The full text of the Minister’s answer:

1. Legal costs for proceedings at the Small Claims Tribunals are kept low as the process is straightforward and parties appear in person. A Money Order issued by the Tribunals is deemed to be a Magistrates’ Court Order, and can be enforced through a Writ of Seizure and Sale.

2. The filing fee for a Writ of Seizure and Sale to enforce the Tribunals’ order is to be paid by the claimant unless the Court orders otherwise. Currently, the filing fee is $80, which is about half the fee for a case filed under the Magistrates’ Court. In addition, there are other associated and ancillary fees, which may bring the total cost of enforcing the Tribunals’ Money Order to about $400 to $600. The claimant can recover these enforcement costs from the judgment debtor if the judgment debtor’s personal property is successfully seized and sold, and the proceeds of sale are sufficient to cover the costs incurred.

3. The claimant may also apply to the Registrar of the State Courts to waive or defer the payment of such costs. The Registrar will consider all the relevant facts in the specific case, including the claimant’s financial circumstances, in deciding whether to waive or defer such fees. The claimant will not be charged a fee for making a waiver or deferment application.

4. The Legal Aid Bureau may also provide legal aid for the execution of a Writ of Seizure and Sale, provided that the applicant satisfies the requisite means and merits tests.

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Mediation is a way of resolving disputes without the need to go through a trial in court. It involves an independent third party, a mediator, who helps both sides come to an agreement. It can be a cost effective way of resolving conflicts compared to fighting the matter out in court.

Mediation can be used to settle disputes in a whole range of situations such as business disputes, contract disputes, family disputes as well as disputes between a shop and a consumer or disputes between neighbours.

Mediation is a flexible process in which the neutral mediator helps the parties to negotiate and find solutions that the parties can accept. The mediator will not take sides or make a decision concerning who is at fault in the dispute.

Mediation is a voluntary process and can only take place if both parties to the dispute agree.

It is a confidential process so the terms of discussion are not disclosed to any party outside the mediation hearing.

The parties share the costs of the mediation.

Are Mediation settlements binding?

Yes. A signed settlement agreement is as enforceable as any other contractual agreement.

Will I lose my chance to sue in court if I participate in Mediation?

No. Mediation is a voluntary and confidential process. If your mediation session does not result in a settlement and you have the right to pursue legal remedies through the courts.

What happens if the parties don’t reach an agreement?

If parties are unable to reach agreement, they can still go to court. Details about what went on at the mediation will not be disclosed or used at a court hearing.
Further information –
State Court’s An Overview of Mediation
Community Mediation Centre

This is a general overview – for more specific matters always seek the advice of a qualified lawyer.

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Probation is Not a conviction if the conditions of probation such as time restriction etc. are fulfilled and the probation order is successfully completed without commission of a new offence.

Probation of Offenders Act (Chapter 252)
Section 11(1) Subject as hereinafter provided, a conviction for an offence for which an order is made under this Act placing the offender on probation or discharging him absolutely or conditionally shall be deemed not to be a conviction for any purpose other than the purposes of the proceedings in which the order is made and of any subsequent proceedings which may be taken against the offender under the foregoing provisions of this Act.

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