Do you wish to resolve a dispute with a member in your community? You might want to consider mediation
What is Mediation?
Mediation is a private and voluntary process in which mediators help parties work together to resolve conflicts. A mediator is a neutral third-party who helps to resolve differences between members of the community through a process that allows community members to hear each other’s concerns. The mediator will then work with community members to come up with appropriate solutions which can reasonably satisfy the interests of both parties. The goal of mediation is for community members to resolve differences, mend and preserve their relationships privately, all without unwanted publicity or embarrassment.
LAW SOCIETY COMMUNITY MEDIATION SERVICES
The Law Society of Singapore offers quality and affordable mediation for residents who wish to resolve disputes with individuals, groups, or organisations in their community.
The key advantages of Law Society Community Mediation Services (LSCMS) are:
- Mediators are professional: Lawyers are known to be effective mediators and seasoned at handling conflict. All LSCMS mediators are lawyers who have satisfied the minimum criteria of mediator accreditation and mediation experience set by The Law Society of Singapore and each LSCMS mediation proceeding will be facilitated by either one (1) or two (2) mediators appointed by The Law Society of Singapore.
- Mediation is confidential: Mediation proceedings under the LSCMS are private and confidential. All mediation communication can only be disclosed with the consent of the party who made the communication. There is no formal record or transcript of the mediation.
- Mediation gives participants control over their outcomes: The LSCMS allows the parties to be directly involved in the mediation process and the resolution of the matter. Parties are free to agree how, and in what form, they will present or inform the mediator of their case.
- Mediation is affordable: The mediation fee is fixed at SGD50 nett to be shared among the parties.
- Mediation is efficient and saves time: Mediation proceedings will be held virtually (e.g. via Zoom). Each proceeding is typically for a duration of two (2) hours.
- Mediation outcomes are binding on the parties: If mutually agreeable solutions are found, parties will sign a written agreement which will be binding on the parties.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The Law Society Community Mediation Services can assist in resolving various types of disputes within the community. This includes neighbourly disputes, such as excessive noise/smell/smoke/light, littering at or in the vicinity of your home, obstructing your home, interfering with your movable property, conducting surveillance on you or your home, trespassing on your home, etc.
Mediation is a private and voluntary process that provides an opportunity for parties to work together and find mutually agreeable solutions. Unlike going to court or other formal legal processes, mediation is less adversarial, confidential, and allows participants to maintain control over the outcome.
Mediation can be highly effective, even among parties who may initially be unwilling. If mutually agreeable solutions are reached during mediation, the parties will sign a written agreement. The government is exploring the possibility of registering and enforcing settlement agreements as court orders, subject to certain conditions.
Yes, mediation proceedings under the Law Society Community Mediation Services are private and confidential. The discussions and communications that take place during mediation cannot be disclosed without the consent of the party who made the communication. There is no formal record or transcript of the mediation.
Each mediation proceeding facilitated by the Law Society Community Mediation Services is typically scheduled for a duration of two (2) hours. This allows sufficient time for the parties to present their concerns, engage in discussion, and work towards a resolution.
The mediators in the Law Society Community Mediation Services are professional lawyers who have met the mediator accreditation and mediation experience criteria set by The Law Society of Singapore. They are neutral third parties who facilitate the mediation process and help parties reach a resolution.
The mediation fee for the Law Society Community Mediation Services is fixed at SGD50 nett, which is shared among the parties involved. This affordable fee aims to make mediation accessible to all members of the community.
WHY REFER COMMUNITY DISPUTES TO US?
The Law Society of Singapore is committed to providing excellent alternative dispute resolution services. Our panel consists of qualified lawyers with extensive expertise in conflict resolution. Their wealth of knowledge and experience ensures an unbiased assessment of disputes. We take pride in our commitment to impartiality, confidentiality, and professionalism.
To apply for mediation, fill out the Request for Mediation form.
Contact us today to discover how we can assist you in resolving community disputes.