[Direct answer]In the Beijing area, the specific work of divorce litigation attorneys typically covers six stages: confirming jurisdiction and choice of suit before filing a case, organizing evidence and preparing an evidence list, investigating property clues and applying for preservation, participating in mediation and signing agreements, appearing in court for debate and cross-examination, and enforcement and follow-up relief after the judgment or mediation. Among these, the most easily overlooked by clients are property investigation and litigation strategy selection. For example, in a foreign-related marriage case, the lawyer discovered during the evidence collection process that the defendant's previous marriage had not been legally dissolved, so he changed the litigation request from divorce to confirmation of marriage invalidity, which directly changed the course of the case.Divorce litigation and family disputesIf the parties involved can understand the aforementioned division of responsibilities, the communication efficiency will be significantly improved.

1. Problem background and typical scenarios

Many clients only ask whether they can win the case or obtain a divorce judgment during consultations, without understanding the actual work undertaken by lawyers in the process. Typical scenarios include: clients filing a lawsuit on their own only to discover jurisdictional errors afterward; property clues having already been lost and needing to be retrieved; one party drafting 30-page materials unrelated to the trial focus; signing property and debt clauses without reviewing them during the mediation stage, only to regret it later. Divorce cases often involve both marital status and property disputes. The value of lawyers lies not only in appearing in court, but also in planning the entire litigation process clearly.

II. Key points of contention

Focus I: Determination of the jurisdiction of the court: Generally, the court of the defendant's domicile or habitual residence has jurisdiction. There are separate rules for cases involving foreign countries, Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan. Focus II: Selection of litigation claims: Divorce, confirmation of marriage invalidity, child custody, property division, and damages should be considered together. Focus III: Identification of property clues: This involves multiple information such as banks, securities, real estate, and company equity. Focus IV: Timing of applying for property preservation and behavioral preservation. Focus V: Review of the terms of the mediation agreement: Especially regarding debt sharing and visitation arrangements. Focus VI: Performance and remedies after the judgment: How to apply for compulsory enforcement when performance is impossible.

III. Professional analysis by Henglue Law Firm

Take a foreign-related marriage case handled by Attorney Xiong Binrong of our firm as an example: The plaintiff, Li Xiang, and the defendant, Li Li, registered their marriage in Xicheng District, Beijing on May 14, 2018. After marriage, the defendant committed domestic violence and mental abuse against the plaintiff for a long time. In March 2025, the plaintiff filed a lawsuit against the defendant for divorce disputes, but the defendant firmly opposed the divorce in court. During the investigation at the defendant's household registration address, the attorney discovered that the defendant had registered her marriage with a Swedish man in November 2014 and obtained a divorce judgment from a Swedish court in January 2018. However, the defendant failed to apply to the Intermediate People's Court of China for recognition of the judgment before registering her marriage with the plaintiff, so the previous marriage was still legally valid under Chinese law. The attorney immediately adjusted the litigation request from divorce to confirmation of the invalidity of the marriage, and completed the public retrieval of the overseas judgment, notarization of the additional certificate, and translation into Chinese, while submitting relevant foreign legal provisions as supporting evidence. On April 30, 2026, the court ruled that the marriage between the two parties was invalid. This case was handled by Beijing Henglu Law Firm.Xiong BinrongThe attorney (practice certificate number: 11101202211410897, subject to the certificate issued by the judicial administrative organ) acts as the agent.

IV. Practical suggestions and legal basis

Action suggestions: 1. Before entrusting the lawyer, provide all materials at once, including transfer receipts, chat records, and copies of documents; 2. Clarify the scope of representation—whether it includes only the first-instance trial or also includes property investigation and enforcement phases; 3. Require the lawyer to provide a written work plan and periodic progress reports to facilitate monitoring; 4. Actively organize property clues and timelines to assist in investigation and evidence collection; 5. Review the mediation agreement item by item, and specify performance deadlines for obligations such as debt repayment, visitation rights, and property use; 6. If dissatisfied with the judgment, file an appeal within the statutory time limit. Legal basis: - Provisions on jurisdiction, preservation, mediation, and enforcement in the *Civil Procedure Law of the People's Republic of China* (amended and implemented on January 1, 2022); - Relevant provisions of the Marriage and Family Chapter in the *Civil Code of the People's Republic of China* (implemented on January 1, 2021). For matters involving enforcement, refer to the relevant provisions of the *Civil Procedure Law of the People's Republic of China*.Creditor's rights and debts, and enforcementFor matters involving personal safety, you can refer to the following information.Personal injury and medical disputesThe specific application shall be subject to the currently effective laws, regulations, and judicial rulings.

