Matrimonial lawyer

Posted by isonoawabi (121 days ago)

Need a recommendation for a good matrimonial lawyer (Hong Kong) - both sides want custody of their child.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by isonoawabi (121 days ago)

A couple more questions about mediation in divorce proceedings - do the parties get to choose their own mediator? Is the mediator usually one or both of the lawyers in the proceedings or is he/she independent? If he/she is not independent, whatever mediation that takes place will not be unbiased, will it?

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by citylawyer (119 days ago)

Although I used to be a lawyer in London for many years (and in my early career practised divorce law) I do not pretend to know anything about modern divorce law and certainly I know nothing about divorce law in Hong Kong. Having said that, the problem with "deadbeat dads" is perennial and universal. There will be hundreds, if not thousands of deadbeats in Hong Kong with ex-wives being driven mad by their fruitless attempts to extract money which is properly due. If there are any agencies such as the Citizens Advice Bureaux (as in England) which provide this sort of advice it might be worth them (hopefully with a friendly lawyer) putting together an "advice kit" explaining the law in simple terms, providing sample forms and a step-by-step guide.

As a matter of interest, the following is worth looking at -- it contains a summary of the various procedures available to those seeking to enforce maintenance orders: http://www.legco.gov.hk/yr04-05/english/hc/sub_com/hs51/papers/hs511109cb2-250-2-e.pdf

Also have a look at this: http://www.helplinelaw.com/lawyers/international/hongkong-lawyers.phpok

Isn't Google a wonderful thing?

I am from Hong Kong

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by MisterD (118 days ago)

Citylawyer, you seem to have misread the post. The father is not trying to avoid maintenance payments, he wants custody of the child, as does the mother.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by evildeeds (117 days ago)

Courts here in HK are very practical and usually look at a 50/50 custody. That is what they will start with.

Kids are not commodities, although in many divorce cases they are treated as such. I've been through it in the UK so understand it well. I am also glad that here in HK they don't run by ancient victorian law that says a mother is the one kids should always be with. They understand that kids need both parents and time with both.

For all your differences please try your hardest not to affect the kids too much. You have no idea of the pain they are going through.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by isonoawabi (117 days ago)

Thanks a lot. Was asking for friends. Good that now they have decided to go for counselling and try to salvage their marriage so there is no longer any urgent need for a lawyer recommendation. Can't agree more with evildeeds. Even a child of tender age can sense something going wrong between his parents. It blew my mind when the child of five said to me, Auntie, I feel so lucky today. My dad and mum are smiling again. "You have no idea of the pain they are going through." You can say that again, evildeeds.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by evildeeds (117 days ago)

I saw it in my own kids many years ago, with a woman who was determined to use them as a weapon against me. The fact they were hurting already because of the break up was enough, I saw what they went through, especially the effect on my eldest son who was 5 at the time and had 2 more years of going through all the pain.

Even now when I think back it brings tears to my eyes seeing how badly they were affected. I'd never wish that on any child.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by isonoawabi (117 days ago)

evildeeds, sorry to hear about what your kids had gone through. It's sad that very often when things go wrong between parents, the kids become pawns and are torn between two feuding adults. They shouldn't have to go through such trauma. If adults could be more mature and less selfish! How about saying a little prayer tonight for them and for all children sweet and innocent?

(I am based in Hong Kong)