How we work with clients in Zhuhai
We help Macau–Zhuhai cross-border couples, Hong Kong residents and foreign families in Zhuhai with divorce, custody, property and inheritance. We have no office in Zhuhai and serve clients from our Guangzhou office and by video, meeting locally when needed.
Family law in ZhuhaiWhich court handles it in Zhuhai?
Divorce, custody and child-support cases are generally heard first by the basic (district) people's court where the defendant is domiciled — Zhuhai's districts are Xiangzhou, Doumen and Jinwan. If the defendant lives outside mainland China (for example in Macau or Hong Kong), the court of the plaintiff's domicile can often hear a divorce.
Recognition of foreign divorce judgments and Hong Kong–Mainland arrangement applications go to the Zhuhai Intermediate People's Court, which also hears appeals. We confirm the correct court for addresses in Hengqin and other special areas.
How inheritance, wills & estates works with us in Zhuhai
- 1
Confidential first call
A free 30-minute consultation (by video or phone) 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 Zhuhai.
- 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 Zhuhai: FAQs
Do I need to meet a lawyer in person in Zhuhai for inheritance, wills & estates?
No. We don't have an office in Zhuhai; clients there are looked after by our Guangzhou team by video, phone, WeChat or WhatsApp, and we meet locally or attend Zhuhai courts and registries in person whenever the case requires it.
My spouse works in Macau and I live in Zhuhai. Where should we divorce?
It depends on where each of you is domiciled, where your property is and where the children live. A Zhuhai court can often hear the case if you are domiciled here, but the order may then need to be used in Macau. We look at where the order will need to work before recommending a forum.
Do you have an office in Zhuhai?
No. We serve Zhuhai clients from our Guangzhou office and by video, and travel to Zhuhai for meetings and hearings when needed.
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