A pilot scheme using mediation to ease the distrust and anger experienced by divorcing couples has achieved an 80 per cent success rate in reaching agreements out of court.
The figures were released in yesterday's interim report on the Pilot Scheme on Family Mediation, which seeks to resolve matrimonial disputes for couples divorcing or separating.
According to Judiciary figures, the number of divorces in the SAR rose from 354 in 1972 to more than 13,000 in 2000.
Steering committee chairman Mr Justice Michael Hartmann welcomed the results of the interim report, saying they were 'very encouraging' and that the service could possibly be made available on a permanent basis.
The three-year pilot scheme was launched in May 2000 on the proviso that it undergo an evaluation before it was fully implemented, he said. 'The interim report so far shows that it is viable for Hong Kong,' Mr Justice Hartmann said, adding the final decision to implement the scheme lay with Chief Justice Andrew Li Kwok-nang and the Government.
He said that out of the 694 cases referred to mediators over the past two years, 513 had been completed. Of those, 80 per cent had reached full or partial agreements.
