Commercial dispute lawyers in Singapore
A dispute is rarely only a legal problem. It affects cash flow, working relationships and the time you can give to everything else. We help you understand where you stand, decide what outcome you actually want, and pursue it in a straight line.
General information on commercial and civil disputes in Singapore, not legal advice. For advice on your own circumstances, speak with one of our lawyers.
How we work
Your objective sets the direction
We begin by asking what a good result looks like for you, commercially and personally. Every step after that is measured against it, whether that leads to a negotiated settlement or a full trial.
Careful, considered advice
We give you a candid view of the strengths and weaknesses of your position early, including the costs and risks of each route, so the decisions you make are informed ones.
Directors on the matter
Disputes are led by our directors, Sara Ng and Kelvin Tan, who advise businesses, founders, senior executives and private clients on civil and commercial litigation.
Aligned with your interests
We look beyond billable-hour thinking. Where a matter can be resolved sensibly without a long fight, we will say so.
Disputes we advise on
We act for claimants and defendants, from the first letter of demand through mediation, court proceedings and enforcement.
- Commercial & civil litigation
- Contract disputes
- Shareholder disputes & minority oppression
- Partnership disputes
- Employment disputes
- Fraud & asset recovery
- Debt recovery & letters of demand
- Property disputes
- Injunctions & urgent applications
- Mediation & negotiated settlements
- Enforcement of judgments
Understanding a commercial dispute in Singapore
Most disputes follow a recognisable pattern. Knowing the kinds of claim involved, where they are heard and how the process unfolds makes it easier to decide what to do next.
Common types of dispute
- Contract disputes
- Unpaid sums, defective goods or services, late delivery or a party walking away from a deal. The starting point is always what the contract says, and what was said and done around it.
- Shareholder & partnership disputes
- Deadlock, exclusion from management, or a majority acting unfairly. Minority shareholders may have remedies under section 216 of the Companies Act, and the company's constitution and any shareholders' agreement will matter.
- Employment disputes
- Claims over salary, wrongful dismissal, restraint of trade and confidential information. Some smaller claims go to the Employment Claims Tribunals; others are heard in the courts.
- Fraud & asset recovery
- Where money or property has been misappropriated, the courts can grant urgent relief such as freezing orders to stop assets being moved while the claim is decided.
- Debt recovery
- Chasing an unpaid debt usually starts with a letter of demand. If that fails, the options include a court claim or, for undisputed debts, insolvency proceedings against the debtor.
- Property disputes
- Disagreements over the sale or purchase of property, tenancies, co-ownership and the division of sale proceeds between owners.
Where a claim is heard
Which forum hears your claim depends largely on its value and subject matter. These are the general limits; there are exceptions.
- Small Claims Tribunals
- Certain claims of up to $20,000, or up to $30,000 if both parties agree in writing. Lawyers do not appear for parties at the hearing.
- Magistrate's Court
- Civil claims of up to $60,000, heard in the State Courts.
- District Court
- Civil claims above $60,000 and up to $250,000, also heard in the State Courts.
- High Court
- Claims above $250,000, and certain kinds of claim regardless of value. Shareholder oppression and many fraud claims are typically brought here.
How a dispute typically runs
Every matter is different, and many settle well before trial. In broad terms, a dispute moves through four stages.
- 1.
Assess the position
Gather the contract, correspondence and records. Identify the claim, the likely defences, the evidence available and the time limits that apply.
- 2.
Letter of demand and amicable resolution
A formal letter sets out the claim and invites a response. Under the Rules of Court 2021, parties have a duty to consider resolving the dispute amicably, including by mediation, before and during proceedings.
- 3.
Court proceedings
If the dispute is not resolved, a claim is filed. The court manages the case through exchange of pleadings, production of documents and witness evidence, and settlement remains possible throughout.
- 4.
Trial, judgment and enforcement
The court hears the evidence and gives judgment. If the losing party does not comply, the judgment can be enforced, for example by seizing assets or garnishing money owed to them.
Time limits apply
Under the Limitation Act, claims in contract and most claims in tort must generally be brought within six years of the date the cause of action arose. Where fraud is involved, time usually runs from when it was discovered or could reasonably have been discovered. Once a limitation period has passed, a good claim may be lost entirely, so it is worth taking advice early.
Fees
The cost of a dispute depends on its complexity, how the other side responds and how far it goes. We explain the likely costs of each stage before you commit to it.
| Initial assessmentA review of your documents and a candid view of your position, options and next steps. | Quoted upfront |
|---|---|
| Letter of demand & negotiationA formal letter of demand or response, and negotiation with the other party or their lawyers. | Quoted upfront |
| Mediation & litigationMediation, court proceedings, urgent applications and enforcement, scoped stage by stage. | Quoted upfront |
Every engagement includes
- A clear explanation of your position and the risks
- An estimate of costs for each stage before it begins
- Regular updates as the matter progresses
- Direct access to the director handling your matter
You will have a clear figure at your consultation before you commit to anything.
Start with a conversation
Bring the key documents and a short account of what has happened. We will help you understand where you stand and what a sensible next step looks like.
Common questions
Do I have to go to court to resolve a commercial dispute?
Not necessarily. Many disputes are resolved through negotiation or mediation, for example at the Singapore Mediation Centre. The Rules of Court 2021 also require parties to consider amicable resolution before and during proceedings. Court remains available if those routes do not work, or where urgent protection is needed.
What should I do as soon as a dispute arises?
Keep a clear record and avoid saying anything in writing you may later regret. In particular:
- Preserve contracts, emails, messages and invoices
- Note key dates, including when payment fell due or the breach occurred
- Avoid admissions or threats in correspondence
- Take advice before limitation periods start to run short
How long do I have to bring a claim?
For most contract and tort claims, the general limitation period under the Limitation Act is six years from when the cause of action arose. Some claims have shorter periods, and fraud can affect when time starts to run, so it is best to check early.
I am a minority shareholder and feel shut out. What can I do?
Start with the company's constitution and any shareholders' agreement, which may give you specific rights. If the company's affairs are being conducted oppressively or in unfair disregard of your interests, you may be able to apply to court under section 216 of the Companies Act. Remedies can include an order for your shares to be bought out.
Can assets be frozen before a claim is decided?
In appropriate cases, yes. The court can grant a freezing order to stop a defendant from dissipating assets pending judgment. These applications are often made urgently and require a strong case and full and frank disclosure to the court.
If I win, will the other side pay my legal costs?
The court usually orders the losing party to pay part of the winning party's costs, but rarely all of them. Costs orders are at the court's discretion, and an offer to settle made earlier in the case can affect them.
Still have a question? Ask us directly.
Have questions?
Send us a quick note below and let's figure things out together.