JUDGES in Shenzhen have been intensifying their efforts to address the growing number of cross-border family disputes by providing enhanced legal services for those involved, according to a report released by the Longhua District People’s Court on Tuesday. Per the report, the Shenzhen Family Trial Center Involving Hong Kong-Macao-Taiwan and Foreign Factors, established in 2022 as a division of the court, is dedicated to handling first-instance, cross-border family lawsuits. These cases include divorce proceedings, child custody battles, inheritance disputes, and property allocation matters. The report indicates that as of July 5, the center had processed 2,783 cases, with approximately 70% involving litigants from Hong Kong. This underscores the close connections between Shenzhen and Hong Kong, reflecting dynamic integration within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. To prevent emotionally charged individuals from harming their family members or disrupting public security, judges at the center are mandated to prioritize the well-being of litigants and efficiently resolve their disputes in an equitable manner, according to the report. All litigants have access to amenities at the center’s rest area, where they can unwind in a musical massage chair and release stress on a punching bag. Additionally, there is a nursery to care for infants. Children can play with toys and read books in a waiting room while accompanied by family members, it said. Furthermore, litigants are able to mediate disputes through an online platform to alleviate the burden of travel and save time, the report said. To find the best way to resolve family disputes and provide stronger protections for children involved in the cases, the center has set up a psychological assessment room and an observation room where judges can evaluate the interactions of litigants with their children and assess the quality of their relationships, it added. The report also underscores the need for further service optimization and the enhancement of training for legal professionals in light of rising cross-border family disputes and the significant challenges posed by locating individuals and assets outside the Chinese mainland. According to the report, from Jan. 1 to July 5, 905 cases have been filed at the center, surpassing the total number of lawsuits handled in 2024. (China Daily) | 