When romance ends, property arguments begin. Beijing-based lawyer Zhang Jing said he has been bombarded with inquiries since Saturday, when divorce property rules changed.

Previously, marital assets were divided equally unless either party was found guilty of bigamy, domestic violence, abandoning the family or living with a lover for three months or longer.

Now, the partner whose parents bought the property for the couple will retain sole ownership in a divorce.

The change is part of a new judicial interpretation of the marriage law.

As a result of the change, one of Zhang's clients insisted that her name be registered as co-owner of the matrimonial apartment, which her husband's parents purchased, so she would have a right to claim the asset if the marriage fell apart. Read full article