Clarifying Litigation Pathways for Cross-Border Marriages | Dehe TALK Session 16 Held

"Dehe TALK" is an important segment of the 20th Anniversary Event Series of Shanghai DHHT Law Firm. It aims to facilitate in-depth exchanges on cutting-edge theories and practical issues through thematic sharing, lawyer dialogues and other forms.

On 27 October 2026, the 16th session of "Dehe TALK", an event within the 20th Anniversary Series of Shanghai DHHT Law Firm, themed “Matrimonial Litigation amid Cross-Border Talent Mobility”, was successfully held. The event was organized by the Shanghai Family Affairs and Family Wealth Management Committee of Shanghai DHHT Law Firm.

The discussion covered jurisdiction, property settlement, the validity of prenuptial agreements and other issues arising in cross-border matrimonial litigation. It sought to deepen lawyers’ understanding of rules and practical approaches across different jurisdictions and provide references for the resolution of relevant family disputes. Lawyer Hu Jun, Secretary-General of the Shanghai Family Affairs and Family Wealth Management Committee of Shanghai DHHT Law Firm, moderated the session.

During the thematic sharing session, Lawyer Xian Yifan, Principal of Yifan Law Firm (Hong Kong), Solicitor of the High Court of Hong Kong and Doctor of Laws from the University of Hong Kong, delivered an online presentation titled Legal Strategies in Cross-Border Matrimonial Litigation. Starting with disputes over jurisdiction, he outlined the jurisdictional tests adopted by Hong Kong courts in divorce proceedings and the principles governing asset division. He also addressed practical matters including unilateral disposal of assets, interim remedies and the handling of trust assets, helping participating lawyers gain a clearer grasp of procedural tools and asset disposal approaches in Hong Kong cross-border matrimonial litigation.

Subsequently, Lawyer Wen Hui, Deputy Secretary-General of the Shanghai Family Affairs and Family Wealth Management Committee of Shanghai DHHT Law Firm, gave a presentation entitled Ascertaining the Legal Effect of Prenuptial Agreements in Cross-Border Marriages — A Comparison of Judicial Practice in Hong Kong and Mainland China. By comparing judicial practices in Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland, she sorted out the formation, validity review and judicial recognition of prenuptial agreements. She highlighted key considerations for cross-border marriages such as true intent, signing procedures, property stipulations and governing law, offering insights for drafting prenuptial agreements and preventing related disputes.

This event sorted out key legal issues in cross-border matrimonial disputes from two dimensions: litigation response and contractual arrangement, broadening the practical perspective of participating lawyers for family matters across different jurisdictions. Going forward, Shanghai DHHT Law Firm will continue to organize professional exchanges in the fields of cross-border family law and family wealth management, deepen rule research and business collaboration, and steadily enhance its comprehensive legal service capabilities.