Common Legal Situations
in Shenzhen
Start with what happened. Preserve the right records. Find your next step.
1. What happened?
Choose the closest situation to get started.
Rental deposit not returned
Real Estate Law- Check lease and handover records
- Collect payment records
- Communicate in writing
Unpaid salary or a job ending
Employment Law- Check the contract and records
- Check the labour authority route
- Prepare an evidence timeline
Contract or paid service not delivered
Civil Law- Review the contract and terms
- Keep complete communications
- Check negotiation or dispute routes
Product or online shopping dispute
Consumer Protection- Keep the order and payment proof
- Photograph the issue safely
- Use platform and official channels
Traffic accident, injury or compensation
Civil / Traffic Law- Make safety and medical care first
- Keep police and medical records
- Preserve photos and insurance details
Marriage, divorce, children or family safety
Family Law- Prioritise safety and children
- Keep key documents and records
- Check mainland and cross-border rules
Visa, residence or work permission
Immigration Law- Check expiry dates and conditions
- Check registration requirements
- Contact the correct authority promptly
Police questioning, fraud or a crime
Criminal Law- Follow official procedures
- Keep records and reference numbers
- Seek qualified legal help early
2. One situation may involve more than one route
Unpaid salary + work permission
Employment + Immigration
An employment dispute may also affect your work and residence arrangements.
Rental dispute + accommodation registration
Housing + Immigration
Keep the housing dispute and required accommodation registration as separate tasks.
Fraud or scam + recovering money
Criminal + Civil
A police report and a civil claim may be separate routes. A report does not guarantee a refund.
Divorce + property + child matters
Family + Property
Check children, assets and any overseas documents with a qualified lawyer.
3. A useful first approach
Write a short, dated chronology
List what happened, when and where, in simple order.
Preserve original records
Keep contracts, receipts, photos, full message threads and official notices.
Identify the correct authority
Check the procedure, jurisdiction and any notice deadline. Negotiating does not automatically extend it.
Get case-specific help early
Seek a PRC-qualified lawyer when safety, children, freedom, property, immigration or substantial money is involved.
4. Common Case Route Finder
Choose the facts that matter. Get a starting point to check, not a legal conclusion.
Possible starting points
Complete the form to compare negotiation, mediation, a consumer complaint, labour arbitration, court filing, police or another official route.
Your situation may involve several routes. Check jurisdiction and deadlines with the authority or a qualified lawyer.
5. Evidence Wallet
Prepare a useful consultation. No documents are uploaded.
Add an event to your timeline
Use short notes. Avoid passport numbers, bank details or sensitive personal information.
Documents
Contracts, identity details, agreements and any translation. Keep originals safely; do not upload them here.
Use the checklist beside this panel to mark what you have prepared. Store the actual files securely on your own device.
Payments
Receipts, transfers, invoices and a clear calculation of the amount involved.
Use the checklist beside this panel to mark what you have prepared. Store the actual files securely on your own device.
Messages
Complete conversations with dates, account details and attachments. Keep the original thread.
Use the checklist beside this panel to mark what you have prepared. Store the actual files securely on your own device.
Photos / Video
Relevant images and recordings already lawfully available. Preserve dates and original files.
Use the checklist beside this panel to mark what you have prepared. Store the actual files securely on your own device.
Official notices
Police references, authority letters, decisions and the dates you received them.
Use the checklist beside this panel to mark what you have prepared. Store the actual files securely on your own device.
6. Which route does what?
Use this comparison to prepare questions for the responsible service.
| Route | Main purpose | Outcome / enforceability | Costs to check | Key records | Where to start |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Direct negotiation | Resolve directly with the other party | A settlement can create binding obligations; enforcement may need a further route. | No official negotiation fee | Contract, messages, payments | The other party |
| People’s mediation | Voluntary resolution with a mediator | A valid agreement is binding. Judicial confirmation can support enforcement. | Mediation is free | Identity, dispute records, proposed terms | Local mediation committee / justice office |
| Administrative complaint | Consumer, market or sector issues | The result depends on the authority and procedure; a complaint is not a court judgment. | Check the relevant service | Receipts, orders and relevant records | 12315 / responsible authority |
| Labour arbitration | Employment and wage disputes | Legal effect and review rights depend on the type of award and applicable rules. | No labour arbitration fee; separate lawyer costs may apply | Employment contract, pay and attendance records | Competent labour arbitration commission |
| Commercial arbitration | Covered contractual or commercial disputes | A valid arbitration agreement and jurisdiction must be checked. Awards have statutory effect. | Institution’s fee schedule | Contract, arbitration clause and evidence | Agreed arbitration institution |
| Civil court filing | Resolve a civil dispute through court | Judgments and review or enforcement follow court procedures. | Court fees depend on the claim; relief may be available | Claim, parties, jurisdiction and evidence | Court with jurisdiction |
| Police report | Suspected crime, threats or personal safety | A report starts an official assessment; it does not itself decide civil compensation. | Check the official service; legal representation is separate | Safe evidence, references and identification | 110 in an emergency / police station |
| Legal consultation / representation | Understand options or obtain case-specific help | Advice is not a judgment. Representation and legal aid depend on scope and eligibility. | Ask for fees in writing; aid eligibility varies | Short chronology and key records | 12348 / a PRC-qualified lawyer |
Jurisdiction, limitation periods, appeal rights and fee relief depend on the facts and current rules. Confirm them before acting.
18 situations, step by step
Keep reading in the detailed case library.
Civil and workplace problems 3
Rental problems 3
Police, fraud and crime 3
Family safety, separation and children 3
Immigration and work permission 3
Suppliers, invoices and contracts 3
Illustrative situations and editorial images. English and Spanish summaries are for orientation; consult current official Chinese texts. LifeShenzhen is not a law firm.