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Joanne Brown
Family Violence and COVID-19 – what to do about family violence while isolated at home
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and in observance of recommendations made by the World Health Organisation (“WHO”) and governments around the world billions of people are under mandatory quarantine or isolation, or are self-quarantining or self-isolating at home to stem the tide of…Read More
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 Aid in Hong Kong
We are fortunate in Hong Kong to have access to legal advice from solicitors covering a broad range of civil and criminal proceedings under the Legal Aid Schemes. Barristers can also be assigned to your case by the Legal Aid Department, where it is deemed…Read More
Self care during a divorce
Going through a divorce can be a particularly difficult and trying time. Although expert legal advice can offer guidance and support with the legal jargon, paperwork and proceedings, what other assistance is available to a family in helping them cope with the challenges of divorce?…Read More
Tanner De Witt attends Private Client Forum Asia 2019
Members of the firm’s Family and Private Client, Wills and Trusts Department attended the Private Client Forum Asia that was held at the St Regis, Wan Chai, Hong Kong on 20 September 2019. Delegates from across the globe attended the conference, with panel speakers from…Read More
Tanner De Witt attends the 2019 Hong Kong Blue Tie Ball
On Saturday 7 September, the Hong Kong Football Club was a glittering scene of blue ballgowns and suits as guests attended the 2019 Hong Kong Blue Tie Ball. Now in its third year, the Ball aims to #smashthestigma of seeking help for mental illnesses. We…Read More
