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Family Law
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
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
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
Divorce Proceedings and Your Business Part 2
In our previous article, we explored the confidential nature of divorce proceedings; the legal framework of protection of confidentiality over documents and information disclosed in divorce proceedings; and remedies available from the Court if you discovered that your spouse has obtained your confidential information without…Read More
Divorce Proceedings and Your Business Part 1
Parties to divorce proceedings owe an ongoing duty to the Court to give full and frank financial disclosure. If you are the sole proprietor or a substantial shareholder of your private company, will the company’s assets be treated as your assets? Will you have to…Read More
Tanner De Witt promotes Adrian Au to Partner
Tanner De Witt is delighted to announce the promotion of Adrian Au to the position of Partner with the firm, with effect from Thursday, 1 June 2023. The promotion recognises Adrian’s significant contribution to the firm and reflects the firm’s continued investment in the Family…Read More
Forced marriages and the law of invalid consent recently examined in RM v AY [2023] HKCU 1398
The freedom to marry a partner of our choosing is a constitutional right. The Hong Kong Bill of Rights states “No marriage shall be entered into without the free and full consent of the intending spouses” (Article 19). Yet, forced marriages do happen in Hong…Read More
Benchmark Litigation Asia Pacific 2023 Recognizes Tanner De Witt
We are pleased to announce that Tanner De Witt has received recognition in the Benchmark Litigation Asia Pacific Guide 2023 across five practice areas, including Insolvency, Commercial and Transactions, Family and Matrimonial, Private Client, and Labor and Employment. Tanner De Witt has received the following awards: Tier…Read More
Protecting Minors – Wards of the Court: Who, what, when and why?
The term “Ward of the Court” is one which sounds archaic. In a way, it is. The origins stem from feudalism in the Middle Ages in England when the Crown was given rights to exercise powers and duties over orphaned children whose father owned land. …Read More
Tanner De Witt’s Family Practice ranked and Joanne Brown recommended as Family and Divorce Lawyer in 2023 Doyle’s Guide Hong Kong.
We are delighted to share that Joanne Brown, Partner, and Head of the Family Practice at Tanner De Witt, has once again been recommended in Doyle’s Guide Hong Kong as the “Leading Family & Divorce Lawyer” of 2023. Tanner De Witt is also honoured to…Read More
What happens to my jewellery in a divorce? A simple guide on how valuable personal items are distributed during a divorce proceeding
In divorce, what will happen to my personal valuables such as my jewellery, watches, bags? Spouses are often concerned with whether they can keep their personal valuables upon divorce. Will I keep my engagement ring? Will I have to sell my watches, jewelleries or luxury…Read More
Is a pre-nuptial agreement an act of love?
We have clients who come to us seeking advice on the process and substance of a pre-nup. Often they haven’t discussed this in any real detail save perhaps they have some pre-marital wealth they wish to ring-fence or a desire to keep extended family wealth…Read More
