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 contested divorce litigation 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.
Contested divorce in China: how the court process works
When your spouse will not agree to divorce, or you cannot agree on children or property, the only route is the People's Court. A contested divorce in China follows its own logic: the court will try hard to mediate, it looks for evidence that mutual affection has truly broken down, and it may refuse a first petition. Knowing this in advance helps you plan, gather the right evidence and avoid wasted months. This page explains the litigation process as of 2026 and how our litigation team in Shenzhen and Guangzhou approaches it.
When will a court grant a contested divorce?
Under Article 1079 of the Civil Code, the court first mediates. If mediation fails and mutual affection has truly broken down, a divorce shall be granted. The law lists situations that show a breakdown:
- bigamy, or cohabiting with another person
- domestic violence, maltreatment or desertion of a family member
- gambling, drug addiction or similar habits not corrected despite repeated admonition
- separation for two years because of discord
- other circumstances causing a breakdown of mutual affection
A divorce shall also be granted where the other spouse has been declared missing.
Restriction on husbands filing
A husband may not file for divorce while the wife is pregnant, within one year after she gives birth, or within six months after termination of a pregnancy, unless the wife files or the court considers it necessary.
Contested Divorce Litigation in Shenzhen: FAQs
Do I need to meet a lawyer in person in Shenzhen for contested divorce litigation?
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.
What happens if my spouse refuses to divorce in China?
You can file a litigation divorce. The court will mediate first and grant a divorce if mediation fails and mutual affection has truly broken down. Without a clear ground a first petition is often refused, but a new petition after a further year of separation shall be granted.
Why do Chinese courts refuse the first divorce petition?
Courts look for proof that mutual affection has truly broken down. Where there is no clear statutory ground such as domestic violence or two years' separation, and the other spouse wants to stay married, courts often refuse the first petition. Practice varies between courts and judges.
How soon can I file again after a divorce is refused?
Generally not within six months of the judgment unless there are new circumstances or new reasons. If the spouses then live apart for one year after the refusal, a new petition shall be granted.
Can I freeze my spouse's assets during a divorce?
Yes. You can apply for property preservation before or during the case, such as freezing bank accounts or restricting transfers of real estate or shares. The court usually requires security, and acting early is important.
Related guides
Contested Divorce in China: What to Expect in Court
What happens in a contested divorce in China: filing, mediation, the hearing, why first petitions are often refused, the six-month and one-year rules, timelines and how to prepare evidence.
Read the guideDivorce in China When Your Spouse Refuses, Won't Respond or Has Disappeared
Your spouse will not agree, ignores the court or cannot be found. You can still get divorced in China through the courts. How refusal, service by publication, the one-year rule and declarations of missing status work.
Read the guideChina Divorce Law: A Complete Guide (2026)
Everything you need to know about divorce law in China as of 2026: the two divorce routes, grounds, whether China has no-fault divorce or alimony, custody, child support, property, foreign-related cases, costs and timelines.
Read the guide