Commonly mis-directed queries to MinLaw on law related agencies
In the course of our dealings with the public, the Ministry of Law often receives queries related to the Judiciary, in particular the Family Court and the Small Claims Tribunals, as well as requests for legal advice. We have provided a listing of law-related agencies and their scope of services below.
The Subordinate Courts of Singapore
The Subordinate Courts comprise the following:
- District Courts - Civil Court and Criminal Courts;
- Magistrate's Courts - Civil Court and Criminal Courts, and
- Specialised Courts - Family Court, Juvenile Court, Coroner's Court, Traffic Court, Criminal Mentions Court, Filter Court, Centralised Sentencing Court, Night Criminal Mentions Court and Small Claims Tribunals.
The Family Court
The Family Court deals with all family proceedings in Singapore. Its jurisdiction covers:
- adoption proceedings under the Adoption of Children Act
- divorce, nullity and judicial separation proceedings under Part X of the Women’s Charter
- guardianship, custody, care and control of and access to children under the Guardianship of Infants Act and Part X of the Women’s Charter
- division of matrimonial assets under Part X and section 59 of the Women’s Charter,
- personal protection orders under Part VII of the Women’s Charter.
- spousal and child maintenance under Parts VIII and X of the Women’s Charter
- enforcement of maintenance orders made by Singapore courts, the Maintenance of Parents Tribunal and the Syariah Court under section 71 and Part IX of the Women’s Charter and the Maintenance of Parents Tribunal Act.
- reciprocal enforcement of maintenance orders made by foreign courts or tribunals under the Maintenance Orders (Facilities for Enforcement) Act and Maintenance Orders (Reciprocal Enforcement) Act.
The Small Claims Tribunals
The Small Claims Tribunals are part of the Subordinate Courts of Singapore. The Tribunals were established to provide a quick and inexpensive forum for the resolution of small claims between consumers and suppliers. The Tribunals have jurisdiction to hear claims not exceeding $10,000, where the claims relate to disputes arising from:
- a contract for the sale of goods; or
- a contract for the provision of services; or
- tortious damage to property (but not including damage arising in connection with motor vehicle accidents)
- any contract relating to a lease of residential premises not exceeding 2 years
Free Legal Advice
The Pro Bono Services Office coordinates and administers all pro bono initiatives of the Law Society, including the following:
If you wish to seek assistance for any of our pro bono initiatives, please contact:
The Law Society of Singapore
Pro Bono Services Office
Subordinate Courts, Level 5
1 Havelock Square
Singapore 059724
Tel: 6536 0650
Fax: 6534 5237
Email: Pro Bono Services Office
Operating Hours:
9 am to 5.45 pm, Mondays to Fridays
Closed on Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays