Judiciary's Integrated Mediation Office to open on May 2
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The Judiciary today (April 30) announced that the Mediation Information Office (MIO) and the Family Mediation Co-ordinator's Office (FMCO) will be merged to become the Integrated Mediation Office (IMO) starting from May 2 (Wednesday). The MIO and the FMCO will cease to operate on the same day.
A spokesman for the Judiciary said, "The IMO aims to provide a one-stop point for litigants to access information on mediation so as to encourage them to resolve disputes by way of mediation.
"It will serve as a focal point of enquiry for court-related mediation in all civil cases, including proceedings on matrimonial or family matters as well as building management.
"The Building Management Mediation Co-ordinator's Office at the Lands Tribunal will continue to provide information about building management mediation."
Located in Wanchai Tower, the IMO provides a collection of reference materials on mediation, as well as publications of the Judiciary, such as the "General Guide to Practice Direction 31 - Mediation" and other booklets on mediation. Visitors can browse and search mediation information with computers provided at the resource corner of the office. The newly established office also has a seminar room for mediation information sessions and interview rooms for pre-mediation consultations in appropriate cases. Videos on mediation are broadcast at the office for educational purposes.
The spokesman added, "The IMO offers an enquiry service and pre-mediation consultations and holds information sessions on mediation free of charge. However, the staff will not provide mediation or legal advice or offer any comment or assistance on the conduct of specific court cases and proceedings.
"Mediation will be provided by accredited mediators outside the Judiciary appointed by parties themselves."
The IMO is located at Room 113, 1/F, Wanchai Tower, 12 Harbour Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong. It will open from 9am to 1pm and 2pm to 6pm, Monday through Friday. Browse the website mediation.judiciary.hk for information. Or call 2180 8066 or email mediation@judiciary.hk for enquiries.
Ends/Monday, April 30, 2018
Issued at HKT 11:00
Issued at HKT 11:00
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