Family Law

13May2025

Tanner De Witt Partners Secured Return of Child in Complex Cross-Border Abduction Case Across Hague and Non-Hague Signatories

In a complex cross-border child abduction case involving multiple jurisdictions, Tanner De Witt partners Adrian Au and Joanne Brown successfully acted for the father to secure the return of his child to Mainland China. The case involved serious legal issues arising from the Court’s treatment…Read More

24Apr2025

How to divide pension/Mandatory Provident Funds (“MPF”) Retirement Benefits in Ancillary Relief for Divorce in Hong Kong?

Nearly 25 years have passed since Hong Kong launched the Mandatory Provident Fund (“MPF”) in December 2000. As of February 2025, total assets under the MPF system in Hong Kong reached approximately HK$1.352 trillion, marking a record high since its inception and also a significant…Read More

12Feb2025

Free Will or Fair Share? The Court’s Discretion in Making Provisions for a Surviving Spouse

The recent ruling in the case of WLK by MYW her next friend v. CCIW & Others [2024] HKFC 157 underscores the necessity of making reasonable provisions for a surviving spouse when drafting a will. It also affirms the Court’s discretion to award the spouse…Read More

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