How Hong Kong law deals with the complicated matter of divorce

South China Morning PostEN 2 min read 100% complete by Bernard ManFebruary 12, 2026 at 02:30 AM

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In Hong Kong, divorce law has evolved significantly from its historical roots in canon law and ecclesiastical courts. England established the Court for Divorce and Matrimonial Causes in 1857, abolishing the Church courts' divorce jurisdiction. While divorce is now more accessible in common law jurisdictions, Hong Kong still requires specific conditions. Even with mutual consent, couples without fault-based grounds like adultery or unreasonable behavior must live apart for at least a year to obtain a divorce. Contested petitions, where one party opposes the divorce and requires proof of grounds, still occur, often for strategic reasons. This reflects a balance between accessibility and legal requirements in Hong Kong's divorce process.

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Thomas Cranmer 50% Hong Kong Bar 60% Henry VIII ×260% United Kingdom ×270% Hong Kong ×290%

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divorce 100% hong kong law 80% marriage breakdown 70% common law 60% unreasonable behaviour 50% adultery 50% family law 40% contested petitions 40%

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South China Morning Post

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90%

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Hong Kong

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divorce hong kong law marriage breakdown common law unreasonable behaviour adultery family law contested petitions

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