When a dispute arises, whether over unpaid money, a broken agreement, or a failed transaction, many people are unsure what actually happens when they speak to a lawyer, or where their case will be heard.

This article explains, in simple terms, how civil claims are handled, starting from your first meeting with a civil litigation lawyer, through to which court hears the case.

Step 1: The First Meeting — Understanding the Dispute

When you meet a civil dispute lawyer about a claim, the focus is not immediately on “going to court”.

The first step is to understand the situation clearly, including:

• What happened
• What agreement or understanding existed between the parties
• What went wrong
• What loss (if any) has been suffered

You will usually be asked to bring any relevant documents, such as:

• Contracts or agreements
• Invoices or receipts
• Emails, messages, or written communications
• Proof of payment

At this stage, the lawyer assesses whether:

• There is a valid legal claim
• The claim is supported by evidence
• The matter can be resolved without litigation

Not every dispute needs to go to court, and part of the litigation lawyer’s role is to help you understand your position before taking further steps.

Step 2: Pre-Action Steps (Before Court)

In many civil matters, the next step is formal communication with the other party.

This often involves a letter of demand, which:

• Sets out the claim clearly
• Explains what the other party has failed to do
• States what is being asked for (payment, performance, or resolution)
• Provides a deadline to respond

This step is important because:

• Some disputes can be resolved at this
• It shows the court that reasonable steps were taken to resolve the dispute out of court
• It helps narrow the real issues in dispute

Only if the matter cannot be resolved does the lawyer advise on commencing a civil claim.

Step 3: Deciding Whether to File a Civil Claim

If court action becomes necessary, the lawyer will advise on:

• Whether the claim is strong enough to proceed
• The likely costs and timeframe
• The most appropriate court and procedure

Civil claims in Singapore are not “one size fits all”. Where the case is heard depends largely on the value of the claim and its complexity.

Which Court Hears Civil Claims in Singapore?

Civil cases in Singapore are heard in different courts depending on the amount claimed.

Magistrate’s Court

• Claims of up to S$60,000
• Typically handles lower-value disputes such as unpaid invoices or simple contractual claims
• Procedures are more streamlined

District Court

• Claims above S$60,000 and up to S$250,000
• Used for more substantial disputes, including business and commercial claims

Both of the above courts fall under the State Courts of Singapore.

High Court

• Claims above S$250,000
• Also hears complex or legally significant cases, regardless of amount

The High Court of Singapore deals with matters that require more extensive legal argument, evidence, or interpretation of the law.

Your civil litigation lawyer will advise which court is appropriate, filing in the wrong court can result in delays or unnecessary costs.

Step 4: Starting the Civil Claim

Once the decision is made to proceed, the civil lawyer prepares and files the necessary court documents electronically through the court system.

These documents set out:

• Who is suing whom
• What the claim is about
• What relief is being sought (usually monetary compensation money, but sometimes other orders)

After filing, the documents must be formally served on the other party, who is then given time to respond.

Step 5: What Happens After the Claim Is Filed

After the claim is served:

• The other party may dispute the claim and file a defence
• The court may direct parties to explore settlement or mediation
• If the matter cannot be resolved out of court, the case proceeds towards a hearing or trial

Throughout the process, the court actively manages the case to keep matters proportionate and focused on the real issues.

Many civil claims settle before trial, once both sides understand the strengths and weaknesses of their positions.

Do All Civil Claims Go to Trial?

No.

In practice:

• Some disputes can be resolved out of court resolve after legal advice is obtained
• Some settle after a letter of demand
• Others resolve during court-directed discussions such as mediation

A full trial is usually the last step, not the first.

Why Legal Advice Early Matters

Civil disputes often feel straightforward at the start, but legal issues can arise around:

• The admissibility and availability of evidence
• Contract interpretation
• Limitation periods
• Procedural requirements

Early advice helps you:

• Understand whether your claim is viable
• Avoid unnecessary escalation
• Make informed decisions about cost and strategy

In Summary

When you see a lawyer about a civil claim in Singapore:

• The facts and documents are reviewed
• Pre-action steps are considered
• The appropriate court is identified
• A civil claim is filed only if necessary
• The case is managed with settlement in mind

Civil claims are about resolving disputes efficiently and fairly, not rushing into litigation.