Short answer: A Singapore court will move a hearing or trial date only if it is persuaded there is a good reason, even when both sides agree. A trial date moves only by a summons with a supporting affidavit; other hearings need a written request at least 2 working days ahead. The party causing delay usually pays the costs.
Court dates in a civil case are fixed by the court, not by the parties, and they are hard to move once set. This guide explains the adjournment of hearing Singapore courts allow in civil claims under the Rules of Court 2021: what the practice directions require, the reasons that tend to succeed, the documents your company needs, what a moved date costs, and what the company secretary prepares while the solicitor applies. It covers civil proceedings only; for a criminal ACRA summons, see our separate guide to postponing an ACRA court date.
Key facts at a glance
- To adjourn or vacate fixed trial dates, a party must file a summons with a supporting affidavit, even if every other party consents (Supreme Court Practice Directions 2021, para 24(1); State Courts Practice Directions 2021, para 46(1)).
- For hearings other than trials, a party must first seek the other side’s consent, then file a request at least 2 working days before the hearing, giving reasons (Supreme Court Practice Directions 2021, para 25; State Courts Practice Directions 2021, para 46(4) and (5)).
- Consent does not guarantee an adjournment; the court still assesses the merits of every request.
- Where an adjournment of a hearing date is sought, solicitors for all parties must attend the hearing (Supreme Court Practice Directions 2021, para 88(2)).
- A party missing court on medical grounds must tender an original medical certificate stating that the person is medically unfit to attend court (Supreme Court Practice Directions 2021, para 89).
- The State Courts costs guidelines suggest S$200 to S$800 for an adjournment application in the District Court, excluding disbursements; the court keeps full discretion.
Raffles Corporate Services works with a panel of experienced Singapore law firms who offer cost-effective and efficient legal service and advice. This article is general information only and is not legal advice.
What is an adjournment of a hearing in Singapore, and how is it different from vacating a date?
An adjournment moves a hearing that is fixed (or already under way) to a later date. Vacating a date cancels the fixed date altogether, usually with new dates to be given later.
The practice directions treat both the same way: the party asking must follow the same procedure and convince the court. Under the Rules of Court 2021, the court must seek to achieve five Ideals in all its orders and directions, including expeditious proceedings, cost-effective work proportionate to the claim and efficient use of court resources (Order 3, Rule 1). Every party also has a duty to help the court achieve them. An adjournment that wastes a fixed trial slot works against those Ideals, which is why the court looks closely at the reason.
Before asking to move a date, check the alternatives. Where a trial runs out of allotted days, the court may direct that it simply continue beyond the allotted time (Supreme Court Practice Directions 2021, para 24(3)). If the problem is travel rather than availability, a remote hearing by video link may solve it without moving the date.
What is the legal basis under the Rules of Court 2021 and the practice directions?
The Rules of Court 2021 give the court broad powers to manage cases; the detailed procedure for moving a date is in the practice directions of each court.
| Source | What it says about adjournments |
|---|---|
| Order 3, Rule 1, Rules of Court 2021 | The five Ideals the court must seek to achieve in all its orders, and every party’s duty to help achieve them |
| Order 3, Rule 2(2) and (3) | Where no express rule applies, the court may do what is necessary to ensure justice is done, and may attach conditions or directions to any power it exercises |
| Order 3, Rule 2(4) | Where a party has not complied with the Rules, a court order or a practice direction, the court may make costs orders or other appropriate orders, and may impose a late filing fee of S$50 per day |
| Order 21, Rule 2(2) | In fixing costs, the court must consider all relevant circumstances, including the conduct of the parties |
| Supreme Court Practice Directions 2021, paras 24 and 25 | Procedure for adjourning or vacating trial dates (para 24) and other hearings (para 25) |
| Supreme Court Practice Directions 2021, paras 88, 89 and 102(3) and (4) | Attendance of all solicitors when an adjournment is sought; medical certificates; adjournment of a trial where trial documents were filed late, with costs against the party in default |
| State Courts Practice Directions 2021, para 46 | Procedure for adjourning or vacating trials and other hearings in the Magistrate’s Court and District Court |
You can read the Supreme Court rules in Part 2 of the Supreme Court Practice Directions 2021 and the State Courts rules in Part IV of the State Courts Practice Directions 2021. The Singapore Courts also publish a guide to applying to change a court date.
When will the court agree to adjourn, and when will it refuse?
