From vows to vexation: Shanghai divorce drama erupts over hefty 200-million-yuan inheritance

A high-profile divorce case in Shanghai has seized the attention of many online, as a man, identified as Wang Li, files for divorce just as his wife, Kang Lu, inherits a substantial fortune of 200 million yuan ($28 million) from her deceased parents.

Kang Lu, hailing from an affluent family, found herself in the midst of a bitter divorce battle after losing both her parents in a tragic car accident. Wang Li, initially appearing as a supportive and caring husband during the grieving process, surprised Kang with unexpected divorce papers citing a "personality clash" merely six months later.

Devastated by the sudden turn of events, Kang sought legal advice from Family & Family Law Firm. According to Tan Fang, a lawyer at the firm, since Kang's parents did not leave a will, their substantial estate, including nine houses, several stores, and over 10 million yuan in savings and investment products, would be transferred to Kang as the sole legal heir.

However, Tan pointed out that any property acquired during the marriage is considered joint marital property. This implies that Kang's substantial inheritance is subject to division with her husband.

Wang's background in law, having studied the subject during university and avidly reading legal books, came to light. Shortly after, Kang received an amended lawsuit from Wang, now demanding a partitioning of her parents' estate.

The case, disclosed by the Shanghai Law Journal on Thursday, has stirred speculation about Wang's motives and behavior, prompting discussions on the necessity of leaving a will, particularly in affluent families like Kang's.

The lawyer emphasized the importance of parents making a will to specify the distribution of their property, highlighting that the inheritance of one spouse becomes joint marital property upon marriage. The case has ignited conversations about the legal nuances surrounding inheritances within marriages and the need for clear documentation to avoid such contentious situations.