By Paul Firmin, Partner

We receive a lot of enquiries from prospective clients, many of whom assume simply because they got married in Hong Kong or lived in Hong Kong some time ago (but don’t live in Hong Kong anymore), that they can get divorced here.

©HKTDC Hong Kong's new legislation encourages mediation

The Hong Kong Trade and Development Council

March 2010

Negotiations leading to an out-of-court settlement seem to be the least damaging and inexpensive route for Chinese mainland traders to take in contractual disputes.

That's because Chinese businesses prefer a less confrontational appoach to disagreements than in the west, where executives are quick to call their lawyers. Mediation is more than a harmonious approach to settling disputes and keeping relationships going; it also keeps trade secrets and the dispute and resolution confidential, legal advisers say.