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Family and divorce lawyers in Hong Kong

Family Law and Divorce Lawyers in Hong Kong

Our family and divorce lawyers are specialists in financial and children matters relating to relationship breakdown. Although we are experienced family law litigators, we also actively promote alternative dispute resolution options such as mediation and collaborative law.

The firm combines specialist knowledge in family and divorce law with first class client care and pragmatic solutions. Our family and divorce lawyers offer each client a tailor-made approach to their particular circumstances and we deal with every matter sensitively and constructively.

Gall’s family and divorce lawyers are specialists in the following areas:

  • Divorce Law
  • Financial consequences of divorce
  • Judicial separation
  • Separation agreements
  • Pre- and post-nuptial agreements
  • Jurisdiction disputes
  • Children/ parenting disputes
  • Child abduction
  • International relocation of children
  • Unmarried co-habitants and parents
  • Enforcement and/or variation of court orders
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Frequently asked questions

Under Hong Kong law, you can file for a divorce once you have been married for at least 1 year, unless otherwise allowed by the Court. Ending a marriage can be painful and challenging. You may find yourself fighting more with your spouse about property, money and family, than ever before. Our professional family and divorce lawyers will help you get through these difficult times whilst safeguarding your legal rights.

Yes, you must be able to prove to the Court that your marriage has broken down irretrievably to divorce in Hong Kong. Your divorce will be based on one of the following grounds:

  1. Your spouse behaved in such a way that you cannot be reasonably expected to live with him/her
  2. You and your spouse have lived apart for a continuous period of at least 1 year before filing the divorce petition and he/she agrees to a divorce
  3. You and your spouse have lived apart for a continuous period of at least 2 years before filing the divorce petition (your spouse’s consent is not required)
  4. Your spouse deserted you for a continuous period of at least 1 year before filing the divorce petition
  5. Your spouse committed adultery and you find it intolerable to live with him/her
  6. In the case of a joint application, you and your spouse must prove to the Court one of the following:
    • you and your spouse have lived apart from each other for a continuous period of at least 1 year before making the joint application; or
    • you and your spouse have filed at Court a notice (Form 2E) signed by both parties not less than 1 year prior to the making of the joint application and the said notice was not subsequently withdrawn.

Our expert family and divorce lawyers will explain the grounds for divorce and help determine the best course of action to ease the divorce process.

According to our family and divorce lawyers, the duration of divorce proceedings varies and depends on the circumstances of each case. For parties that have reached an overall agreement prior to filing for divorce, our family and divorce lawyers report that the process should take approximately 6 months.

Find a family and divorce lawyer who specialises in Family Law – who is experienced and trained to tackle relevant issues – to represent you. Lawyers have different styles in handling their cases. Feel free to meet a few lawyers for initial consultations before choosing the one you’re most comfortable with.

Your family and divorce lawyer will provide you with practical solutions for issues arising from your case and will be about to help you navigate through the entire divorce process. Look for someone you feel totally comfortable with, who you can trust, who has relevant skills and experience, a strong track record and who communicates clearly.

Despite being married in Hong Kong, you may not be able to apply for a divorce here. To be able to get divorced in Hong Kong, either you or your spouse must be:

  1. Domiciled in Hong Kong at the date of the divorce petition or application;
  2. Habitually resident in Hong Kong throughout the period of three years immediately preceding the date of the divorce petition or application; or
  3. Have a substantial connection with Hong Kong at the date of the divorce petition or application.

Consult our expert family and divorce lawyers so they can help you navigate through the divorce process and provide practical solutions for issues arising from your case.

Kelly Merris – Recommended Family Lawyer

Spears 500 Family Law Index 2023

They are very competent, offering high-level advice to clients.

Gall did a fantastic job – the team was efficient.

Leading Firm – Family/Matrimonial – Chambers Greater China 2023

The team are rightly highly respected in this area by their competitors and clients. They are known for their professionalism and integrity as well as their strategic approach to litigation.

They have a wonderful commitment to diversity.

They have excellent breadth and depth of experience; covering big money, multi-party and the full range of cases.

Leading Firm, Legal 500 Asia-Pacific 2023

High degree of expertise and client-focused.

AsiaLaw Profiles 2023

Dispute Resolution Boutique Law Firm of the Year

ALB Hong Kong Law Awards 2022

Caroline McNally and Kajal Aswani – Recommended Family Lawyer

Spears 500 Family Law Index 2022-2023

Caroline McNally (Leading Family & Divorce Lawyer in Hong Kong)

Catherine Tso (Rising Star Family & Divorce Lawyer in Hong Kong)

Tier 2, Family & Divorce Practice

Doyles Guide 2022-2023

They are second to none in dealing with cross-border issues. They have deep experience in these matters and always look out for their clients’ interests.

This firm is well versed in handling international claims and international clients.

They are live to the complexities that this work throws up, and I have every confidence they can handle such claims well.

Leading Firm, Family/Matrimonial – Chambers Greater China 2022

Caroline McNally remains a highly sought-after practitioner when it comes to financial settlement matters and cases involving children.

Renowned for its emphasis on using collaborative law and mediation as alternative methods to resolve a dispute.

Leading Firm, Family/Divorce – Chambers Asia Pacific 2021

The balance that was needed in the mayhem. Thank goodness you offer this stability and reason for Hong Kong families.

Client testimonial about Caroline McNally