Family Law

28Aug2024

Paws for Thought: Pet-Nups

In the busy city of Hong Kong, where pet ownership is on the rise and pets are increasingly considered cherished family members, the concept of including pets in pre-nuptial agreements or eve free standing pet nuptial agreements (“Pet- Nup”) is gaining traction as a vital…Read More

28Jun2024

Marriage Equality in Hong Kong: Progress and Next Steps

Pride Month aims to raise awareness around equality and celebrating our LGBTQIA+ people and communities and to raise awareness of issues that affect them and steer conversation and action towards positive change. Recently in celebration of Pride Month, ten LGBTQIA+ couples tied the knot in…Read More

07Jun2024

Legal Update: Standish v Standish [2024] EWCA Civ 567

The decision in the case of Standish v Standish, Court of Appeal, England & Wales, concerns a high-profile divorce settlement and primarily concerns pre-marital contributions to the asset pool. In an unprecedented move, the Court of Appeal reduced the award to the Wife by GBP20…Read More

03May2024

Tanner De Witt’s Family Practice ranked and Joanne Brown recognised as Leading Family and Divorce Lawyer in 2024 Doyle’s Guide Hong Kong.

Another great achievement for Joanne Brown and her Family practice, being recognised as a “Leading Family and Divorce Lawyer” and “Recommended Family and Divorce Law Firm” by the Doyle’s Guide Hong Kong 2024.

26Apr2024

The Use of Mediation in International Child Abduction Cases

Introduction An occurrence of international child abduction evokes negative emotions and strong condemnation. The unauthorised removal of a child from the loving care of a parent across international lines is obviously unacceptable. Equally so, is the retention of a child abroad without mutual parental consent. …Read More

08Apr2024

Considering the right to family within the context of multiple sibling adoption

In Hong Kong, the right to family life is enshrined in Article 19 of the Bill of Rights Ordinance (Cap. 383), which recognises family as “the natural and fundamental group unit of society”. Further, Article 14 protects one’s rights from arbitrary or unlawful interference with…Read More

02Feb2024

Tanner De Witt seeks a Family Associate (2-4 PQE)

THIS POSITION HAS BEEN FILLED. WE ARE NO LONGER ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS. Tanner De Witt’s Family Practice is seeking an enthusiastic solicitor to join their team.  This role is an opportunity for a junior lawyer to grow his or her practice within an established firm and…Read More

22Jan2024

Question: I am going through a separation or divorce. Can I travel with my children overseas? 

At the start of a New Year, parents may be looking to enjoy overseas travel with their children, especially during their long school holidays. It is important to plan ahead and seek agreement with your co-parent to prevent any travel disappointments, delays, or cancellation costs. As…Read More

18Jan2024

Tanner De Witt is delighted that our law firm has achieved consistent recognition in Chambers and Partners Greater China Region Guide 2024

Tanner De Witt is delighted that our law firm has achieved consistent recognition in Chambers and Partners Greater China Region Guide 2024. We are honoured to have maintained top-notch rankings for an impressive 14-year stretch. Big congratulations to our exceptional team for earning this well-deserved recognition. Restructuring & Insolvency:…Read More

21Nov2023

Is a hand written signed will without witnesses valid?

Recently, I have been asked if we can obtain a grant of representation based on a will hand-written and executed by the testator but without the formal requirements of having two witnesses signing at the same time.  Incidentally, a decision in the recent case of…Read More

17Oct2023

To Join or Not to Join – Navigating the Complexities of Beneficial Interests in Divorce Proceedings

Divorce, an intensely personal affair, extends its ramifications beyond the couple involved, touching the lives of family members and friends alike. This repercussion becomes even more profound when one spouse assumes the role of a trustee for assets or when matrimonial assets are held in…Read More

05Sep2023

Court of Final Appeal: Government must provide alternative means of recognising same-sex partnership

On 5 September 2023, the Court of Final Appeal in Sham Tsz Kit v Secretary for Justice [2023] HKCFA 28 ruled that the absence of alternative means of legal recognition of same-sex relationships in Hong Kong amounts to a violation of the constitutional right to…Read More