The Mainland Judgments in Matrimonial & Family Cases (Reciprocal Recognition & Enforcement) Ordinance and the relevant matrimonial and family arrangement came into operation today.

Under the new mechanism, the courts of the Mainland and of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region may recognise and enforce reciprocally effective civil judgments in matrimonial and family cases that are made by the courts of the other place and are covered by the arrangement.

The Department of Justice said the new mechanism reduces the need for parties concerned to relitigate the same dispute in the Mainland and Hong Kong courts, thereby saving their time and costs as well as relieving their emotional distress.

It also allows them convenient and timely access to effective judicial relief, with their rights better protected, the department added.

The new mechanism applies to judgments given by Hong Kong or Mainland courts from today onwards in cases covered by the matrimonial and family arrangement and also to divorce certificates by a civil affairs department on the Mainland.

Noting that Hong Kong and the Mainland have established an effective system for mutual legal assistance in civil and commercial matters under the principle of “one country, two systems”, Secretary for Justice Teresa Cheng said the matrimonial and family arrangement signifies a new milestone in mutual legal assistance in civil and commercial matters between the two places.

“It also represents another innovative initiative that adheres to the upholding of the principle of 'one country' while leveraging the advantages of 'two systems'.” Ms Cheng added.

The Supreme People's Court and the Department of Justice co-organised a webinar on the topic today. The public may read the promotional leaflet for more details.

The department will host another seminar on cross-boundary family mediation tomorrow. Click here for details.