Monthly Archives: March 2020
Family Violence and COVID-19 – what to do about family violence while isolated at home
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and in observance of recommendations made by the World Health Organisation (“WHO”) and governments around the world billions of people are under mandatory quarantine or isolation, or are self-quarantining or self-isolating at home to stem the tide of…Read More
To Will or not to Will
The matter of preparing a will is deeply personal and one that many individuals postpone until they are well into their years. Often we are asked when an individual should have a will in place. Taking a moderate approach, any person who is married (with…Read More
Video: COVID-19 Hong Kong employer and employee concerns and considerations
Please enjoy the Dutch Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong‘s video of partner Russell Bennett‘s session from its first webinar. Technical note: during the first 20 seconds of this video there is an echo in the audio due to a recording conflict. The audio for the rest…Read More
Press Release: Kevin Bowers leaving Tanner De Witt to set up Bowers
Kevin Bowers will shortly be leaving our firm to set up his law firm under the name “Bowers”. This move is an exciting chapter for Kevin, and he takes this step with our full, ongoing support and best wishes. Kevin joined our firm as a…Read More
Relocation applications: I want to relocate permanently from Hong Kong with my children but my former spouse will not consent
There comes a time for many when it is time to bid a fond farewell to Hong Kong. For divorced families, this can be problematic as orders on children’s arrangements will usually include a direction that a child may not be removed from Hong Kong…Read More
Executing contracts: do we really need pen and paper?
As more and more consumers buy their everyday products and services online, it is also increasingly common for parties to execute their more formal business contracts – loan agreements, distribution agreements, share purchase agreements etc. – electronically. Either by signing printed copies in counterparts and…Read More
Press Release: Tanner De Witt promotes Troy Greig to Consultant
Tanner De Witt announces with great pleasure the promotion of Troy Greig to one of the firm’s few Consultant roles. The promotion took effect on 1 March 2020. An adept international lawyer, Troy has considerable insolvency and restructuring experience, having worked with top tier firms in Australia…Read More
Legal update: Reciprocal Enforcement of Arbitral Awards between Hong Kong and Mainland China
Pre-1997 Pre-1997, the mutual enforcement of arbitral awards between the Mainland and Hong Kong was carried out by way of the New York Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards. The convention ceased to apply once Hong Kong became a Special Administrative…Read More
Inland Revenue Department confirms same sex marriages recognised as valid for stamp duty purposes
Following enquiries from its members the Law Society on 10 March 2020 received confirmation from the Inland Revenue Department (“IRD”) that same sex marriages will be recognised by the IRD as valid marriages for the purposes of the Stamp Duty Ordinance (Cap. 117). Same sex…Read More
Why the Privacy Commissioner in Hong Kong will soon have fining powers
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) in the UK has fined Cathay Pacific GBP£500,000 for failing to protect the security of its customers’ personal data. Pádraig Walsh from the Privacy and Cybersecurity practice group of Tanner De Witt reviews. The data breach The data breach was…Read More
Should I get a divorce? The legal and financial implications behind remaining married but separated
Making the decision to divorce is often not an easy one. There are many reasons why married couples may opt to separate rather than progress legal proceedings to divorce. Whether it is for religious reasons, a desire to maintain the status quo and a family…Read More
Q&A with Ivy Chan – Registered Foreign Lawyer
Ivy Chan is a Registered Foreign Lawyer and English qualified Solicitor who assists the Corporate and Commercial practice at Tanner De Witt. She specialises in banking and finance with a strong focus on secured lending involving both onshore and offshore structures. Prior to joining Tanner De Witt, Ivy…Read More