The Home & Youth Affairs Bureau today announced the launch of the Maintenance Mediation Pilot Scheme to assist the parties concerned to resolve disputes on the related matters through mediation rather than court proceedings.

Launched through the Community Care Fund, the scheme subsidises a non-governmental organisation to provide mediation services on maintenance to people in need, offering an alternative way for maintenance payers and payees to settle disagreements without going to court.  

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

The bureau noted that this can encourage maintenance payers in default of payment to engage in mediation.

The three-year pilot scheme is expected to process a total of 1,200 cases, benefitting 2,400 separating or divorcing persons.

Based on the Hong Kong Family Welfare Society (HKFWS)'s extensive experience and well-established network in relation to the relevant mediation services and publicity work, the bureau has appointed HKFWS as the service operator of the pilot scheme.

Call 2561 9229 for enquiries.