The Covid-19 pandemic has disrupted the wedding plans of more than one couple intending to get married.

Some have found creative ways to deal with the setbacks.

But there can be times where such disruptions lead to disagreements between couples and their vendors.

To help alleviate this, the Ministry of Law (MinLaw) is offering free mediation sessions to help all parties work through their problems.

Free mediation

According to a press release by MinLaw on July 12, this offer will be made if both parties agree to it.

A neutral, trained professional will conduct the session in a non-adversarial and confidential setting.

It will typically last for two hours and conducted via videoconferencing, held within two weeks of both parties' agreement, subject to availability.

Mediators will facilitate the discussion and help both sides work towards a mutually-acceptable solution, as an alternative to going to court.

If the parties are able to reach an agreement during the mediation session, the mediator will assist parties in drawing up a settlement agreement according to the agreed terms.

Qualifying criteria

Here are what parties need to have to be qualified:

• Both parties must be in a contract (written or otherwise) for the sale of goods or services in relation to a wedding event.
• The scheduled wedding event date must be between May 8, 2021 and July 31, 2021 (both dates inclusive).
• Parties must submit the request for mediation between July 14, 2021 and September 10, 2021.

Any party interested in mediating their dispute through this scheme may submit a request for mediation and a copy of the contract by email to MinLaw.

Details on how the request for mediation may be submitted will be published at www.go.gov.sg/request-for-mediation from July 14, 2021 onwards.

Both parties should agree ahead of time to attempt to mediate, but if one party receives a copy of the request for mediation, they can agree to proceed. If not, the session will not take place.

MinLaw added:

"We encourage eligible parties to participate in the Programme with an open mind, and to be fair and reasonable to each other.

The Covid-19 restrictions have affected both wedding couples and their vendors, and mutual understanding of the difficulties faced will help them reach a better outcome.

For parties who are not eligible for the Programme, we encourage them to conduct their own negotiations in the same spirit of understanding."

Top image from Ministry of Law.