10-14-2025, 10:55 PM
In February 2025, China quietly rolled out a new divorce law — and it’s already shaking things up across the country.
Under the new rule, couples will no longer automatically share property 50/50 after a divorce. Instead, what you take depends on what you bought or contributed to financially.
That means — if a house, car, or business was registered in your partner’s name alone, you may not get half anymore. The court now looks at who paid for it, whose name is on the title, and how much each person actually contributed.
Domestic work and emotional support? They can still count — but only if clearly proven. The new emphasis is on financial input and ownership.
To make things even stricter, there’s also a 30-day “cooling-off period” for mutual divorces. Either person can cancel the process within that time — which means no more quick, emotional splits.
Supporters say this law protects personal property and prevents unfair claims. Critics argue it could hurt stay-at-home spouses, especially women, who may have contributed through years of unpaid care and labor.
Whatever your view, one thing is clear — China’s divorce game just changed forever. Couples are now keeping receipts, tracking who paid for what, and thinking twice before saying “I do.”
Under the new rule, couples will no longer automatically share property 50/50 after a divorce. Instead, what you take depends on what you bought or contributed to financially.
That means — if a house, car, or business was registered in your partner’s name alone, you may not get half anymore. The court now looks at who paid for it, whose name is on the title, and how much each person actually contributed.
Domestic work and emotional support? They can still count — but only if clearly proven. The new emphasis is on financial input and ownership.
To make things even stricter, there’s also a 30-day “cooling-off period” for mutual divorces. Either person can cancel the process within that time — which means no more quick, emotional splits.
Supporters say this law protects personal property and prevents unfair claims. Critics argue it could hurt stay-at-home spouses, especially women, who may have contributed through years of unpaid care and labor.
Whatever your view, one thing is clear — China’s divorce game just changed forever. Couples are now keeping receipts, tracking who paid for what, and thinking twice before saying “I do.”

