How we work with clients in Dongguan
We help foreign managers, engineers and factory owners in Dongguan — and their spouses and children — with divorce, custody and property matters. We have no office in Dongguan and serve clients from our Shenzhen office and by video, meeting locally when needed.
Family law in DongguanWhich court handles it in Dongguan?
Divorce, custody and support cases are generally heard first by the basic people's court covering the town or subdistrict where the defendant is domiciled. Because Dongguan has no county-level districts, basic courts cover groups of towns and subdistricts rather than districts — we confirm the correct court for your address. If the defendant lives outside mainland China, the court of the plaintiff's domicile can often hear a divorce.
Recognition of foreign divorce judgments and Hong Kong–Mainland arrangement applications go to the Dongguan Intermediate People's Court, which also hears appeals.
How inheritance, wills & estates works with us in Dongguan
- 1
Confidential first call
A free 30-minute consultation (by video or phone) to understand your situation and goals.
- 2
Strategy & written quote
Your options, the evidence needed, a realistic timeline and costs — fixed fees wherever the scope is defined.
- 3
Preparation & filing
We draft the documents, gather evidence and file with the competent court or registry for Dongguan.
- 4
Negotiation, mediation or trial
We represent you throughout and report in English or Chinese at every step, through to enforcement.
Inheritance law in China for foreigners: a practical guide
Losing a parent or spouse is hard enough. Discovering that their flat in Guangzhou or their savings in a Chinese bank are frozen until the paperwork is right can feel overwhelming — especially if you live abroad or do not read Chinese. Inheritance law in China for foreigners and overseas families is manageable once you know the rules and the order of steps. This page explains who inherits, how wills work, and how we help transfer property and money to the right people.
The main rules are in Book VI "Succession" of the PRC Civil Code, in force since 1 January 2021.
Which law applies?
For estates with a foreign element, Chinese conflict-of-law rules (Law on Choice of Law for Foreign-Related Civil Relations, Art. 31) generally provide that:
- Real estate (immovables) is governed by the law of the place where it is located. A flat in Shenzhen is dealt with under Chinese law, whatever the deceased's nationality.
- Movable property (bank deposits, shares, vehicles) in intestate succession is generally governed by the law of the deceased's habitual residence at death.
This means one family can face Chinese law for the China property and foreign law for everything else. We work with lawyers in the other country where needed.
Inheritance, Wills & Estates in Dongguan: FAQs
Do I need to meet a lawyer in person in Dongguan for inheritance, wills & estates?
No. We don't have an office in Dongguan; clients there are looked after by our Shenzhen team by video, phone, WeChat or WhatsApp, and we meet locally or attend Dongguan courts and registries in person whenever the case requires it.
Do you have an office in Dongguan?
No. We serve Dongguan clients from our Shenzhen office and by video, and our lawyers travel to Dongguan for meetings or hearings when needed. Most of the work can be done remotely.
My spouse owns a factory in Dongguan. Is the business part of our marital property?
It depends on when and how the business was acquired. Company shares or business income acquired during the marriage are generally community property, even if registered only in your spouse's name. Pre-marital shares are usually separate, though growth during the marriage can raise difficult questions. Valuation often needs accounting evidence.
Can a foreigner inherit property in China?
Yes. Foreign nationals can inherit real estate and other assets in China. Real estate is governed by Chinese law, and in practice heirs usually need a notarised inheritance certificate or a court judgment to register the transfer.
Who inherits in China if there is no will?
The first-order statutory heirs — spouse, children and parents — inherit first, generally in equal shares. Siblings and grandparents inherit only if there are no first-order heirs or all of them disclaim or lose the right.
Is my foreign will valid in China?
It can be, if it meets the formal requirements of the applicable law. It will need an apostille or legalisation and a Chinese translation, and registries may still raise questions, so many people make a separate Chinese will for their China assets.
Does a notarised will still override other wills in China?
No. Since the Civil Code took effect on 1 January 2021, where there are several valid wills with conflicting content, the latest will prevails, whether or not an earlier one was notarised.
Related guides
Same-Sex Couples in China: Legal Options for Property, Guardianship and Inheritance
Same-sex marriage is not recognised in mainland China, but couples can still protect each other with voluntary guardianship, wills, co-ownership and cohabitation agreements, and powers of attorney. A practical, respectful guide.
Read the guideInheriting Property in China as a Foreigner or Overseas Heir
Foreigners and overseas heirs can generally inherit property in China. We explain which law applies, who inherits without a will, and how to transfer a flat or bank account from abroad.
Read the guideHow Hong Kong Residents Inherit Property in Mainland China
A step-by-step guide for Hong Kong residents inheriting a flat, bank deposits or other assets in mainland China: which law applies, the order of heirs, notarisation or court, documents attested in Hong Kong, time limits and costs.
Read the guide