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 divorce for foreigners & international couples 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.
Divorce in China for foreigners and international couples
If you or your spouse is a foreign national, or you married outside mainland China, you are dealing with a foreign-related divorce. The basic rules of Chinese divorce still apply, but questions of jurisdiction, applicable law, service of documents and recognition abroad come on top. Getting these right early can save months. This page explains how divorce in China for foreigners works as of 2026, and how our bilingual team in Shenzhen and Guangzhou handles it.
Can a Chinese court hear my divorce?
Chinese courts generally have jurisdiction where the defendant is domiciled or habitually resident in mainland China. In practice this covers many foreigners who live and work here, as well as Chinese citizens whose spouse lives in China.
There are also special rules for Chinese citizens who live abroad. For example, where a foreign court will not accept a divorce case because of the parties' nationality, a court at the place of marriage or the last domicile in China may hear it.
Where more than one country could hear the case, the choice of forum matters a great deal: it affects which law applies, how property is divided, the speed of the process and whether the result will be recognised elsewhere. Our article on whether to file in China or abroad walks through the trade-offs.
Divorce for Foreigners & International Couples in Shenzhen: FAQs
Do I need to meet a lawyer in person in Shenzhen for divorce for foreigners & international couples?
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 foreigner get divorced in China?
Yes. Chinese courts generally have jurisdiction where the defendant lives in mainland China, and a registry divorce may be possible if the marriage was registered in mainland China and both spouses attend with an agreement. In a court divorce, Chinese law applies to the divorce itself.
We married abroad. Can we divorce at a Chinese marriage registry?
Generally not. Registry divorce is generally available only for marriages registered in mainland China. If you married abroad you will usually need to go to court, but if you agree on terms the court can record your agreement through mediation.
How do I divorce a spouse who lives overseas?
You file in a Chinese court with jurisdiction, and the court serves the papers abroad through the Hague Service Convention or diplomatic channels. If no address can be found, service by publication may be used; for a party with no domicile in China, service is deemed complete 60 days after publication. Expect the case to take 12 months or more.
Do I need to apostille my foreign marriage certificate?
If it comes from a Hague Apostille Convention member state, an apostille is generally enough since 7 November 2023, together with a certified Chinese translation. Documents from non-member states, and from India, still need consular legalisation.
Related guides
Divorcing a Chinese Wife or Husband: A Guide for Foreigners
A practical guide for foreigners divorcing a Chinese wife or husband: where to file, registry vs court, translation, hidden assets, family-owned property, custody, children's passports and your residence permit.
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 guideShould You Divorce in China or Abroad? Choosing the Right Country to File
For international couples, where you file for divorce can shape property, custody and how long it takes. We compare divorcing in China with divorcing abroad and explain the key factors.
Read the guide