Frequently Asked Questions

26 2026-10

If I change one sentence in my handwritten will, do I need to sign it again?

If the self-written will is amended by changing a single sentence, it should be rewritten and signed by the testator with the date noted. Any alterations to the original text must be signed or stamped by the testator at the amended location. Otherwise, the validity of the amendment may be easily questioned, and it is recommended to draw up a new will.

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26 2026-10

After the judgment is made in China, how can foreign courts recognize and enforce it?

In China, a judgment that has come into effect needs to be recognized and enforced by a foreign court. The process depends on the Sino-foreign judicial assistance treaty, the principle of reciprocity, and local review standards. It is necessary to first verify the treaty, prepare all notarization, authentication, and translation materials, and then submit the application.

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26 2026-10

The divorce agreement stipulates that the house will be given to the child, but what should I do if the other party changes their mind later on?

According to the divorce agreement, if the other party reneges on the agreement to give the house to the children, they can file a lawsuit to request performance or transfer of ownership in accordance with Article 1076 of the Civil Code; the reneging party must prove grounds for revocation such as fraud or coercion. Otherwise, the court will generally support the performance of the agreement.

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26 2026-10

Can the divorce property transferred to parents be recovered?

Before divorce, if the couple transfer their jointly owned property to their parents, the transferred property can be legally recovered. According to Article 1092 of the Civil Code, the transferring party may receive a smaller share or no share at all. If this is discovered after the divorce, the parties can file a lawsuit to request a re-division of the property.

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26 2026-10

What are the new requirements of the latest Civil Code for the procedure of divorce by agreement?

The new cooling-off period for divorce by agreement in the Civil Code: the application can be withdrawn within 30 days after receipt, and the couple must personally pick up the divorce certificate within 30 days after the expiration of the cooling-off period. Failure to pick up the certificate within the time limit shall be deemed as a withdrawal of the application. Registration must be based on t...

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26 2026-10

Can the cooling-off period for divorce be shortened?

The cooling-off period for divorce cannot be shortened on one's own. According to Article 1077 of the Civil Code, there is a 30-day withdrawal period and a 30-day application period, which are mandatory by law. In cases of domestic violence and other circumstances, people can file for divorce through litigation to bypass this requirement.

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26 2026-10

How to draft a prenuptial agreement for a remarried family?

For remarried families, the prenuptial agreement should specify the list of assets and their ownership, and it should be in writing to be effective according to Article 1065 of the Civil Code. For matters involving the inheritance of children, a separate will can be drawn up to address these issues, and it is recommended to have important assets notarized.

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26 2026-10

Do both spouses need to sign for joint debts?

The joint debts of a married couple do not necessarily require both parties to sign; according to Article 1064 of the Civil Code, loans for daily household needs are considered joint debts, and the excess part must be proven by the creditor to have been used for the common life of the couple.

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26 2026-10

How are overseas assets divided during a divorce?

The division of overseas assets follows the principle of joint ownership, but there are difficulties in jurisdiction, investigation, and enforcement. Chinese courts can handle these matters together, the key lies in notarization, authentication, and judicial confirmation. Foreign nationals must file a lawsuit or engage in mediation to divorce.

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26 2026-10

Does the divorce cooling-off period apply to both consensual divorce and litigious divorce?

The cooling-off period for divorce only applies to divorce by agreement, and divorce by litigation is not subject to any restrictions. According to Article 1077 of the Civil Code, the cooling-off period lasts 30 days. The couple must register their marriage within 30 days after the cooling-off period expires, and any delay beyond this time will be considered a withdrawal of the application.

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26 2026-10

How to apply for a personal safety protection order?

A personal safety protection order should be applied to the grassroots court in accordance with the Anti-Domestic Violence Law, and evidence of domestic violence should be submitted. The court will make a ruling within 72 hours, and an emergency ruling within 24 hours. The order may prohibit violence and harassment, and order the offender to move out.

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