Family Mediation in Hong Kong: Process, Certificates and Forms
Last updated: 2026-07-15
Family mediation is a voluntary, confidential process in which a trained, impartial mediator helps separating couples reach their own agreement on children and finances. The Family Court actively encourages it — and asks every party where they stand on it, in a prescribed certificate.
The mediation certificate filed with the court
When divorce proceedings are issued, the petitioner files a mediation certificate (Appendix 1) indicating whether they are willing to attempt mediation; the respondent files the Appendix 2 equivalent, joint applicants use Appendix 3, and an intervening party or company uses Appendix 4. Willingness costs nothing — mediation remains voluntary at every stage.
Forms mentioned in this section
Applying for mediation
A party who wishes to mediate applies using the Application for Family Mediation (Appendix 5). The Integrated Mediation Office then contacts the parties and invites them to an information session before mediation proper begins.
Forms mentioned in this section
If mediation succeeds — or fails
A mediated agreement is not itself enforceable; the terms are embodied in a consent order which the court approves (see the consent orders guide). If mediation does not produce agreement, nothing said in it can be used in court — the process is without prejudice — and the proceedings simply continue.