Why millions of Chinese people are filing for divorce every year
Dramatic social changes are a major element in the rising number of separations, but legal experts warn domestic abuse is also a serious problem
When Zhou Ying from Guangzhou ended her 10-year marriage last year she felt a weight lift from her shoulders.
Not only did the 38-year-old get custody of her eight-year-old son, as well as possession of the family flat and a substantial portion of their shared savings, she no longer had to face the constant arguments that had become a feature of her marriage.
There was little romance left between Zhou and her husband, and eventually the relationship became too exhausting for both of them, she said.
“We were in love at first sight and it will always leave a scar that the relationship ended in divorce, but I think it is less painful than if we hated each other and let the boy live in a hostile environment,” Zhou said. “Financially I can support me and my boy. My quality of life is not affected.”
Unlike older generations who may have settled for an unhappy marriage, divorce is no longer socially taboo in China.
Couples can either register a divorce with the civil affairs authority, indicating they have agreed to go their separate ways, or they can sue for divorce through the courts, which can rule on custody of children and how to dispose of any assets.