The court decides each request on its merits. A documented, unavoidable problem raised early has the best chance; convenience, late preparation or a request made on the day has the least.
| Situation | What the practice directions or the court’s approach indicate |
|---|---|
| Witness, director or solicitor medically unfit to attend | An original medical certificate is required, stating that the person is medically unfit to attend court and for which dates, with the doctor’s registration number, clinic and diagnosis (unless it should not normally be disclosed). A certificate that does not comply may be rejected |
| All parties consent | Helpful, but not decisive. The court still evaluates the merits. In the State Courts’ simplified process for Magistrate’s Court claims, consent alone is not a sufficient reason for adjourning a case conference |
| Counsel is unavailable | For appeals before the Court of Appeal or the Appellate Division, a request solely because counsel is unavailable will not be acceded to readily. Courts expect counsel to keep fixed dates |
| A part-heard trial needs more days | In the State Courts, adjournment of part-heard hearing dates may be granted only for good and sufficient reasons; the court may instead extend the hearing |
| Trial documents not filed on time | The court may adjourn the trial, and the party in default may be ordered to bear the costs of the adjournment |
Other reasons, such as settlement talks or a late change of solicitors, are considered on their facts; your solicitor will advise how the court is likely to view them.
Who can apply, and how early must the request be made?
Any party can ask for an adjournment. The route and the timing depend on whether the date is a trial or another kind of hearing.
- Trials: a summons with a supporting affidavit, even where all parties consent. In the State Courts, a consent summons should be filed if all parties agree.
- Other hearings in the Supreme Court: seek the other parties’ consent first, then file a Request through the Electronic Filing Service at least 2 working days before the hearing, setting out the reasons. Unilateral requests made without first seeking the other side’s consent or views will not be entertained, except in the most exceptional circumstances.
- Other hearings in the State Courts: seek consent and the other parties’ unavailable dates, then make the request at the earliest possible juncture and at least 2 working days before the hearing.
- Appeals before the Court of Appeal or the Appellate Division: file the request as soon as practicable after the sitting is assigned and notified, explaining any delay.
If the other side refuses, the request must set out their reasons for objecting, or explain why consent could not be obtained, with the relevant correspondence attached. Where the Request route is not available, the parties must attend before the court to apply for the adjournment.
Many adjournment questions arise at a case conference, where the court sets the timetable in the first place; our guide to case conferences in a Singapore civil claim explains how dates are fixed.
What is the step-by-step process to move a court date?
Your solicitor makes the application, but the company has to supply the reason and the evidence quickly, because the deadlines are short.
- Tell your solicitor the same day the problem arises, with the hearing date and who is affected.
- Gather evidence of the reason: a compliant medical certificate, travel or hospital records, or a letter explaining why a witness or document is not available.
- Your solicitor writes to the other parties asking for consent and their unavailable dates.
- For a trial, your solicitor files a summons with a supporting affidavit (usually sworn by a director or the solicitor), exhibiting the evidence and the correspondence on consent.
- For any other hearing, your solicitor files a Request at least 2 working days before the hearing, stating the reasons and whether all parties consent.
- Cancel or re-book any court interpreter or video conference facilities the hearing depended on.
- Wait for the court’s decision. If there is no decision, or the request is refused, attend on the original date.
- If new dates are given, diary them immediately and confirm witness availability, since counsel will be expected to take the dates at short notice.
What documents does your company need?
The documents depend on the reason for the adjournment, but every request needs a clear reason backed by evidence.
| Document | Purpose | Who prepares it |
|---|---|---|
| Summons and supporting affidavit (trials) | Formal application to adjourn or vacate the trial dates | Solicitor, with facts from the company |
| Request through the Electronic Filing Service (other hearings) | Asks the court to re-fix or vacate a hearing, with reasons | Solicitor |
| Letter recording consent, or the other side’s objections | Shows the court the parties’ positions | Solicitor |
| Original medical certificate, with memorandum if needed | Proves that a person is medically unfit to attend court on the dates stated | The doctor |
| Directors’ resolution or written instructions | Confirms the company authorises the application and who swears the affidavit | Company secretary |
| Supporting records | Travel bookings, hospital letters or correspondence explaining the problem | Company |
What are the timeline and the costs of an adjournment?
