Disputes can arise in many forms—commercial disagreements, employment issues, family conflicts, or breaches of contract.. Many people dread the thought of escalating matters to court, fearing high costs, long delays, and damaged relationships.
Mediation offers a calm and constructive alternative. It is a structured process facilitated by a neutral third party, aimed at helping parties reach a mutually acceptable resolution.
In Singapore, mediation is increasingly relied upon across a wide range of matters, from commercial to personal disputes. Understanding how it works allows parties to resolve issues efficiently, often without the need for formal litigation.
Mediation is a voluntary, confidential process where a neutral mediator facilitates discussions between parties to help them reach a mutually acceptable agreement. It is part of Singapore’s broader dispute resolution landscape and is supported by institutions
Unlike a judge or arbitrator, a mediator does not impose a decision. Instead, they guide conversations, help clarify issues, and assist parties in exploring practical solutions.
Mediation is often faster, cheaper, and less adversarial than court proceedings—making it an attractive option for those who value confidentiality, control, and preserving relationships.
Mediation is more common in daily life than most people realise. Here are some real-world examples where it often helps:
| Scenario | Examples |
| Contract disputes between businesses | Disagreements over payment terms, service delivery, or contractual obligations |
| Employment related matters | Claims involving dismissal, harassment, or salary disputes. |
| Family and divorce matters | Couples seek amicable arrangements on asset division or custody without lengthy court battles. |
| Landlord-tenant issues | Disputes arise over deposits, maintenance, or breaches of tenancy agreements. |
| Neighbourhood conflicts | Residents disagree over noise, property boundaries, or shared facilities. |
| Cross-border commercial disagreements | Businesses from different countries prefer mediation over complex international litigation. |
Singapore’s emphasis on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) has made mediation accessible across a wide range of industries and personal matters.
Singapore actively promotes mediation through several legal frameworks and initiatives:
These frameworks ensure that mediation is not only an informal process but can also lead to outcomes with real legal standing when properly handled.
It’s natural to want to “wait and see” if a dispute will blow over. But seeking mediation early offers several clear advantages:
Starting mediation early can prevent conflicts from escalating, allowing for more amicable, creative solutions compared to adversarial courtroom battles
At RBN Chambers, we believe mediation should be a first step in resolving disputes—not a last resort.
Our team:
Whether your dispute involves a business partner, employer, contractor, or foreign party, we provide comprehensive legal and strategic support throughout the mediation process.
Using mediation to resolve commercial disputes may not be appropriate if you require the Court to make a decision on a legal issue such as interpreting a clause for your company’s standard contract or either party shows no desire to mediate.
If mediation is not feasible, arbitration can be a possible mode of resolution for commercial disputes.
Mediation itself is voluntary, but if parties reach an agreement and formalise it properly, it can become legally binding under the Mediation Act 2017.
Most mediations can be completed within one day or a few sessions, depending on the complexity of the dispute.
Yes. Mediation does not prevent you from pursuing litigation or arbitration if a settlement cannot be reached.
Costs vary depending on the service provider (e.g., SMC, SIMC) and complexity of the case but are usually far lower than court proceedings.
RBN Chambers provides legal guidance before, during, and after mediation, helping you prepare your case, negotiate strategically, and finalise enforceable agreements.
We provide solutions to the table for all our clients regardless of the scale or complexity of the cases. Let us know how we can help.
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