Mediation & Dispute Resolution

Viviene Sandhu is an accredited mediator and Advocate & Solicitor in Singapore, providing structured mediation services across family, civil, and employment disputes. With over 25 years of experience in dispute resolution, she assists parties in achieving sustainable outcomes through court-annexed and private mediation frameworks.

As a practitioner in mediation, Viviene Sandhu guides clients through mediation processes that are encouraged or mandated by the Singapore courts, with a focus on efficiency, fairness, and procedural clarity.

Mediation in Singapore – An Effective Dispute Resolution Process

Mediation is a key component of dispute resolution in Singapore. Courts frequently require or strongly encourage parties to attempt mediation before proceeding to trial, recognising its effectiveness in resolving disputes efficiently and constructively.

Viviene Sandhu advises clients on whether a lawyer is needed for mediation, and represents or assists parties throughout the process to protect their legal interests while supporting meaningful negotiation.

Core Mediation Services & Frameworks

Viviene Sandhu guides clients through mediation programmes tailored to the nature of each dispute:

Family Justice Courts (FJC)

Guiding parties through the Family Dispute Resolution Division (FDR Division) on issues like division of assets, custody, and maintenance. The FJC process includes a focus on Therapeutic Justice to preserve familial relationships where possible.

State Courts (Civil & Tribunals)

Providing representation in civil claims, including those from the Small Claims Tribunals (SCT), Employment Claims Tribunals (ECT), and Protection from Harassment Court (PHC).

Arbitration & Negotiation

Assisting clients with multi-tiered dispute resolution clauses that require negotiation and mediation before proceeding to arbitration.

Key Benefits of Court-Involved Mediation in Singapore

Engaging in mediation with Viviene Sandhu offers several advantages encouraged by the Singapore Judiciary:

  1. Cost Efficiency & Financial Control: Mediation is generally more cost-effective than litigation, reducing legal expenses and avoiding prolonged court proceedings.

  2. Party-Driven Outcomes: Parties retain control over the terms of settlement, often resulting in outcomes that are more practical, satisfactory, and enduring than court-imposed decisions.

  3. Confidentiality & Legal Protection: Mediation discussions are conducted on a confidential and “without prejudice” basis. Statements made during mediation cannot be used as evidence if the dispute proceeds to trial.

  4. Binding & Enforceable Agreements: Where settlement is reached through court-annexed mediation, the agreement may be recorded as a binding court order, providing certainty and enforceability.

Viviene Sandhu’s Mediation Practice

Viviene Sandhu’s mediation practice is supported by her:

  • Experience as an Advocate, Mediator, and Arbitrator
  • Principal Mediator appointment with the Singapore Mediation Centre
  • Deep familiarity with court-mandated mediation frameworks
  • Structured, impartial, and legally informed mediation approach Her mediation practice is conducted with neutrality and legal rigour.

Next Step

As the Rules of Court 2021 mandate a duty to consider amicable resolution, engaging a skilled mediator early is essential. Contact me to discuss how a structured, confidential mediation session can resolve your dispute efficiently.