The Matrimonial Mediation Scheme was developed by the Singapore Mediation Centre to help parties involved in divorce or separation resolve disputes amicably, in a time and cost efficient manner.
Features of the Scheme
- The Scheme aims to encourage a constructive and conciliatory approach to the resolution of matrimonial disputes
- It ensures that disputes are resolved in a cost and time-efficient manner.
There are two main types of mediations:
- Mediation Involving Children
Parties with children under the age of 21 in Singapore are required to attend the Child Focused Resolution Centre mediation sessions. These sessions are compulsory and they address:
- The need for parents to develop meaningful relationships with their children
- The issues of custody and access
- The dynamics of co-parenting following divorce
For those with children between 14 and 21 years of age the parents would need to attend mediation at the Family Court to address children and other ancillary matters.
How does the process work?
The process in which the CFRC mediation sessions take place are as follows:
- CFRC Conference (presided by Deputy Registrar and Family Counsellor, attended by parties and their respective counsel)
- Intake and Assessment session
- Counselling (conducted by assigned family counsellor)
- Mediation (conducted by Judge-Mediator)
- Joint Conference (Conducted when there are complex psychological and relational issues)
Private Mediation
In divorce mediation, parties will meet with a mediator, who is a neutral third party, to endeavour to resolve outstanding issues and proceed in a civil manner. If parties choose to resolve their disputes via mediation, the issues covered include:
- Distribution of property and assets
- Parenting Plans
- Child Support and Maintenance
- Maintenance of Wife
Once mediation is complete and all issues are covered, a Memorandum of Understanding will be drawn up by the mediator and signed by both parties. The Memorandum of Undertaking will contain the agreement that the parties have undertaken and the parties’ respective lawyers will then complete the required divorce/separation forms.
Raphael Louis (Ray) is a certified mediator with the Singapore Mediation Centre and the State Courts of Singapore. For more information contact Singapore divorce or family lawyer Raphael Louis (Ray) or visit his website at www.raylouis.com.sg