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File and serve a Writ of Summons
Find out the steps to file a Writ of Summons, the fees and the documents you have to prepare.
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.
If you are filing a claim against another party, you are the plaintiff.
The other party is the defendant.
Key facts
Refer to the following to find out how to file and serve a Writ.
When to file
Within the time limits prescribed by law, depending on your civil action.
When to serve
(If the Writ is served on a defendant in Singapore) As soon as possible, and in any event, no later than 6 months from the date the Writ is issued.
(If the Writ is served on a defendant outside of Singapore) As soon as possible, and in any event, no later than 12 months from the date the Writ is issued.
A Statement of Claim is a type of pleading, a written document containing the relevant facts establishing your claim and the relief or remedy you are seeking from the defendant.
Estimated fees
Refer to the following to find out the possible fees for filing and serving a Writ. You may also refer to Appendix B of the Rules of Court for the full list of court fees.
(If service is done by a lawyer or a lawyer’s clerk) Contact a lawyer directly to find out their fees
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 an originating process and pleadings containing a claim or cause of action
$500
File a Statement of Claim
$200
Serving a Writ on the defendant
(If service is done by a court process server) $50
(If service is done by a lawyer or a lawyer’s clerk) Contact a lawyer directly to find out their fees
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 an originating process and pleadings containing a claim or cause of action
$1,000
File a Statement of Claim
$500
Serving a Writ on the defendant
(If service is done by a court process server) $50
If the court accepts your Writ, a copy of the approved Writ containing the respective court's seal and registrar's signature will be issued via eLitigation.
After the sealed Writ has been issued by the court, it has to be served personally on the defendant as soon as possible, no later than 6 months from the date the Writ is issued if the defendant is located in Singapore.
If the defendant is located outside of Singapore (out of jurisdiction), the sealed Writ has to be served on the defendant as soon as possible, no later than 12 months from the date of issue. Refer to How to serve court documents to find out the process of serving documents out of jurisdiction.
Note
In general, personal service of a document means that a sealed copy of the Writ is personally delivered to the defendant. If the defendant is a body corporate, the Writ should be delivered to their registered address.
If you do not serve the Writ within the prescribed time periods, you will have to apply to renew the Writ. If successful, the court may renew the Writ for up to 6 months or 12 months where leave is required to serve the writ out of jurisdiction.
Who can serve
In general, if you are representing yourself, you cannot serve the Writ on the defendant on your own.
Only the following persons may provide personal service of the Writ:
A lawyer or a lawyer’s clerk whose name and particulars have been notified to the court.
A process server of the court.
You will have to fill up a form and pay the necessary fees at the State Courts Central Registry (for District Court cases) or the Legal Registry of the Supreme Court (for General Division of the High Court cases) before making an appointment for the court process server to serve your documents.
You will have to arrange for transport and pay the required transport charges (if applicable) for the process server of the court on the appointed date of service.
If personal service is unsuccessful
You may apply for substituted service if at least 2 reasonable attempts at personal service have been unsuccessful. Substituted service is subject to the court's approval.
Your application must be made by a summons supported by an affidavit prepared in accordance with Form 137 of the Rules of Court.
In your affidavit, you should include:
Your proposed mode of substituted service.
The reasons why it is impracticable to effect personal service.
The reasons why you believe your proposed mode of substituted service will be effective in bringing the Writ to the notice of the defendant.
Modes of substituted service of the Writ include (but are not limited to):
Posting it on the front door or gate of the defendant’s home or place of business.
Sending it by registered mail to the defendant's last known residential or registered address.
Sending it by electronic mail or internet transmission.
After the Writ is served
The defendant may choose to settle or contest your claim after the Writ has been served on them.
If the defendant wishes to settle the claim, they may contact you or your lawyer directly.
Alternatively, you may be served an Offer to Settle by the defendant. If you agree to the terms in the Offer to Settle, you may serve an Acceptance of Offer in accordance with Form 35 of the Rules of Court on the defendant.
If the defendant wishes to contest your claim, the defendant will:
File and send a copy of a Memorandum of Appearance (MOA) to you within 8 days of service of the Writ (if the defendant is located in Singapore), or within 21 days of service of the Writ (if the defendant is located outside of Singapore).
The filing of an MOA is also known as entering an appearance.
File and serve a copy of their defence on you within 14 days of the time limited for an appearance.
If the defendant has a claim against you, the defendant may file and serve a copy of their defence and counterclaim instead.
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.
