In June 2026, nine representatives of the Hong Kong Family Law Association (“HKFLA”) Executive Committee joined the Guangzhou Lawyers Association and the Macau Family Mediation Association in Guangzhou for the Guangzhou–Hong Kong–Macao Family Law Exchange Symposium. The visit and symposium provided an important platform for family-law practitioners and mediators across the Greater Bay Area (“GBA”) to exchange valuable experience, strengthen professional links and consider practical responses to the growing number of cross-border family matters.
The event was jointly organised by the Guangzhou Lawyers Association, the HKFLA and the Macau Family Mediation Association. It was hosted by the Marriage and Family Law Professional Committee of the Guangzhou Lawyers Association and the Tianhe District Lawyers’ Working Committee.
The symposium was particularly significant as it coincides with the 40th Anniversary of the HKFLA and the 6th Anniversary of the Macau Family Mediation Association. Nearly 100 family lawyers and mediators from Guangzhou, Hong Kong and Macau attended, reflecting the shared commitment between the three jurisdictions to closer professional cooperation in family justice and dispute resolution.
HKFLA Chairman Mr Derek K. HO delivered opening remarks alongside Ms. GU Fang, Vice-President of the Guangzhou Lawyers Association and Mr. CHAO Kam Kin, Chairman of the Supervisory Committee of the Macau Family Mediation Association. The speakers shared a common commitment to fostering sustained and substantive collaboration among family-law professionals across the Greater Bay Area, particularly as cross-border family disputes become more frequent and increasingly complex.
In his remarks, our Mr. Ho emphasised that effective cooperation among Guangzhou, Hong Kong and Macau must extend beyond formal legal arrangements. It also depends on stronger “soft connectivity” between their respective family-law and dispute-resolution systems—built through regular professional dialogue, trusted referral networks, practical information-sharing, joint training and a deeper mutual understanding of each jurisdiction’s legal framework, procedures and professional practices.
For practitioners working with families whose lives, assets and children span more than one GBA jurisdiction, the visit was a valuable reminder that effective family dispute resolution may require more than legal advice alone. Accessible support services, early intervention, skilled mediation and coordinated professional assistance can all play an important role in helping families manage conflict constructively.
Speakers and moderators from the three jurisdictions shared their respective legal frameworks, professional experience and perspectives on the challenges arising in cross-border family cases. The discussions addressed not only differences in substantive law and procedure, but also the practical realities faced by families and advisers when proceedings, assets, residence arrangements or child-related issues involve more than one jurisdiction.
The exchange was especially timely. As movement, residence, business activity and family life within the GBA become increasingly interconnected, family practitioners are more frequently required to advise on matters involving cross-border jurisdiction, financial disclosure, enforcement, children’s arrangements and alternative dispute resolution. A sound understanding of the different legal systems—and reliable professional communication across them is therefore essential.
Looking ahead, the three organisations will continue to explore opportunities for sustained cooperation, including the sharing of experience and case developments, cross-border mediation initiatives, joint professional training and enhanced referral networks. These efforts can assist practitioners in delivering more coordinated, informed and family-focused services to individuals navigating cross-border family disputes.
The HKFLA extends its sincere gratitude and appreciation to the Guangzhou Lawyers Association, the Macau Family Mediation Association, the organisers and all speakers and participants for their generous hospitality and valuable contributions.
As an organisation dedicated to furthering the development of family law, we look forward to building on this successful exchange and to further advancing collaboration in family law and dispute resolution throughout the Greater Bay Area.
