Rajan Chettiar & Co: The importance of seeking mediation during a divorce
8 Eu Tong Sen Street, #21-95 Office 1 The Central. Tel: 6533 6451 www.rajanchettiar.com
Business established: Eight-and-a -half years
Niche: Legal services in personal, litigation and corporate law.
At its inception, Rajan Chettiar & Co was a two-member unit. Over the years the company has forged a strong reputation for providing personalised, efficient and cost-effective services to Singaporean and foreign clients. Today Rajan's business has grown to a six-member enterprise and has established a firm foothold in the legal sector. The Firm has readily embraced technology and communications services, and was one of the first law firms to delve into internet marketing.
TF: Why did you choose to specialise in family law?
RC: I love family law as a subject and more importantly as a means to help people to move on with their lives. I'm a strong believer in never feeling trapped in an unhappy or empty shell of a marriage. So, when I set up my law firm, it was clear my main area of specialisation would be family law. Since then we've evolved and now we also focus on personal, litigation and corporate law.
TF: Why is it important to seek mediation during a divorce?
RC: Mediation is the way to go for couples who have decided on a divorce. It helps you to maintain a good relationship post divorce, which is important if there are children involved. It discourages acrimony and saves time and cost for everyone involved. Mediation is the fastest way to end this unhappy phase in life and move on.
TF: Is mediation common in Singapore?
RC: Mediation is not very popular in Singapore compared to the UK, US or Australia. In these countries it's a popular practice for both parties to consult a mediator while they're consulting a lawyer and before they file for divorce in the Courts. In Singapore, mediation is still very much Court-driven. Parties only consider mediation after filing for divorce in the Family Court.
A good family lawyer or mediator must...
- Have relevant experience.
- Make you feel comfortable and be easy going.
- Understand you and your interests very well.
- Be readily available and respond to your queries promptly.
- Must give sound and practical legal advice, not just what the client wants.
Posted on Oct 2011
