Statement of Claim Template for Singapore

A Statement of Claim kicks off legal proceedings in Singapore's courts by laying out exactly why you're suing someone. It spells out the key facts of your case, explains how the other party wronged you, and states what you want the court to do about it - like ordering them to pay damages or take specific actions.

Under Singapore's Rules of Court 2021, your Statement of Claim must include precise details about when and how the dispute arose, clear legal grounds for the lawsuit, and the specific remedy you're seeking. This document becomes the foundation of your entire case, so it needs to be complete and accurate from the start.

You need a Statement of Claim when taking legal action in Singapore's courts to recover money, resolve contract disputes, or seek compensation for damages. Common situations include chasing unpaid debts, dealing with breached contracts, claiming compensation for accidents, or addressing property disputes.

Time is critical - in Singapore, most civil claims must be filed within 6 years of the incident. Filing this document stops the clock on limitation periods and officially starts your legal action. For claims in the High Court, you'll need it for amounts above S$250,000, while smaller claims go to the State Courts with different procedures.

• Basic Claims: Used for straightforward monetary disputes or contract breaches, focusing on a single clear issue with direct damages
• Complex Commercial Claims: Detail multiple causes of action, often involving business relationships and seeking various remedies
• Personal Injury Claims: Outline injuries, medical evidence, and specific damages in accident or negligence cases
• Property Claims: Address land disputes, tenancy issues, or property damage with detailed boundary or ownership information
• Employment Claims: Focus on workplace disputes, highlighting employment terms, dismissal circumstances, or salary-related issues

• Plaintiffs: Individuals or companies who file the Statement of Claim to start legal proceedings and seek remedies through Singapore's courts
• Legal Counsel: Lawyers who draft and review the claims, ensuring they meet court requirements and effectively present their client's case
• Defendants: Parties who receive the claim and must respond within strict timeframes, usually through a Defense document
• Court Officials: Registry staff who process and file the claims, ensuring they meet formal requirements
• Expert Witnesses: Specialists who may be referenced in claims to support technical or professional aspects of the case

• Document Key Facts: Gather dates, amounts, and detailed evidence of all incidents or transactions related to your claim
• Identify Parties: Compile full legal names and addresses of all involved parties, including any relevant business registration numbers
• Timeline Creation: Build a clear chronological sequence of events leading to the dispute
• Calculate Damages: Prepare detailed calculations of losses, including supporting documents and receipts
• Court Requirements: Check filing fees, jurisdiction limits, and specific court formatting guidelines
• Draft Review: Our platform helps ensure your claim includes all mandatory elements and meets Singapore's legal requirements

• Title and Case Number: Court details, parties' names, and claim reference at the top of the document
• Party Information: Full legal names, addresses, and identification details of all plaintiffs and defendants
• Cause of Action: Clear statement of legal grounds for the claim and relevant laws being relied upon
• Material Facts: Chronological listing of essential events supporting your claim
• Relief Sought: Specific remedies requested from the court, including exact monetary amounts
• Statement of Truth: Mandatory declaration verifying the accuracy of all stated facts
• Endorsement Section: Filing details, contact information, and service instructions

A Statement of Claim is often confused with a Witness Statement, but they serve distinct purposes in Singapore's legal system.

• Primary Purpose: A Statement of Claim initiates legal proceedings and outlines your case against another party, while a Witness Statement provides supporting evidence for an existing case
• Timing: You file a Statement of Claim at the start of proceedings, but Witness Statements come later during evidence gathering
• Content Focus: Statement of Claims present legal arguments and remedies sought, while Witness Statements detail specific observations or facts about events
• Legal Effect: A Statement of Claim formally begins court action and requires a response, whereas a Witness Statement serves as evidence but doesn't trigger legal obligations
• Format Requirements: Statement of Claims must follow strict court formatting rules, while Witness Statements have more flexible requirements focused on clarity and truth