How we work with clients in Guangzhou
Our Guangzhou office in Tianhe helps foreign residents, international traders and their families, and overseas Chinese with family ties in Guangdong through divorce, custody, property and inheritance matters. We also serve clients in Foshan and Zhuhai from here.
Family law in GuangzhouWhich court handles it in Guangzhou?
Divorce, custody and child-support cases are generally heard first by the basic (district) people's court where the defendant is domiciled — for example the courts of Tianhe, Yuexiu, Haizhu, Liwan, Baiyun or Panyu districts. If the defendant does not live in mainland China, the court of the plaintiff's domicile can often hear a divorce.
Recognition of foreign divorce judgments, and applications under the Hong Kong–Mainland matrimonial arrangement, go to the Guangzhou Intermediate People's Court, which also hears appeals from the district courts.
How prenuptial & postnuptial agreements works with us in Guangzhou
- 1
Confidential first call
A free 30-minute consultation (at our Guangzhou office or by video) 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 Guangzhou.
- 4
Negotiation, mediation or trial
We represent you throughout and report in English or Chinese at every step, through to enforcement.
Prenuptial agreements in China: clarity before you need it
Nobody plans a marriage around a divorce. But a well-drafted prenuptial agreement in China can protect a family business, a flat bought before the wedding, or savings built up abroad — and, just as importantly, it can prevent years of argument later. Chinese law expressly allows couples to agree in writing how their property will be owned, both before marriage (a prenup, 婚前协议) and during it (a postnup or marital property agreement, 婚内财产约定).
This page explains when a prenuptial agreement in China is valid, what it can and cannot cover, and the extra steps international couples should take.
Is a prenuptial agreement enforceable in China?
Yes, in most cases. Under Article 1065 of the PRC Civil Code, spouses may agree that property acquired during the marriage and property owned before it belongs to each of them separately, to both jointly, or partly separately and partly jointly. The agreement must be in writing and binds both spouses.
Courts generally uphold an agreement that is:
- Written and signed by both parties
- Voluntary — no fraud, coercion or serious misunderstanding
- Consistent with mandatory law and public order
- Clear about which assets it covers and how
Notarisation is not a legal requirement, but it is often helpful. A notarised agreement is harder to challenge on grounds of identity or pressure, and some property registries and banks are more comfortable with it. For more detail, read our article on whether a prenuptial agreement in China is enforceable.
Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements in Guangzhou: FAQs
Do I need to meet a lawyer in person in Guangzhou for prenuptial & postnuptial agreements?
No. Many clients meet us at our Guangzhou office, but most of the work can be done by video, phone, email, WeChat or WhatsApp — including for clients living outside China. Court hearings and some registry steps may still require attendance, and we tell you early exactly when that is.
Do I need to come to your Guangzhou office in person?
No. You are welcome in Tianhe, but many clients work with us entirely by video, email, WeChat or WhatsApp. For most court matters a notarised and apostilled power of attorney lets us act on your behalf. Registry divorces are the main exception — both spouses must attend.
My spouse and I married outside China. Can we divorce at a Guangzhou registry?
Generally not. Registry divorce usually requires the marriage to have been registered in mainland China. Couples who married abroad normally need to divorce through the court — even if they agree on everything, the court can confirm their agreement by mediation.
Are prenuptial agreements legally binding in China?
Yes. Article 1065 of the Civil Code allows spouses to agree in writing how pre-marital and marital property is owned, and the agreement binds both of them. It must be voluntary, clear and not contrary to mandatory law.
Does a prenup in China have to be notarised?
No, notarisation is not legally required. However, it makes the agreement harder to challenge and can help when dealing with property registries or banks. For international couples, notarisation can also make the document easier to use abroad.
Can a prenup decide child custody or child support?
Not in a binding way. Chinese courts decide custody and support according to the child's best interests, and a parent cannot waive a child's right to support in advance. You can record intentions, but the court keeps the final say.
Can a foreigner and a Chinese citizen choose foreign law for their prenup?
In many cases, yes. Chinese conflict-of-law rules let spouses choose the law of either spouse's habitual residence or nationality, or the place of major property, for their marital property. Real estate in China will still be registered under Chinese rules, so the drafting must fit both systems.
Related guides
Are Prenuptial Agreements Enforceable in China?
Yes — Chinese law allows couples to agree their own property regime. Learn when a prenuptial agreement is enforceable in China, what it cannot cover and how international couples should draft one.
Read the guideBride Price (彩礼) in China: When Must It Be Returned?
Under the Supreme People's Court rules in force since 1 February 2024, whether a bride price must be returned depends on marriage registration, how long the couple lived together, the amount and local custom. A plain-English guide, including for international couples.
Read the guideChina's 'New Divorce Law' 2025–2026: What Actually Changed (and What Didn't)
Is there a new divorce law in China for 2025 or 2026? No. The cooling-off period dates from 2021. What did change: Interpretation II (1 February 2025) on parents' house money, fake divorce, gifts to third parties, loyalty agreements and custody, plus the May 2025 registration rules.
Read the guide