Mutual Consent Divorce
Both parties agree on divorce, child custody, and property division. Apply at the civil affairs bureau with: marriage certificate, residence permits, divorce agreement, and passport/ID. A 30-day cooling-off period (Civil Code 2021) applies — either party may withdraw during this period.
Contested Divorce
File a lawsuit in the Basic People's Court where the defendant resides. Grounds include adultery, domestic violence, abandonment, separation of 2+ years, or irretrievable breakdown. First instance typically takes 3–6 months. If divorce is denied, the plaintiff must wait 6 months to re-file.
Cross-Border Recognition
Chinese divorce judgments may be recognized in foreign courts under bilateral treaties or comity. Foreign divorce judgments can be recognized in China under relevant treaties.