Hong Kong

The Family Court of Hong Kong is a court (part of the District Court) which mainly deals with cases relating to divorces and welfare maintenance for children.

Hong Kong residents can start a petition for divorce only if having been married for at least one year and be able to prove reasons (or “grounds”) for saying that the marriage has irretrievably broken down. They have to fill in a petition form and take it personally to the Family Court Registry. If the couple jointly apply to the court, they should together fill in a joint application form. If there are children of the family who are under the age of 18, Their custody and access must be included. Petitioners seeking legal advice can contact the Duty Lawyer Service’s free Legal Advice Scheme for preliminary legal advice including matrimonial law in District Offices.