Singapore Family Mediation: A Parent's Guide

In short: Singapore’s Family Justice Courts use mediation and counselling to help parents resolve family disputes without a contested hearing where possible. For divorcing parents who have a child aged 21 or below and have not agreed on child issues, the process is specifically designed to work on the child’s future living and care arrangements.

This is general education, not a substitute for legal advice. If there is family violence, coercion, or an immediate safety issue, tell the court or your adviser so that the process can be handled safely.

What mediation does

At the Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) Division, a neutral mediator helps parties explore mutually acceptable and sustainable solutions. The court can refer disputes including divorce and ancillary matters, Guardianship of Infants Act applications, and maintenance matters. Parties can also request mediation during a case.

Mediation is not the same as a judge deciding the dispute. Parents retain the chance to reach an agreement that fits their child. If they do, the terms can be recorded as a court order. If they do not, the case can proceed through the court process.

The process for unresolved child issues

The Family Justice Courts explain that, where divorcing parents have at least one child aged 21 or below and have not agreed on child or parenting matters, they and their lawyers may meet an FDR mediator and a court family specialist. The process addresses the divorce, children’s living and care arrangements, maintenance, and property matters.

Counselling sessions focus on the child’s present and future needs. A court family specialist may help parents explore a workable parenting plan, build consensus on interim and future care arrangements, and improve child-focused communication.

How to prepare

Bring a practical picture of the child’s current life: school and care routine, important health needs, regular activities, proposed access arrangements, and the issues that genuinely need a decision. The court’s guidance says parents and lawyers should prepare the Summary for Mediation and relevant documents before the first mediation session when required.

Prepare options, not just objections. For example, if parents disagree about a school-holiday arrangement, bring a proposed calendar, exchange times, and a travel or video-contact plan. The parenting plan guide and holiday schedules guide can help organise the topics.

Confidentiality and safety

The court says mediation proposals are confidential and cannot be used as evidence if the case proceeds to hearing. That confidentiality supports open problem-solving, but it does not suspend an existing court order. Continue following the order unless it is changed or a lawful temporary agreement is in place.

Tell the court or a professional if there are safety concerns, intimidation, or a power imbalance. A shared session is not appropriate in every circumstance, and safety should come before agreement.

What happens after mediation

An agreement can be recorded as an order. If agreement is not reached, the court gives directions for the case to continue. The FDR Division’s court mediation has no fee, though other costs may arise from legal representation or private mediation.

Official Singapore resources

• Family Justice Courts: Mediation at the FDR Division
• Family Justice Courts: Mediation and Counselling
• Family Justice Courts Practice Directions 2024

Related Singapore pages

• Singapore parenting plans guide
• Singapore court process guide
• Singapore custody guide