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.
How inheritance, wills & estates 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.
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 Shenzhen: FAQs
Do I need to meet a lawyer in person in Shenzhen for inheritance, wills & estates?
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 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