Navigating Family Law in China: Expert Tips

Published by:
Mike Chelbet

Reviewed by:
Alistair Vigier
Last Modified: 2024-06-08
Navigating family law in China can be a daunting and emotional experience, as it involves complex legal issues that can significantly affect the lives of those involved. With a population of over 1.4 billion people, China has one of the largest family law systems in the world, making it a challenge to understand its intricacies.
Dealing with issues like divorce, child custody, adoption, and inheritance can be overwhelming, and seeking expert legal advice is crucial to navigating the system effectively. Legal experts recommend that you understand the basics of family law in China and any relevant laws and regulations that may apply to your case.
If you want to speak to a legal consultant in China, contact him on Wechat: alistairvigier

Expert Guidance on Family Law in China
When it comes to divorce in China, there are no “no-fault” divorces. Couples must provide reasons such as adultery, domestic violence, or irreconcilable differences to be granted a divorce. Furthermore, property acquired during the marriage is generally considered jointly owned and must be divided between the parties in the event of a divorce.
In child custody cases, Chinese courts typically award custody to the parent who can provide the most suitable care for the child. Factors considered include the child’s age and health, each parent’s financial situation, and their ability to provide a stable and loving environment.
Adoption is another complex area of family law in China. Adoption is typically only allowed if the child is an orphan or if the birth parents are unable to care for the child. There are also strict requirements for adoptive parents, including age, marital status, and financial stability.
Family Law in China
Navigating family law in China can be time-consuming and emotionally draining, especially in cases involving children. It is essential to remain patient, persistent, and emotionally prepared. Seeking support from friends, family, and professional counselling services can help manage the emotional toll of the process.
It is important to be financially prepared for the cost of legal representation. Family law cases can be expensive, and working with your attorney to develop a budget and payment plan that suits your financial situation is important.
Navigating family law in China can be an emotional and complex journey. It is important to seek expert legal advice, stay informed about changes in the legal system, and take care of your emotional and financial well-being throughout the process. By doing so, you can achieve a positive outcome that protects the interests of all parties involved.
High-profile family law cases in China
The stories of Kim Lee and Li Yang, Zheng Shuang, Zhang Yufen, and Wu Ying illustrate the complex and emotional nature of family law lawsuits in China. These cases have captured the media’s and the public’s attention, shedding light on various issues related to marriage, divorce, child custody, property rights, and gender equality.
Kim Lee’s case was particularly significant, as she bravely fought against domestic violence and foreign nationals’ challenges in the Chinese legal system. Despite the obstacles she faced, Kim Lee ultimately triumphed and became a symbol of hope for victims of domestic violence in China.
Professional Advice
Zheng Shuang’s case also sparked controversy and raised important questions about surrogacy and the legal rights of children born through this practice. The situation highlighted the difficulties faced by unmarried mothers and the need for clearer regulations around surrogacy in China.
Zhang Yufen’s case was another example of a mother’s tireless struggle for parental rights. After spending years fighting for custody of her son, Zhang Yufen became a symbol of hope for parents in China who face similar challenges in asserting their parental rights.
Wu Ying’s case was a landmark ruling for gender equality in China, highlighting the challenges faced by women in asserting their property rights. Although Chinese law recognizes joint property acquired during the marriage, many women struggle to assert their rights. Wu Ying’s victory was a significant step forward in the fight for gender equality in China.

The laws in China
The Marriage Law in China is more than just a legal document; it is the foundation upon which family law is built. The law was first established in 1950 and has since undergone several revisions. The current version, ratified in 2001, is a comprehensive document that covers a wide range of topics, including marriage, divorce, child custody, and property rights.
At its core, the Marriage Law is grounded in free choice, equality, and mutual respect. This legislation protects women and children in marriage by safeguarding their rights and interests. Under this law, marriage is a legal contract that requires registration with the government, and couples can dissolve their marriage through mutual agreement or legal action.
While the Marriage Law is the most critical legal document governing family law in China, it is not the only one. The Adoption Law outlines the requirements for adoptive parents and the procedures for adoption. At the same time, the Law on the Protection of Women’s Rights and Interests prohibits domestic violence and protects women’s rights.
Divorce on the grounds of domestic violence
Several landmark cases have played a crucial role in shaping family law in China. One such case is the “Two Wives” case, in which the Supreme People’s Court ruled that Chinese law only recognizes one legal spouse at a time.
Another is the “Ma Rong Case,” in which the Beijing Higher People’s Court granted a woman’s request for a divorce on the grounds of domestic violence and awarded her custody of their child.
Child custody issues have also been the subject of many cases in China. The “Zhou Guang Case” saw a father granted custody of his daughter after his ex-wife took her to the United States without his consent. The court ruled that the child’s habitual residence was in China, giving the father the right to custody.
Statistics show that the divorce rate in China has been increasing dramatically over the past few years. In 2021 alone, over four million couples filed for divorce, representing a staggering 45% increase from the previous year.
Domestic violence is also a significant problem in China, with nearly one in four women experiencing violence at the hands of their partner. Recently, the government has implemented new laws to address this issue and provide better protection for victims. However, there is still a long way to go in improving the situation for women and children in China.
Domestic Relations Law in China
Divorce in the United States or New Zealand is complicated. However, when you throw a cross-border dispute into the mix, it becomes extremely difficult. Let’s say that you were in Orlando, Florida.
You married someone from Beijing, China. You and your spouse have properties both in Florida and Beijing. It would be required to hire a lawyer in Florida to deal with those properties and laws.
You would then have to hire a lawyer in Beijing to deal with the properties in China. Orlando’s attorney can’t know what to do in China. We have translators and attorneys who can speak English in China.
Matrimonial Law in China
If you are already living in China, we can also help you. We can book a consultation with a lawyer in the major cities listed below. You might be looking for financial support after your breakup or defending against having to provide financial support.
Either way, we can help you. Chances are you don’t want to appear in a Chinese court. There are a lot of reports of discrimination against foreigners in the Chinese court. That is why you need to hire a Chinese lawyer who is an expert in Chinese law. That is the only chance you have for victory!
Essential Tips for Family Issues in China from the Experts
We will explain how the family court in China is different. Rumours suggest that the mother often gets custody of the kids in places like South Africa and the United States. In China, it’s pretty much the exact opposite. The father typically gets custody of the children.
When you get married in China, the son will often buy a house for the family. However, the house will stay on the title for the husband’s family. In 2011, the laws for divorce in China changed due to the housing bubble. The court often rules in favour of the man in China.
If the woman hires a lawyer, they often get around 200,000 RMB as a lump sum payout. If they do not hire a lawyer, they often get nothing.
Some people get divorced just so that they can purchase more property. Married couples can only buy a certain amount of properties. Further, they are still in a relationship but legally divorced. Some people who are married to Chinese women have to make cash payments. It is over around $2000 in US dollars.
Chinese Family Legal Practices
China is a place where connections are very important. There can be a lot of shame for divorced women. Things are changing, but it is taking time.
If you are a single divorced woman with a kid, it’s extremely hard to get married again. If you are fighting someone with money, they can afford an excellent law firm and destroy you.
However, you might be able to get a lump sum payment. Foreigners sometimes get in trouble, even with divorce, and their assets will get deported, and their assets will be seized and sold.
When you have a family law issue, it can destroy your life. It can keep you up all night and affect your health. You want to fix your legal problems as soon as possible. Don’t assume that you can’t deal with your situation in China. The law in China changes all the time. Marriage laws are even more complicated as divorce isn’t seen as acceptable in China.
In conclusion, contact us to learn more about working with a Chinese family lawyer.
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