Private Client

01Nov2016

Police arrest procedures for breaches of Injunction Orders made against violent spouses and cohabitants under the Domestic and Cohabitation Relationships Violence Ordinance Cap 189

Introduction The Hong Kong Police Force recently reviewed procedures for the handling of cases involving breach of an Injunction Order with an authorisation of arrest attached made under the Domestic and Cohabitation Relationships Violence Ordinance (Cap 189) (“DCRVO”). Injunction order Section 3 of the DCRVO…Read More

07Sep2016

Legal update: An introduction to Parental Alienation

Introduction Parental alienation refers to alignment of a child with one parent whilst rejecting a relationship with the other “without legitimate justification”1. This often results from the continued denigration of one parent by the other to the child / children of the family. In doing…Read More

21Jun2016

Why appoint an Enduring Power of Attorney?

Individuals can make arrangements to appoint other persons responsible in the event that a loss of mental capacity causes an inability to manage his or her own financial affairs such as in the case of dementia.  A document known as Enduring Power of Attorney (“EPOA”)…Read More

19Apr2016

The Child Abduction Legislation

The Child Abduction Legislation (Miscellaneous Amendments) Ordinance 2014 (the “Amendment Ordinance”) recently came into operation on 5 April 2016 to expand the scope of application of the current Child Abduction and Custody Ordinance (Cap 512) (“CACO”) to strengthen the powers of the courts and law…Read More

03Mar2016

Legal wedding checklist when preparing for marriage

Marriage is a legal matter.  An important part of marital planning is to ensure that the implications of marriage on your legal status are well considered with ample time before the wedding.  Planning takes time.  Time will be short as the big day approaches. Consider…Read More

25Jan2016

Improperly obtained documents in divorce proceedings

For the court or parties to reach a decision on financial relief, parties are required to disclose their financial positions to each other fully and frankly.  The fight over financial relief in divorce cases can be long and bitter.  If you know or suspect that…Read More

06Jan2016

Press release: Tanner De Witt instructed on ground-breaking case concerning marriage equality in Hong Kong

PRESS RELEASE 30 December 2015 For Immediate Release Tanner De Witt has been instructed by Mr Leung Chun Kwong, a Civil Servant in Hong Kong, to file an application for leave to judicially review two Government department’s decisions on the basis that they are unconstitutional…Read More

02Oct2015

Legal update: Is your will your will?

Summary In a significant ruling, the UK Court of Appeal’s decision in Ilott v Mitson 2015 has ruled against the presumption that you can do with your estate what you wish. This decision has seemingly broadened the Court’s power to intervene where an adult child…Read More

23Sep2015

Child abduction in Hong Kong: Is it ever okay?

Married parents who are contemplating a divorce often ask lawyers whether they can take their children abroad for a holiday against the will of the other parents.  The answer is no. In Hong Kong married parents have joint custody of their children.  Both parents make…Read More

15Sep2015

Bind-over orders to rescue careers

In an increasingly regulated world, criminal convictions can destroy careers. Many people, from bankers and accountants to travel agents and holders of liquor licences are regulated by their profession or industry and are subject to a requirement by their regulator that they are ‘fit and…Read More

19Jun2015

Residence as a dependant in Hong Kong during and after divorce FAQs

In our matrimonial work with families of international backgrounds in Hong Kong, we are often asked to assist in matters of dependants visas for spouse and children. We generally advise clients to pay attention to the timing of matters especially in the context of a…Read More

19Jun2015

Getting married outside Hong Kong

There is an increasing trend amongst residents of Hong Kong to get married abroad. If you are planning a wedding outside Hong Kong, you should pay attention to whether your marriage celebrated overseas is recognised as a legal marriage under Hong Kong law. This depends…Read More