In September 2025, Vietnamese social media was abuzz with the news that actress Lan Phương- known for her roles in hit dramas like Thương Ngày Nắng Về- had officially divorced her British husband, David Duffy. The couple had been married since 2018 and shared two daughters together, one born in 2018 and another in 2023, but their relationship, once admired as a cross-cultural love story, ended in a courtroom battle in Hanoi.
While the story captured headlines for its emotional twists and celebrity drama, it also sheds light on the legal complexities of divorce involving foreign elements in Vietnam. For anyone married to a foreigner-or considering cross-border family life-this case provides valuable lessons on rights, obligations, and procedures.
The Story Behind the Split
Lan Phương and David’s marriage began with romance: a chance meeting, whirlwind love, and a wedding soon after she became pregnant with their first child. But cracks began to show in the years that followed:
- Lan Phương alleged years of emotional abuse, infidelity, and lack of support during her pregnancies, while David denied the claims, attributing her perceptions to postpartum depression
- David’s frequent work travel and relocation to Đà Nẵng reportedly deepened the distance between them.
- In May 2025, Lan Phương filed aunilateral divorce petition in Hanoi, citing mental neglect, lack of responsibility, and irreconcilable differences.
On September 17, 2025, the Hanoi People’s Court issued its decision:
- The court granted Lan Phương custody of both daughters.
- David was ordered to pay 40 million VND per monthin child support until the children reach adulthood.
- With no shared assets or debts, property division was not an issue.
- Both parties retain the right to appeal.
The outcome made headlines not only because of the couple’s fame but also because it highlighted how Vietnamese courts handle marriages where one spouse is a foreigner.
The Law on Divorce With Foreign Elements
Under Article 127 of the Law on Marriage and Family 2014, a divorce is considered to have a “foreign element” if:
- One spouse is a foreigner, or
- Both are Vietnamese but reside abroad, or
- Property subject to division is located overseas.
In such cases, jurisdiction, applicable law, and enforcement can be more complicated than in purely domestic divorces.
1. Jurisdiction in Vietnam
If the Vietnamese spouse resides in Vietnam-as in Lan Phương’s case-the Vietnamese courts have jurisdiction. The lawsuit must be filed in the People’s Court of the province or city where one of the spouses resides.
2. Grounds for Divorce
Vietnam recognizes both mutual consent divorces (when both parties agree) and unilateral divorces (when only one side petitions). Courts consider whether the marriage has become “seriously strained” and whether the purpose of marriage-mutual love, care, and support-can no longer be achieved.
Lan Phương’s claims of emotional neglect, lack of responsibility, and prolonged conflicts were sufficient for the court to conclude that reconciliation was not possible.
3. Custody and Child Support
Lan Phuong emphasized that she could provide a more suitable living environment for the children, particularly as the younger child was still an infant and would benefit from close maternal care. She also demonstrated strong financial capacity, noting that she owned her own apartment, received rental income, and operated a company with registered capital of VND 5 billion. In addition, she reported annual earnings of approximately VND 7 billion from acting, advertising, and business activities.
David, meanwhile, claimed a stable monthly income of VND 160 million, with savings and the ability to provide full support for the children without requiring assistance from Lan Phuong.
Despite both parties’ financial stability, the court accepted the prosecution’s view that the younger child should stay with the mother and that both children would benefit from being raised together in a stable environment.
The Court ultimately awarded custody of both children to Lan Phuong, while requiring David to provide VND 40 million per month in child support. Importantly, both parents were granted visitation rights, with the judgment underscoring that “no parent may obstruct the other from visiting or caring for the children.”
4. Property Division
Where there is no joint property, courts make no division. If property exists abroad, Vietnamese courts may require cooperation with foreign authorities, and foreign law may apply to immovable property outside Vietnam.
5. Appeals and Enforcement
Either party can appeal the first-instance judgment within the prescribed period (usually 15 days). Enforcement of child support can be more challenging if the foreign spouse relocates abroad, however Vietnamese court judgments may still be enforceable in foreign jurisdictions provided that there are belateral treatires on cross-border judicial assistance between Vietnam and those foreign jurisdictions.
Lessons From the Case
- Evidence Matters
In contested divorces, especially those involving allegations of abuse or neglect, documentary evidence-such as messages, medical records, or financial statements-is critical. Emotional testimony alone is rarely sufficient. - Residency Determines Jurisdiction
The place of residence often determines which court has authority. For couples with international ties, establishing jurisdiction is a key procedural step. - Custody Is Not Automatic
Courts prioritize the child’s daily care, stability, and well-being over the parents’ financial resources. Higher income does not guarantee custody. - Cross-Border Challenges
When one parent resides abroad, enforcing custody, visitation, and support obligations may require coordination between jurisdictions, complicating compliance. - Cultural and Emotional Factors
Beyond legalities, cross-cultural marriages face unique pressures: differences in expectations, family roles, and support systems. These factors often surface in divorce proceedings, as they did in Lan Phương’s case.
Final Thoughts
The divorce of Lan Phương and David Duffy is more than just celebrity drama-it is a real-world example of how Vietnamese law handles the sensitive, complex issue of cross-border family disputes.
For Vietnamese citizens married to foreigners, or foreigners married to Vietnamese, this case is a reminder to:
- Understand your legal rights early,
- Keep records of finances and family contributions,
- Prioritize children’s best interests in both agreements and disputes, and
- Seek legal advice when problems arise.
Divorce is never easy, but when foreign elements are involved, it becomes even more intricate. Lan Phương’s case underscores that, while the law provides clear procedures, every decision is ultimately shaped by the realities of family life and the needs of the children caught in between.
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For advice specific to your situation, consult a qualified Vietnamese lawyer experienced in family law.
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