From Letter of Demand to First Hearing: The Sequence of a Civil Claim

A civil claim in Singapore moves from pre-action correspondence to pleadings, discovery, and hearing. Limitation periods under the Limitation Act 1959 fix the latest date for commencing some actions. Time starts to run from different points depending on the cause of action.

Before filing, counsel checks limitation, jurisdiction, and whether any pre-action protocol applies to the type of dispute.

A letter of demand sets out the claim in summary. The recipient may respond or negotiate before any writ is filed. Correspondence is kept on the file because it may define what issues remain in dispute later.

Without prejudice letters are marked clearly so they cannot be tendered as admissions if negotiation fails.

Limitation Act 1959 · commencement of actions

The statement of claim and defence define the issues. Discovery follows the rules of court for the relevant forum. Affidavits of documents list what exists and what has been destroyed according to policy.

Interlocutory applications may arise on pleadings — for example to strike out a pleading that discloses no cause of action. Those applications are heard before trial.

Parties may be directed to mediation. The first hearing fixes timelines and directions. Case management conferences set discovery deadlines and the trial estimate.

Mediation does not suspend limitation unless the parties agree in writing. Any settlement is recorded in a consent order or contract as the parties advise.

Some claims begin in the Small Claims Tribunals or in specialist lists. The sequence differs slightly but pre-action correspondence and limitation still matter. Transfer between forums is governed by rules specific to each tribunal.

Counsel identifies the correct forum before the first document is filed because filing in the wrong forum wastes time and may affect limitation arguments.

Limitation is checked before any writ is filed, not after negotiation fails.

After the first hearing, the court fixes a timetable for exchange of affidavits, expert reports if any, and the trial date. Extensions require application with reasons.