Note: To search for Hearing Details for a specified Case, click HERE.
Apply to enter a default judgment
A party may apply to enter a default judgment if another party fails to file and serve a Memorandum of Appearance or defence within the prescribed time limits.
Note
This page is for matters that the Rules of Court 2014 apply to. For content relating to matters that the Rules of Court 2021 apply, click here.
If you are uncertain as to which version of the Rules of Court applies to your matter, click here.
Note
This page describes the process for civil cases begun by a Writ of Summons (Writ) and heard in the District Court or the General Division of the High Court.
Civil cases begun by a Writ and heard in the Magistrate's Court.
Civil cases begun by a Writ and heard in the District Court where all parties consent to the application of the simplified civil process.
About default judgments
A default judgment (or a judgment in default) is a judgment made by the court against a party because they failed to do something. For example, failing to file a document required by the court within a given period of time.
Depending on the nature of your claim, a default judgment can be:
A final judgment.
This is the court's final decision in a civil case. For example, the other party has to pay you a fixed amount of money, interest on the amount and legal costs.
An interlocutory judgment.
An interlocutory judgment may be given if you are seeking unliquidated damages from the other party.
In this case, an assessment of damages hearing may be arranged, where the amount of money, interest, and legal costs payable to you will be determined by the court.
File a request to enter a default judgment
If you are starting a claim (the plaintiff) against the other party (the defendant), you can enter a default judgment against the defendant:
If the defendant fails to file and serve a copy of a Memorandum of Appearance (MOA) (enter an appearance) on you within 8 days of receiving the Writ (if they are located in Singapore), or within 21 days of receiving the Writ (if they are located outside of Singapore).
This is known as a judgment in default of appearance.
If the defendant fails to file and serve on you a copy of their defence within 14 days of the time limited for appearance.
This is known as a judgment in default of defence.
A default judgment will not be entered automatically if the defendant fails to file and serve an MOA or defence.
You will have to file a request to enter a default judgment against the defendant and state that the defendant has either failed to file an MOA or their defence within the prescribed time limits.
Tip
You can do a search of the case file at the LawNet & CrimsonLogic Service Bureau to check if the defendant has filed either an MOA or a defence.
What you will need
You will need to prepare the following before you file the request to enter a default judgment:
Refer to the following to find out the possible fees for filing a request to enter a default judgment. You may also refer to Appendix B of the Rules of Court for the full list of court fees.
File a judgment under Order 13 of the Rules of Court or a judgment under Order 19 of the Rules of Court
$50
Refer to the following for the filing fees if your claim is up to $1 million. In addition to the fees listed in the table, there are also other fees payable to the LawNet & CrimsonLogic Service Bureau.
Item or service
Fees
File a request to enter a default judgment
$150
Refer to the following for the filing fees if your claim is more than $1 million. In addition to the fees listed in the table, there are also other fees payable to the LawNet & CrimsonLogic Service Bureau.
Item or service
Fees
File a request to enter a default judgment
$250
After you file
If the requirements for the entry of default judgment are satisfied, the court will generally grant the default judgment.
If the defendant does not agree with the default judgment, they may apply to the court to set aside or vary the default judgment.
Need help?
The information here is for general guidance as
the courts do not provide legal advice. If you need further help, you may want to get independent legal advice.
