes
Neutral evaluation can help parties move forward when evidence, specialist subject matter or entrenched positions make progress difficult.
Specialist subject matter
Cases where the parties want a neutral person with expert knowledge of the subject matter to assess the merits of their case.
A need to break deadlock
Cases where all the parties believe that they have a strong case and are therefore unwilling to explore settlement. A neutral assessment of the strengths of each case may be useful to break the deadlock.
Benefits of neutral evaluation
Expert insight. A process you control.
Gain a practical view of the merits without committing immediately to the cost and time of litigation or arbitration.
Access to senior judicial and industry experts
Parties will be able to tap the extensive experience and knowledge of the appointed expert, also known as the neutral evaluator. SMC’s panel of neutral evaluators comprises former judges and judicial commissioners, senior counsel and industry professionals who can render an evaluation on the merits of any matter.
Saves time and money
Neutral evaluation allows parties to have a cost-effective and speedy ruling compared to litigation or arbitration. The process is entirely customisable; parties can decide on the scope of the neutral evaluation as well as the type of evaluation—whether it is a documents-only evaluation or an evaluation with hearing session(s).
Control over the dispute
Parties can choose whether or not to have a binding opinion. A binding opinion can be used to settle the dispute, while a non-binding one helps parties become more aware of the strengths and weaknesses of their case should they consider resolving the dispute through mediation or any other forum.
How to apply
One application, two tailored tracks
You can download the Request for Neutral Evaluation form and return the form to us by email. Review the prevailing Rules, Forms and Fees before applying.
- 1ASubmit Request for Neutral Evaluation form
Include payment of the administrative fee.
- 1BSMC appoints a neutral evaluator
- 1CParties, neutral evaluator and SMC sign the NE Agreement
- Parties have the option of deciding if the opinion is binding.
- Parties may vary the agreement in accordance with section 6 of the Neutral Evaluation Rules.
- 1DCollection of security deposit
- 1EPreliminary conference
By phone, email or meeting, for parties and the neutral evaluator to decide on the conduct of the neutral evaluation.
- 2ATrack 1
Documents only.
- 2BSubmission of documents through SMC
- 3ATrack 2
Neutral evaluation with hearing.
- 3BSubmission and exchange of case statements and relevant documents through SMC
- 3CEvaluation session(s)
May include expert witness conferencing.
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Opinion rendered
Neutral evaluation enquiries
Bring the merits into focus.
Review the prevailing rules, forms and fees, or contact SMC to discuss the administrative steps for starting a neutral evaluation.