Beyond the usual court filing fees for a summons, the real cost is legal time, any wasted preparation and a possible costs order. The ranges below assume a civil claim begun by originating claim under the Rules of Court 2021.
| Item | Timing or amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Request to adjourn a hearing other than a trial | At least 2 working days before the hearing | Seek the other parties’ consent first |
| Summons to adjourn or vacate trial dates | As early as possible once the problem is known | Supporting affidavit required even with consent |
| Party-and-party costs of an adjournment application, District Court | S$200 to S$800, excluding disbursements | State Courts costs guidelines (Appendix H); a guide only |
| Party-and-party costs per trial day, District Court commercial claim | Daily tariff of S$2,500 to S$6,000, excluding disbursements | Shows the scale of costs a wasted trial day can generate |
| Supreme Court interpreter | New request at least 7 working days before the new date; cancel at least 1 clear working day before to be eligible for a refund | A fresh request is needed for an adjourned or part-heard hearing |
| Supreme Court video conference facilities | Request at least 14 working days before the hearing | Relevant if a remote link replaces an adjournment |
| Late filing of trial documents | Up to S$50 per day the document remains unfiled, plus possible costs of the adjournment | Order 3, Rule 2(4)(e); Supreme Court Practice Directions 2021, para 102(4) |
The party that needs the adjournment is often ordered to pay the other side’s costs thrown away, meaning preparation that was wasted because the hearing did not go ahead. Solicitors’ own fees vary, so ask for a written estimate before the application is filed. For how costs orders are assessed and recovered, see our guide to party and party costs.
What does the company secretary prepare, and what does the solicitor file?
The company secretary or corporate service provider (CSP) keeps the company’s authorisations, records and calendar in order. A Singapore Advocate and Solicitor makes the application and appears in court. Court proceedings are conducted by a Singapore Advocate and Solicitor, never by a CSP.
| Company secretary or CSP | Singapore Advocate and Solicitor |
|---|---|
| Directors’ resolution authorising the application and naming the director who will swear the affidavit | Advice on whether to apply and the prospects of success |
| Confirming which directors and staff witnesses are available, and their travel plans | Seeking consent from the other parties |
| Collating supporting records from the company’s files | Drafting and filing the summons, affidavit or Request |
| Board minutes recording the new court dates and who is responsible for each step | Attending the hearing of the application |
| A compliance calendar showing court dates alongside ACRA and IRAS deadlines | Dealing with any costs order and the revised trial timetable |
Raffles Corporate Services does not give legal advice or act in court; a law firm from our panel handles any proceedings.
What happens after the court decides?
If the adjournment is granted, the Registrar assigns the available dates and counsel are expected to take them at short notice. If it is refused, or no decision has been given, the company must attend on the original date.
Missing the date carries real risk. The Singapore Courts warn that if a party does not attend, the court may proceed in its absence: at a trial or case conference, a claimant’s claim may be dismissed or a default judgment entered against a defendant, and for other applications the court may strike out the application or grant it against the absent party. If that happens, the company will need to apply quickly to set the order aside; see our guide to setting aside a default judgment.
An adjournment order is not lodged with ACRA, and it does not move any ACRA or IRAS deadline. If the case later ends in a settlement or judgment that changes the company’s shareholders, directors or registered particulars, the usual ACRA filings follow.
What are the common mistakes companies make?
Most failed requests are late, unsupported or based on convenience rather than necessity.
- Waiting until the week of the trial to raise a problem that was known months earlier.
- Assuming that because the other side agrees, the court will too.
- Sending a medical certificate that says only “unfit for work” instead of stating that the person is medically unfit to attend court.
- Asking to move a trial by letter, when a summons with a supporting affidavit is required.
- Treating a pending request as permission to stay away, instead of attending on the original date until the court decides.
- Forgetting to cancel or re-book interpreters and video links, losing fees or the new slot.
Our free compliance tools help keep company deadlines in one place, and if a court date is close and your company has no lawyer yet, speak to a lawyer straight away.
Frequently asked questions
Can we move a trial date just by agreeing with the other side?
No. A request to adjourn or vacate trial dates must be made by summons with a supporting affidavit, even where all parties consent. The court still decides whether the reason justifies moving the trial.
Our key director is ill. What evidence does the court need?
An original medical certificate stating that the director is medically unfit to attend court and the dates covered, with the doctor’s name, registration number, clinic details and signature. A non-compliant certificate may be rejected.
Who pays when a hearing is adjourned?
Usually the party that needed the adjournment, through a costs order for the other side’s wasted costs. In the District Court, the costs guidelines suggest S$200 to S$800 for the application itself, excluding disbursements.
Can our company secretary ask the court for an adjournment?
No. Where the company is represented, its Singapore Advocate and Solicitor makes the application. The company secretary prepares the resolution, records and calendar that support it.
Need help with this?
Raffles Corporate Services can handle the ACRA filings, compliance documentation and records for you, and where court proceedings or legal advice are needed, we work with a panel of experienced Singapore law firms who offer cost-effective and efficient legal service and advice.
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Last reviewed: 9 November 2026. The Editorial Team, Raffles Corporate Services.