ASSOCIATEVanessa Kwan
Vanessa is an Associate of Rita Ku & Ser, specializing in family law.
Vanessa advises in all aspects of family law, including divorce, pre-and post-nuptial agreements, financial disputes, children relocation and custodial care and control issues.
Vanessa obtained her Bachelor’s Degree from McGill University, Canada in 2014, majoring in Economics. Following this, Vanessa went on to pursue a Juris Doctor degree from City University of Hong Kong School of Law, where she graduated with a Distinction. She completed her Postgraduate Certificate in Law in 2019 also from City University of Hong Kong School of Law and was on the Dean’s List.
Prior to joining RKS, Vanessa trained in an international law firm. She qualified as a solicitor in Hong Kong in January 2022.
Vanessa is bright and proactive. Vanessa has been praised by her colleagues, clients and others in the industry for her hard work, attention to detail and dedication to her clients.
Education –
McGill University, Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Economics (Major), East Asian Studies (Minor)
City University of Hong Kong, Juris Doctor, Law
City University of Hong Kong, Postgraduate Certificate in Laws
Language – English & Cantonese
Education –
McGill University, Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Economics (Major), East Asian Studies (Minor)
City University of Hong Kong, Juris Doctor, Law
City University of Hong Kong, Postgraduate Certificate in Laws
Language – English & Cantonese
LitigationFamily Cases
- Vanessa has a strong interest in financial-related matters. She has assisted in and advised on several big-money cases, involving complex corporate structures, trusts and third party interests. She has also assisted on a number of enforcement cases involving cross-jurisdictional issues.
- BKGGB v BKND [2021] HKFC 100 – Acting for the Mother. The Mother successfully applied to relocate with her daughters to the United Kingdom. Her relocation application was fiercely contested by the Father. The case involved serious allegations of child pornography against the Father and both local and international Social Investigation Reports.
General Commercial Disputes
- Vanessa has also assisted and advised on cases involving domestic violence and substance abuse. She acted for the Wife, wherein she successfully obtained an ex-parte injunction against a Husband who was stalking the Wife.
- X and another v Z [2020] HKCFI 826 – Acting for the Plaintiffs. The Plaintiff successfully applied for an injunction against the Defendant from acts of harassment and intimidation and required him to deliver up or destroy certain materials in his possession regarding the Plaintiffs. The case also involved anonymity and gagging orders.
Wealth and Sucession Planning
Vanessa also has experience in wealth planning. Vanessa has assisted in and advised clients on drafting Wills and Letters of Wishes, Enduring Powers of Attorney, and setting up and restructuring Family Trusts.
Professional Publications
For Better Or For Worse: The Impact Of COVID-19 On Weddings And Divorce In Hong Kong
Co-author, 11 March 2020
Calling It Quits: The 30-day "Cooling Off" Period Before Commencing A Divorce In China
Co-author, 5 May 2021
Legacy planning during COVID-19
Co-author, 4 April 2022