Questions
Every page answers one question, states the answer first, and separates what China can do from what must be handled elsewhere.
Can a Chinese court divide overseas real estate?
Generally a Chinese court will not make a directly enforceable order over real property located outside China. What it can do is dea…
What happens if my spouse cannot be located abroad?
The case can still proceed. Where none of the statutory service routes can be used, the court serves by public notice, and since the…
Does China recognise a foreign divorce decree?
Not automatically. A foreign divorce decree does not take effect in China on its own; it must be recognised by a Chinese court on ap…
Do I need a Chinese lawyer if I live abroad?
For any matter that must be resolved in a Chinese court or before a Chinese authority — a divorce filing, recognition of a foreign d…
How long does recognition of a foreign divorce judgment take?
Recognition is a court procedure with its own review, not a registration formality. Timelines vary with the court's caseload, the co…
How do I apostille documents for a China filing?
Have the public document certified with an Apostille by the competent authority of the country that issued it, then obtain a certifi…
Which Chinese court manages divorce for overseas Chinese?
Where the country of settlement declines jurisdiction — typically because the marriage was registered in China, or because the suit …
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