Guides to disputes in Singapore, in plain English.
Practical answers to the questions clients ask us first: what the law says, what it costs, and what to do next.
Mediation in Singapore: how it works and when to use it
What happens in a mediation, when it is worth trying, how settlements are made enforceable, and how to prepare.
Breach of a protection order and the Newton hearing: Public Prosecutor v ACH
A husband punched his wife in breach of a protection order and said he was kicked first. Who had to prove it, and how the court sentenced him.
False declarations to MOM for a domestic worker: Public Prosecutor v WYM
An employer declared that his domestic worker would work at his parents’ flat. Why the court imposed imprisonment rather than a fine.
When should a second sentence start? Public Prosecutor v MHN
An offender reoffended while on deferment of sentence. The court set out a six-step approach to when the new sentence should begin.
Performance bonds and the duty to account: Absolute Maintenance Services v S11 Granuity Management
A dormitory operator called a $36,300 performance bond but could not prove its loss. What the court ordered, and how manpower deductions worked.
Defamation between rival tutors: Fok Kah Hon v Quek Ban Tong Edmund
A rival tutor attacked an economics tutor’s credentials online and accused him of having students write his books. Why every defence failed.
Someone has said something false about you. What now?
How defamation works in Singapore, the defences you will meet, and when the Protection from Harassment Act is the faster route.
Under investigation or charged in Singapore: the first steps
Police statements, bail, the first court mention and representations to the prosecution: what happens and what to do.
Shut out of your own company? Minority oppression in Singapore
When a business partnership breaks down: oppression claims under section 216, quasi-partnerships, and how buy-out orders work.
Drink driving in Singapore: penalties and what to do next
The fine and jail range for a first offence, the two-year minimum ban, and the sentencing bands courts use.
Harassment in Singapore: how protection orders work under POHA
Protection orders, expedited protection orders and orders against false statements under the Protection from Harassment Act.
When the law gets lighter: lex mitior in Singapore
Does an accused person benefit when Parliament reduces a punishment after the offence? What the courts said in CRH.
Recovering an unpaid debt in Singapore: from letter of demand to enforcement
Which court hears your claim, when a statutory demand works, and how to turn a judgment into money.
Contesting a will in Singapore: grounds and first steps
When a will can be challenged, how a caveat stops probate, and what dependants who were left out can claim.
Proving an oral founding agreement: Shiju Varghese Joyce v Kidney Therapeutics Centre
Minority shareholders of a dialysis business alleged an oral founding agreement and oppression. Why the High Court dismissed the claims, and what founders should learn.
When is a property agent personally liable for what he says? Haw Wan Sin David v Faber Property
Investors in a failed New Zealand property scheme sued the agency's director and salesperson personally. Who owed a duty, and who breached it.
Assigning debts to carry a scheme vote: SK Engineering & Construction v Conchubar Aromatics
The Court of Appeal set aside two schemes of arrangement that passed only because of assigned debts. What it said about related creditors and vote scrutiny.
Mandatory minimum sentences and attempts: CRH v Public Prosecutor
The Court of Appeal held that the enhanced mandatory minimum for aggravated rape does not extend to an attempt, departing from a long-held assumption.
Declaring yourself the beneficial owner: TYLA v Public Prosecutor
A nominee director declared himself the ultimate beneficial owner when opening company bank accounts. Why the High Court upheld his conviction for cheating.
An executor’s duty to make estate property earn: XVI v XVJ
An executor who controlled a family shophouse for three decades was surcharged for the rent he should have collected. How the court calculated it.
The First 72 Hours
A playbook for ex parte protective preliminary orders and emergency arbitrator relief under the SIAC Rules 2025. To be published in the Singapore Academy of Law Practitioner Journal.