Have Assets in Both China and Canada? A Dual-Licensed Lawyer Can Give You Options Others Cannot
Miao He holds dual licences in Ontario and China — 15+ years combined practice in both countries, handling cross-border jurisdiction and property division · 647-930-6688
A Situation Many Chinese-Canadians Face
Many Chinese-Canadians living in Ontario also have real estate, bank accounts, or other assets in China. When divorce becomes a reality, an unusual legal question arises:
Both countries have jurisdiction.
A Chinese court can handle the divorce. So can a Canadian court. Which one should you choose?
The answer to that question directly affects how much you walk away with.
Where You File Is a Strategic Decision
Different countries apply different rules to property division:
- ✓Ontario uses equalization of net family property — all worldwide assets are included in the calculation
- ✓China's property division rules differ fundamentally from Ontario's
- ✓Filing in the wrong jurisdiction can cost you significantly — sometimes the difference is substantial
Making this decision well requires a lawyer who genuinely knows both legal systems — not one who knows one and guesses at the other.
Already Divorced in China? Your Canadian Assets May Still Be Unresolved
This is one of the most common situations we encounter: a client completed their divorce in China and received a divorce certificate. But the Chinese court only divided assets located in China. Canadian real estate, bank accounts, and investments were never addressed.
The marriage is legally over — but the Canadian property division is still unresolved. Can a Canadian court still address it? Are there limitation periods? What procedure applies?
These questions require a lawyer who understands both Chinese divorce procedure and Ontario family law. Without that dual knowledge, you may unknowingly lose your right to recover Canadian assets.
Miao He's Dual Licence — Not Just Two Certificates
Miao He holds:
- ✓Law Society of Ontario licence — #83315K, verifiable at lso.ca
- ✓China Bar Association licence — qualified to handle Chinese legal matters directly
Behind these licences is real courtroom experience: 15+ years combined practice in China and Ontario, with actual litigation experience in both legal systems.
In practice, Miao He has used her dual-jurisdiction knowledge to help many clients resolve cross-border property division and jurisdiction strategy problems — including clients who completed their divorce in China and needed to recover Canadian assets that were never addressed.
Frequently Asked Questions
I have assets in both China and Ontario — which country should I file for divorce in?
The answer depends on how each country's law would treat your assets. Ontario uses global net family property equalization — all worldwide assets are included. Chinese law applies different rules. Miao He holds dual licences in Ontario and China and can analyze which legal framework gives you a better outcome. Call 647-930-6688.
I already got divorced in China — can I still recover my Canadian assets?
Possibly — but act quickly. A Chinese divorce judgment does not automatically divide Canadian property. You may still have the right to apply to a Canadian court for property division, but there are limitation periods and procedural requirements. Get legal advice as soon as possible. Call 647-930-6688.
What is the practical difference between a dual-licensed lawyer and a single-jurisdiction lawyer?
A single-jurisdiction lawyer can only analyze your case from one legal system's perspective. A dual-licensed lawyer can evaluate both legal systems simultaneously, help you choose the more advantageous jurisdiction, and handle cross-border legal matters directly — without referring you to a separate specialist. Call 647-930-6688.
Book an Initial Consultation with Miao He
30-minute initial consultation · $220 + HST · Mandarin & English
Markham office or Zoom · Ontario-wide service
