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Joanne Brown
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
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
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
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
