+852 2573 5000
Joanne Brown
Hong Kong’s new Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse Ordinance takes effect in 2026
The Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse Ordinance (Cap. 650) marks a major development in Hong Kong’s child‑protection landscape. Gazetted in July 2024 and scheduled to come into force today, 20 January 2026, the Ordinance reflects the SAR Government’s commitment to strengthening early identification and intervention…Read More
Cohabitation in Hong Kong: A Brief Comparison of Comparing the Legal Landscape of Married and Unmarried Couples in 2025
Cohabitation is on the rise in Hong Kong, as more couples choose to live together before, or instead of, getting married. Yet despite these changing social norms, the law in Hong Kong continues to draw sharp distinctions between married and unmarried couples. Understanding how cohabitation…Read More
Understanding Costs in Children’s Proceedings – A Recent Judgment
Earlier this month, we published an article on Hague and non-Hague principles applicable to the Court’s determining whether to return a child to his home country. On 9 May 2025, the Hong Kong court awarded costs to the Father, diverging from the usual practice of…Read More
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
The Case for Recusal: A Summary on WSSA v SYH [2024] HKCA 735
In the Family Court, it is common to see high conflict and long running cases. Parties may frequently feel aggrieved by strict case management decisions or substantive decisions made by Judge or a Master which may not be in their favour. In cases where bias…Read More
Legal Update: Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse Ordinance (Cap. 650) to come into effect in January 2026
The Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse Ordinance (Cap. 650) (the “Ordinance”) was gazetted on 19 July 2024, and will come into operation on the expiry of 18 months thereafter (i.e. January 2026) (the gazetted version can be accessed here).The Ordinance requires certain specified professionals to…Read More
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
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
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.
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
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
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
