Mediating disputes

SINGAPORE - Since it was established in 1998, the Community Mediation Centre (CMC) has dealt with about 6,000 cases and the number appears to be rising.

About 30 per cent of its cases are not resolved successfully. If neighbours are unable to resolve their disputes, they may be referred to a mediation, but it is voluntary.

The CMC, which comes under the Ministry of Law, had said the most common feuds were over noise, verbal abuse and use of common corridor space.

The Government is also considering ideas such as mandatory mediation, a new tribunal and enforcement powers, to strengthen the community dispute resolution framework to deal with difficult cases.

Mediation process:

1. One party registers interest in mediation.

2. Both parties are requested to sign agreement form to indicate their agreement to mediate and abide by the CMC's mediation procedures.

3. Joint meetings with both parties and private one-on-one sessions may be held.

4. Parties might meet privately with mediator in separate sessions.

5. All communication during mediation process should not be used in any legal proceedings.

6.  Any settlement during mediation will be binding and any breach of its terms by one party would be grounds for the other to institute legal proceedings for breach of contract.

The CMC is open from 8.30am to 1pm and from 2pm to 6pm on weekdays, and from 8.30am to 1pm on Saturdays.

There is no charge for mediation services, but a nominal fee of $5 is payable by the party registering the case to defray administrative costs.

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