No free mediation for divorcing couples worth $2 million

Resources to focus on less well-off and disputes involving children, but move draws some flak

As of Jan 1, only divorcing couples with assets of a gross value of under $2 million will able to seek free mediation at the Family Justice Courts.
PHOTO: ST FILE
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Wealthier divorcing couples fighting over money are being directed to private mediation services, as the Family Justice Courts (FJC) look to concentrate their free mediation resources on less well-off couples and those in disputes involving children.

Until Dec 31 last year, divorcing couples with assets of a gross value of under $3 million were able to seek free mediation at the FJC. Those above this threshold were directed to the Singapore Mediation Centre (SMC) for private mediation, which costs each party $3,000 a day.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Sunday Times on January 27, 2019, with the headline No free mediation for divorcing couples worth $2 million. Subscribe