Getting divorced is never easy but it can be made easier by knowing the laws and the assistance from the right solicitors.

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General information about jurisdiction and inconvenience

The courts of Hong Kong deal with large numbers of international divorce cases. Hong Kong has jurisdiction if certain specified conditions are fulfilled but it is important to understand that the courts may decline jurisdiction on the grounds of inconvenience in some cases.

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Jurisdictional Requirements:

Hong Kong courts have jurisdiction of divorce cases if –

a) Either of the parties to the marriage was domiciled in Hong Kong at the date of the petition or application; or

b) Either of the parties to the marriage was habitually resident in Hong Kong throughout the period of 3 years immediately preceding the date of the petition or application; or

c) Either of the parties to the marriage had a substantial connection with Hong Kong at the date of the petition or application.

The meaning of the term "domicile" is significantly affected by a Domicile Ordinance "to consolidate and reform the law for determining the domicile of individuals" enacted as of 1 March 2009, which amends the common law of domicile in certain respects.

The meaning of the term "substantial connection" has been discussed in several international divorce cases. Cases have held that a party's connection with Hong Kong must be "of sufficient significance or worth, to justify the courts of Hong Kong assuming jurisdiction in respect of matters going to, and consequential upon, the dissolution of that party's marriage." In this regard, a judge stated that, "good sense dictates that there is a difference between residing in Hong Kong for a month or two to oversee a short-term project and being posted here together with one's family for a period of several years."

Declining Jurisdiction in International Cases:

Hong Kong courts may decline to accept jurisdiction by reason of the doctrine of forum non conveniens.

In order to warrant such an order the applicant must establish that there is another available forum that has competent jurisdiction and that is the appropriate forum for the trial of an action i.e. in which the action may be tried more suitably for the interests of all the parties and the ends of justice.

In order to answer this question, the applicant for the stay has to establish that:

1. That Hong Kong is not the natural or appropriate forum ('appropriate' in this context means the forum has the most real and substantial connection with the action); and

2. That there is another available forum which is clearly or distinctly more appropriate than Hong Kong.

If the applicant is able to establish both of these two matters, then the plaintiff in the Hong Kong proceeding has to show that he will be deprived of a legitimate personal or juridical advantage if the action is tried in a forum other than Hong Kong.

If the plaintiff is able to establish this, the court will have to balance the advantages of the alternative forum with the disadvantages that the plaintiff may suffer. Deprivation of one or more personal advantages will not necessarily be fatal to the applicant for the stay if he is able to establish to the court's satisfaction that substantial justice will be done in the available appropriate forum.

While the Hong Kong courts have granted applications to stay divorce cases in some international divorce cases the courts have often expressed pride in their experience in international matters and their ability to handle such matters. In one cases the judge stated that,

"The family courts in Hong Kong have vast experiences in dealing with cases of an international dimension. Many involved the large expatriate community in Hong Kong whose assets are located both in Hong Kong and overseas. The Hong Kong courts regularly deal with the valuation of overseas properties and make orders thereto. In terms of convenience and expense of hearing, Hong Kong has a purpose-built technology court room with video linkage to overseas countries. "

Contributed by Jeremy D. MorIey