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Family Law
Relocation applications: I want to relocate permanently from Hong Kong with my children but my former spouse will not consent
There comes a time for many when it is time to bid a fond farewell to Hong Kong. For divorced families, this can be problematic as orders on children’s arrangements will usually include a direction that a child may not be removed from Hong Kong…Read More
Inland Revenue Department confirms same sex marriages recognised as valid for stamp duty purposes
Following enquiries from its members the Law Society on 10 March 2020 received confirmation from the Inland Revenue Department (“IRD”) that same sex marriages will be recognised by the IRD as valid marriages for the purposes of the Stamp Duty Ordinance (Cap. 117). Same sex…Read More
Should I get a divorce? The legal and financial implications behind remaining married but separated
Making the decision to divorce is often not an easy one. There are many reasons why married couples may opt to separate rather than progress legal proceedings to divorce. Whether it is for religious reasons, a desire to maintain the status quo and a family…Read More
Recognition of Paternity in Hong Kong
Under Hong Kong family law, a man is presumed to be the biological father of a child if he is married to the woman who gave birth to the child. As this circumstance accounts only for some of the circumstances of the birth of a…Read More
Hong Kong’s High Court rules Government’s discrimination against same-sex couples in public housing policy unconstitutional
In a decision handed down today the High Court has ruled that the Hong Kong Housing Authority (“HA”)’s exclusion of same-sex couples from eligibility for public housing as “Ordinary Families” is unlawful and unconstitutional. Background Applications to the HA for public housing are available to…Read More
Considerations for parents when planning travel with children during the COVID-19 outbreak
Closure of schools and public spaces The Hong Kong Education Bureau has announced that all schools in Hong Kong are to remain closed until at least 16 March 2020 in consideration of the ongoing public health concerns related to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus…Read More
Sharenting – risks and tips to sharing information about your children online
What is Sharenting? Sharenting is the phenomenon where parents (over)share information, usually pictures of children, on the internet. The act itself is so prevalent that it is now a term defined in the Collins English Dictionary as “the habitual use of social media to share…Read More
Legal update: MK v Government of HKSAR – High Court holds marriage does not extend to same sex couples
The Hong Kong courts have had much cause to consider equality rights in a number of cases in the past two years, particularly in respect of the recognition of same sex rights in Hong Kong. The Court of Final Appeal (CFA) has recently handed down…Read More
Tanner De Witt sponsors the 12th Asia Private Banking and Family Office Summit 2019
Our China Practice Group recently returned from Shenzhen where they sponsored the 12th Asia Private Banking & Family Office Summit, organised by Banyan Legacy, taking place on 11 – 12 December. Partners Pamela Mak and River Stone attended along with solicitors Adrian Au, Jonathan Yeung,…Read More
Results of 2020 Chambers Asia-Pacific Guide announced
Tanner De Witt is delighted once again to be recognised by Chambers & Partners in their 2020 Asia-Pacific Guide for each of its main practice areas in particular its Band 1 ranking for Labour and Employment. Employment: Hong Kong Law (International Firms) — China (Band 1) Strengths: One client…Read More
Tanner De Witt commemorates the 30th Anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child
Today marks 30 years since the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), a treaty recognising the unique and inherent vulnerability of children and their need for protection. It is the most widely ratified human rights treaty which…Read More
Q&A with Joanne Lam – Matrimonial Lawyer
Joanne is a Solicitor in our Family Law team having joined Tanner De Witt in March 2017 and completed her two year training contract. Before embarking on her legal career, Joanne worked as a journalist in Hong Kong covering global business trends with a particular focus on…Read More
