Govt to launch maintenance mediation pilot scheme to help settle agreements between the divorced

The government will launch a three-year pilot scheme for maintenance payment mediation to facilitate quicker agreements and reduce the emotional strain of separating or divorcing individuals.

The scheme is expected to handle 1,200 cases in total and will subsidize non-governmental organizations to provide mediation services on maintenance payments to people in need.

Parties involved in maintenance payment disputes are eligible to apply for the scheme free of charge if one of the parties is a Hong Kong resident and meets the income limit. 

Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Alice Mak Mei-kuen said the mediation program, funded by the Community Care Fund, will help couples discuss alimony arrangements with professional mediators and would provide an alternative way for parties concerned other than court proceedings.