Legal update: Children’s Dispute Resolution in Hong Kong

Children’s Dispute Resolution, Practice Direction 15.13 becomes a permanent feature of Hong Kong Family Court practice.

The Pilot Scheme on Children’s Dispute Resolution which began on 3 October 2012 came to an end on 31 March 2016 with Practice Direction 15.13 being formally adopted from 1 April 2016 as standard Family Court procedure in any disputes involving children commenced in the Family Court.

“The aim of the scheme is to support mothers and fathers, so that they are able to effectively parent their children post separation or divorce. The intention is to ensure that whilst the best interests of children remains the court’s paramount concern, that lasting agreements concerning children are obtained quickly and in a less adversarial atmosphere. The focus is therefore on the children’s best interests together with the duties and responsibilities of their parents.”

Practice Direction 15.13, dated 4 March 2016, Geoffrey Ma, Chief Justice

Practice Direction 15.13 sets out the mandatory practice and procedure for litigants engaged in disputes relating to all children.

Tanner De Witt’s Family and Private Client Practice works with specialists across all necessary disciplines in order to successfully resolve issues concerning children affected by family disputes.

The above is not intended to be relied on as legal advice and specific legal advice should be sought at all times in relation to the above.

For more information on how to resolve disputes relating to children’s matters or family matters please contact: 

Mark Side
Partner | Email

Joanne Brown
Partner | Email

Disclaimer: This publication is general in nature and is not intended to constitute legal advice. You should seek professional advice before taking any action in relation to the matters dealt with in this publication.