How we work with clients in Shenzhen
Our Shenzhen office in Nanshan District is the firm's family-law base, helping expat families, mixed-nationality couples and Hong Kong–Shenzhen cross-border families with divorce, custody, property and inheritance. We work in English and Chinese, in person or by video.
Family law in ShenzhenWhich court handles it in Shenzhen?
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 Futian, Luohu, Nanshan, Bao'an, Longgang or Longhua districts. Where the defendant lives outside mainland China (including Hong Kong), the court where the plaintiff is domiciled can often hear a status case such as divorce.
Applications to recognise a foreign divorce judgment, and applications under the Hong Kong–Mainland matrimonial arrangement, go to the Shenzhen Intermediate People's Court, which also hears appeals from the district courts.
Marriage & divorce registry in Shenzhen
Marriage and agreed-divorce registration is handled by the marriage registry of the Shenzhen Civil Affairs Bureau system. Registrations involving a foreign national (and, in many cases, Hong Kong, Macau or Taiwan residents) can only be handled at designated registries, and both spouses must attend in person. Appointment systems, the designated office and document lists change from time to time — check the current requirements before you go, or ask us to confirm them for you. Since 10 May 2025, registration is nationwide: where one partner is a mainland resident, you can use any registry authorised for foreign-related matters anywhere in China, not only one in your hukou city, and the Chinese partner needs only a resident ID card and a signed declaration (no hukou booklet).
How expert opinions on chinese family law for foreign courts works with us in Shenzhen
- 1
Confidential first call
A free 30-minute consultation (at our Shenzhen 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 Shenzhen.
- 4
Negotiation, mediation or trial
We represent you throughout and report in English or Chinese at every step, through to enforcement.
When a foreign court needs to know what Chinese law says
Family cases increasingly cross borders. A court in London, Sydney, Toronto, Singapore, Hong Kong or California may be asked to decide a divorce, a custody dispute or an estate where part of the story happened in mainland China. In most common-law systems, foreign law is treated as a question of fact: the judge cannot simply look it up, and it must be proved by evidence, usually from a qualified expert.
Choi & Huang's PRC-qualified lawyers prepare independent expert opinions on Chinese family and succession law for courts, tribunals, lawyers and parties abroad. We explain, in clear English and with the Chinese sources attached, what the law of the People's Republic of China provides and how a Chinese court would be likely to treat the issue in front of the foreign judge.
Issues we are commonly asked to address
Divorce and marriage status
- Whether a marriage registered in China, or a divorce granted by a Chinese registry or court, is valid and final under Chinese law
- The difference between divorce by agreement at a marriage registry (with its 30-day cooling-off period under Article 1077 of the Civil Code) and divorce through the people's court
- Whether a Chinese court would have jurisdiction, and which law it would apply (under the 2010 Law on Choice of Law for Foreign-Related Civil Relations, a litigated divorce is governed by the law of the forum)
- Whether a foreign divorce would be recognised in mainland China, and what the recognition procedure at the Intermediate People's Court involves
Children
- How Chinese courts decide custody ("direct raising") and visitation under Articles 1084 and 1086 of the Civil Code
- Child support guidelines (generally 20%–30% of monthly income for one child, not usually above 50% for several, under SPC Interpretation I)
- Whether a foreign custody or return order could be recognised or enforced in mainland China, bearing in mind that mainland China is not a party to the Hague Child Abduction Convention
- Exit restrictions, travel documents and practical enforcement risks, often relevant to "safeguards" or relocation applications abroad
Property and succession
- The community-property regime under Articles 1062–1065, and the effect of marital property agreements
- How Chinese courts divide property, including real estate and company interests
- Succession to property in China, including statutory heirs, wills and the rule that immovable property in China is governed by Chinese law regardless of the deceased's nationality
- Whether a foreign grant of probate or divorce order can be used to transfer Chinese real estate
Expert Opinions on Chinese Family Law for Foreign Courts in Shenzhen: FAQs
Do I need to meet a lawyer in person in Shenzhen for expert opinions on chinese family law for foreign courts?
No. Many clients meet us at our Shenzhen 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.
Can I file for divorce in Shenzhen if my spouse lives in Hong Kong?
Generally yes, if you are domiciled in Shenzhen. For status cases such as divorce against a defendant who does not live in mainland China, the court where the plaintiff lives can usually hear the case. Service on a spouse in Hong Kong goes through the mainland–Hong Kong service arrangement, so allow extra time. We can also advise whether filing in Hong Kong would suit you better.
Do I need to come to your Shenzhen office in person?
No. Many clients work with us entirely by video, email and WeChat. You are welcome at our Nanshan office, but documents can be signed remotely and, in most court matters, we can act under a notarised power of attorney. A registry divorce, however, requires both spouses in person.
Can a Chinese lawyer give expert evidence in a foreign family court?
Yes. Courts in the UK, Australia, Hong Kong, Canada, the US and elsewhere regularly receive evidence of Chinese law from PRC-qualified lawyers. The foreign court decides whether to admit the evidence and how much weight to give it, so the report must follow that court's rules on expert evidence.
Will your opinion support the side that instructs you?
No. Our duty is to the court. We set out Chinese law as it is, including points that do not help the instructing party, and we say where practice varies or the law is uncertain. An expert who appears partisan loses credibility, which helps no one.
How long does an expert report on Chinese law take?
A focused opinion on one or two questions typically takes two to four weeks from receipt of documents. Complex or responsive reports take longer, and urgent reports can sometimes be prepared within days. Tell us your court deadline at the first contact.
Can you give evidence by video?
In most cases, yes. We regularly attend hearings and joint expert meetings remotely. Some courts have specific rules on giving evidence from another country, and the instructing lawyers should confirm any permissions the court requires.
Related guides
Is My Foreign Divorce Valid in China?
A foreign divorce is not automatically effective in mainland China. When you need recognition, how to apply to the Intermediate People's Court, documents, refusal grounds and timelines.
Read the guideWhat Happens to Your China Visa or Residence Permit After Divorce?
If your China residence permit is based on marriage to a Chinese citizen, divorce generally removes that basis. What to report, the options for switching, and what foreign parents of Chinese children can do.
Read the guideDivorcing a Spouse Who Lives Overseas (or in China While You're Abroad)
Divorcing a spouse who lives overseas, or filing in China while you live abroad? Learn which court has jurisdiction, how service abroad works, realistic timelines and when you must appear in person.
Read the guide