As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, family law must adapt to the complex realities of modern, cross-border relationships. From 20 to 24 May 2026, the International Academy of Family Lawyers (IAFL) Asia Pacific Chapter convened in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, for a meeting that brought together the most experienced and skilled family law specialists from across the globe. Hugill & Ip’s family team, represented by Caroline McNally and Kajal Aswani, proudly participated in this prestigious event, contributing to discussions shaping the future of international family law.
The IAFL is a worldwide association of practising lawyers recognised by their peers as leaders in their field. The Asia Pacific Chapter Meeting serves as a vital platform for legal professionals to exchange knowledge, discuss emerging trends, and collaborate on solutions to the multifaceted challenges facing families internationally.
Prior to the main meeting, the IAFL Asia Pacific Chapter organised a Symposium jointly with the Malaysian Bar Council on 19 May, focusing on the “Burning Issues and Trends in International Family Law.” This set the stage for a diverse and thought-provoking educational programme that explored a wide range of critical topics.
A Diverse and Global Perspective
Caroline McNally, a member of the Education Committee, played a pivotal role in organising the diverse programme of speakers representing 20 different jurisdictions. The conference featured legal experts from around the world, including England & Wales, the USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. A significant highlight was the strong representation from Asian jurisdictions, with speakers hailing from Hong Kong, China, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Japan.
The topics covered were as varied as the jurisdictions represented, reflecting the intricate nature of modern family law. Discussions ranged from the strategic considerations of forum shopping and the complexities surrounding the variation of child maintenance orders, to the phenomenon of “divorce nomads” and the urgent issue of forced marriage. A particular highlight of the educational programme was a lively and engaging debate on whether a 50/50 division of assets is inherently fair, a topic that continues to spark significant discourse across different legal systems.
Navigating Conduct and Behaviour in Family Law
A panel discussion focused on “Conduct and Behaviour in Family Law Matters (parenting/property and maintenance).” This session explored the delicate and often contentious role that a party’s conduct plays in shaping the outcomes of family law disputes.
Caroline McNally, who sits on the management committee of the IAFL Asia Pacific Chapter, expertly moderated this panel. Drawing on her experience in handling complex matrimonial matters in Hong Kong, Caroline guided a nuanced discussion among a distinguished group of international speakers:
- Paul Fildes (Taussig Cherrie Fildes, Australia): An Accredited Family Law Specialist with over four decades of experience, Paul provided insights into how Australian courts approach complex property litigation and high-net-worth matters in the context of conduct and the recent legislative developments to take account of family violence.
- Aleksandar Pavleski (Pavleski Law, Serbia): Specialising exclusively in family law, Aleksandar shared his expertise on handling international divorce cases and the division of assets within the Serbian legal framework.
- David Allison (Family Law in Partnership, England and Wales): A highly experienced mediator and collaborative lawyer, David discussed the approach taken in England and Wales, particularly concerning high-net-worth individuals and complex financial structures.
- Tomoko Takase (Arcus Partners, Japan): Tomoko offered valuable perspectives on the intersection of international family law and the Hague Convention within the Japanese legal system.
- Shu Mei Hoon (Drew & Napier LLC, Singapore): An experienced advocate and trusted advisor, Shu Mei provided insights into asset distribution and dispute resolution in Singapore.
The panel delved into how different jurisdictions weigh conduct when determining parenting arrangements, property division, and maintenance orders. The discussion highlighted the varying thresholds for what constitutes relevant conduct and the profound impact it can have on the final resolution of a case.
As families increasingly hold assets and ties across multiple borders, navigating these diverse legal landscapes requires the kind of sophisticated, cross-jurisdictional knowledge that the IAFL fosters.
Hugill & Ip’s active involvement in the IAFL Asia Pacific Chapter Meeting underscores our commitment to staying at the forefront of international family law. By engaging with global experts and contributing to these vital conversations, our family team ensures that we continue to provide our clients with the highest level of strategic and informed legal advice, no matter how complex or international their situation may be.
This article is for information purposes only. Its contents do not constitute legal advice and readers should not regard this article as a substitute for detailed advice in individual instances.
