Matrimonial & Family Law

Few experiences are as emotionally devastating and life-altering as the breakdown of a marriage or family. The person you once trusted implicitly is now on the other side of the table. The stakes could not be higher—your children's future, your financial security, your home, and your mental wellbeing all hang in the balance. The Hong Kong courts have broad discretionary powers to divide assets, award maintenance, and determine custody arrangements, often with profound and irreversible consequences.

At Jal N. Karbhari, Solicitors & Notary, we are your steadfast advocate during one of the most difficult periods of your life. We provide sensitive, strategic, and results-driven representation across all aspects of matrimonial and family law—from divorce and separation, to complex financial disputes and ancillary relief, to the delicate and often fiercely contested matters of child custody and care arrangements.

Married Couples
Husbands and wives seeking divorce, judicial separation, or nullity of marriage, whether by mutual consent or contested proceedings.

Unmarried Partners
Cohabiting couples and those in de facto relationships seeking resolution of financial and property disputes following separation.

Parents
Mothers and fathers involved in disputes over the care, custody, and control of their children, including access and visitation rights.

High-Net-Worth Individuals
Wealthy individuals with substantial assets, businesses, properties, and investments requiring complex financial disclosure and valuation.

Business Owners & Entrepreneurs
Owners of companies and business interests facing disputes over business valuations, share transfers, and division of commercial assets.

Spouses Seeking Maintenance
Husbands or wives seeking financial support for themselves and their children, whether during proceedings or as part of a final settlement.

Parents with Relocation Disputes
Parents seeking to relocate with children out of Hong Kong, or opposing such relocation by the other parent.

Grandparents & Extended Family
Family members seeking access to grandchildren or involvement in care proceedings.

Divorce & Separation

The decision to end a marriage is never easy. We guide you through the legal process with clarity and sensitivity, ensuring you understand your rights and obligations at every stage.

We handle:

Uncontested divorce proceedings (by mutual consent or with agreement on all issues).

Contested divorce petitions (defended proceedings, cross-petitions, and disputes over grounds).

Judicial separation and nullity of marriage.

Separation agreements and deeds of family arrangement.

Recognition of foreign divorces and cross-border jurisdictional issues.

We work to expedite proceedings where possible and minimise the emotional toll of protracted litigation.

Ancillary Relief & Financial Settlements

Financial disputes are often the most contentious aspect of divorce. The court has wide discretionary powers under the Matrimonial Proceedings and Property Ordinance to order lump sum payments, periodical payments (maintenance), property transfers, and pension sharing.

We advise on and pursue:

Financial disclosure and discovery (Form E and full financial statements).

Valuation of matrimonial assets, including businesses, properties, shares, and pensions.

Claims for lump sum payments and property adjustment orders.

Maintenance pending suit (interim financial support during proceedings).

Variation, discharge, and enforcement of maintenance orders.

Consent orders and final financial settlements (clean break orders).

We adopt a forensic approach to financial matters, ensuring full and frank disclosure is obtained from the other side and that you receive an equitable share of the matrimonial assets.

Care, Custody & Control of Children

Disputes over children are always the most sensitive and emotionally charged. The court's paramount consideration is the welfare of the child—a principle known as the "welfare principle" enshrined in the Guardianship of Minors Ordinance.

We handle:

Applications for custody (legal responsibility) and care and control (day-to-day living arrangements).

Access and visitation orders (reasonable access, supervised access, and defined contact schedules).

Relocation applications (removal of children from Hong Kong).

Disputes over schooling, medical decisions, and major life choices.

Applications for guardianship and parental responsibility orders.

Enforcement of custody and access orders.

We recognise that children thrive best when both parents remain meaningfully involved. Where safe and appropriate, we advocate for shared parenting arrangements and collaborative solutions. Where the other parent poses a risk, we take robust steps to protect the child's physical and emotional wellbeing.

Spousal & Child Maintenance

Financial support for spouses and children is a critical aspect of family law proceedings. Whether you are the payor or the recipient, we ensure the maintenance arrangements are fair, sustainable, and enforceable.

We advise on:

Child maintenance (periodic payments and lump sums).

Spousal maintenance (ongoing financial support for a former spouse).

Variation, discharge, and suspension of maintenance orders following changes in circumstances.

Enforcement of unpaid maintenance (attachment of earnings, charging orders, and committal proceedings).

Calculation of maintenance in accordance with guidelines and case law precedents.

We ensure maintenance arrangements reflect the true financial needs of the family and the realistic means of the paying party.

Family law disputes move quickly, and the decisions made in the early stages can have lasting consequences. Whether you have just received divorce papers, are preparing to issue your own petition, or are facing an application for custody or financial relief, you need experienced legal advice immediately.

Contact Jal N. Karbhari, Solicitors & Notary today for confidential, compassionate, and results-driven matrimonial and family law advice.

Call us: +(852) 2367 7577
Email us: inquiries@karbharilaw.com

Visit us
Rooms 703-705, 7/F, Cheung Lee Commercial Building,
No. 25 Kimberley Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong