What the work covers

When a family spans two legal systems, a personal decision can raise questions about which court or authority has jurisdiction, which law applies and whether a document issued abroad will be recognised in China.

We advise on separation, divorce, children’s arrangements and marital property with those cross-border questions in view, and coordinate with family counsel outside China where needed.

  • Separation, divorce and marital-property arrangements
  • Children’s residence, schooling and contact arrangements
  • Pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements
  • Recognition of foreign divorces and related orders in China
  • Property held in China by one or both spouses
  • Mediation and negotiated settlements

When clients call us

  • A couple is separating and one spouse or the children are based in Shanghai.
  • A divorce has taken place abroad and the parties need it recognised for Chinese purposes.
  • A family wants to record how assets in China should be held or divided.

Preparing for a first consultation

Bringing the documents below to the first meeting usually makes the time more productive. If some are missing, send what you have and we will identify the gaps.

  • The marriage certificate and identification documents.
  • A list of assets in China and abroad, with approximate values.
  • Any pre-nuptial, separation or settlement agreement.
  • The children’s current arrangements and schooling.

How consultation fees work

A short call to the 24/7 line is free and is used to identify the next step. If you need more than that, we arrange a scheduled consultation. In-person consultations at our Jing’an office are charged by the hour; the hourly basis and the expected duration are confirmed in writing before the appointment.

In-person consultation

Billed by the hour

  • Review of the documents you send in advance
  • The in-person meeting, up to the time booked
  • A written summary of the main points and next steps

The hourly rate, the expected duration and the scope of the consultation are confirmed in writing before the appointment. VAT, official fees, translation, notarisation and other disbursements are charged separately. Matter work that follows a consultation — drafting, filings, negotiation or court work — is scoped and quoted separately. How consultations work.

Questions we are asked

Will a foreign divorce be recognised in China?

Recognition depends on the country, the basis of jurisdiction and the documents available. The foreign judgment or divorce certificate usually needs to be authenticated and translated, and a Chinese court may need to review it. We assess the route before any step is taken.

Do we have to go to court?

Not always. Negotiated settlements and mediation can resolve many arrangements, and a court process may be needed mainly to formalise or enforce them. We explain the options and their consequences.

General information. This page describes the scope of our practice and does not constitute legal advice. The basis on which time is charged is confirmed in writing before work begins. No outcome can be guaranteed.