8 Years,2 Countries,1 Divorce—Foreign Couple’s Fast End in China

Source: OT-Team(G)，湾里人民法庭

  Recently, a court in Liaoning Province released details of a cross-border divorce case.  

The plaintiff, a citizen of Country A, had lived in a city in Liaoning after obtaining permanent residency, while the defendant, a national of Country B, had initially lived with the plaintiff in the city. The couple had registered their marriage in Denmark in 2017 and lived together in China. However, over time, cultural differences and conflicting lifestyles led to strain in their relationship. In 2020, the defendant moved to the Philippines, leaving the plaintiff behind in Liaoning, where they have continued to live separately. With their relationship irreparably damaged, the plaintiff filed for divorce, seeking a legal resolution from the court.

This divorce case, involving international parties, is categorized as a cross-border marriage dissolution. The court swiftly initiated the process, taking into account the complexities of such cases. Judge Zhang, overseeing the matter, first reviewed the residency and immigration status of both parties. To expedite the process, the judge contacted the defendant, who was residing abroad, via email, providing them with electronic copies of the lawsuit and accompanying evidence. The judge also took the time to explain the judicial procedures for handling international civil and commercial cases, ensuring both parties understood their rights and responsibilities.

To verify the intentions of both parties and meet the necessary legal requirements, the court requested that the defendant authenticate their response through notarization and certification. The defendant was also asked to clarify whether translation of documents was necessary. In addition, both parties were required to provide details on the state of their relationship, the custody of any children, shared assets, and financial obligations, all of which were mailed to the court.

Prior to the trial, the court took steps to verify the identities of both parties, and they were instructed to upload their evidence into the court's online system. This enabled the foreign defendant to participate in the proceedings remotely, ensuring an efficient and timely trial process despite the geographical distance.

To facilitate communication, the court partnered with a local notary and translation agency to offer notarial and translation services for the case. During the trial, simultaneous interpretation was provided in both Chinese and English. The two parties were able to exchange evidence, present their respective arguments, and eventually reach a mediation agreement. The case was concluded smoothly, with the divorce settlement finalized through electronic signatures, all within just one month of filing.