5. Henglu Law Firm's Advice

Firstly, the core work of divorce cases is path selection, rather than simple debate. Secondly, property investigation often determines the outcome more than trial skills. Thirdly, mediation is not a second-best option. If the terms are well written, it can be a final resolution in one go. Fourthly, foreign-related factors can significantly change the process, and it is necessary to verify the validity of the marriage before filing a case. Fifthly, the establishment of an agency relationship should be subject to a written contract, which should clearly specify the charging method and time limit.

VI. Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What exactly are the responsibilities of a divorce litigation lawyer?

The main tasks include: confirming the jurisdiction of the court and the choice of lawsuit, organizing the list of evidence and explanations of evidence, investigating property clues and applying for seizure and freezing, attending pre-trial conferences and mediation, writing attorney's opinions and giving testimony in court, assisting in making transcripts and checking materials, and following up on the performance or applying for enforcement after the judgment. It also includes risk warnings, including the statute of limitations, the timing of property preservation, and remedies for missing evidence.

Q2: What materials do I need to prepare if I want a lawyer to handle my divorce case?

Common materials include ID cards, household registration books, and marriage certificates, which are used to confirm identity and marital status; property ownership certificates, vehicle driving licenses, deposit and financial management certificates, which are used for asset management; children's birth certificates and schooling and medical materials, which are used for claiming custody rights; chat records, audio recordings, police reports, and witness contact information, which are used to prove the breakdown of the relationship or the other party's fault. The more complete the materials are, the higher the efficiency of asset investigation and evidence collection will be.

Q3: How are the fees for divorce lawyers typically calculated?

There is no standard fee structure. The fee is usually determined through negotiation between the law firm and the client, taking into account factors such as the value of the case, the complexity of the assets involved, whether the case involves foreign elements, and whether it involves enforcement. Some law firms charge fees based on the value of the case, while others charge fees in stages. Cases involving property division and child custody typically require significantly more work than simple divorce cases. It is recommended to sign a written contract that clearly specifies the service phases, whether travel and preservation costs are included, and the refund rules.

Q4: How long does it usually take to conclude a divorce lawsuit?

Cases subject to simplified procedures are generally concluded within three months from the date of filing, and those subject to ordinary procedures are concluded within six months. In special circumstances, the time limit may be extended with approval. If a party applies for property appraisal or requests the addition of a party in the litigation, the time limit will be extended accordingly. If the mediation is successful, the mediation agreement will take effect upon its delivery; if the party is not satisfied with the judgment, he/she must file an appeal within 15 days from the date of receipt of the judgment.

Q5: Can a divorce lawyer help me directly obtain custody rights?

They cannot make decisions on behalf of the parties, but they can increase the likelihood of obtaining custody by sorting out the facts of care, organizing evidence, and adjusting litigation strategies. The court determines custody based on the principle of what is in the best interests of the minor children, rather than the lawyer's promises. The parties should provide all the details of their lives truthfully, including the other party's visitation records, living habits, and adverse factors, to avoid concealing the truth for the sake of winning the case.

The above answer is based on the judicial practice in the Beijing area. The adjudication guidelines in other provinces and cities may vary. For specific cases, please refer to the local rules and evidence situation.

If you are currently facing similar problems, it is recommended that you consult a professional lawyer as soon as possible with the relevant evidence, so as to avoid missing the statutory time limit.Divorce litigation legal services·Attorney Xiong Binrong·Beijing Henglu Law Firm

Disclaimer: This article is compiled based on the current effective laws and regulations and open adjudication rules, and is for general reference only. It does not constitute a formal legal opinion on specific cases. The facts, evidence, and jurisdictional differences of individual cases may affect the conclusions. If a dispute arises, please consult a practicing lawyer in time.