Widow of gay man files case against his lover, in-laws over his inheritance

During hearings, the woman's mother-in-law testified that the marriage was a sham created solely for financial gain. (AI-generated image)

A bitter legal battle has erupted in northern China after the widow of a senior executive of a government company filed a lawsuit against his longtime boyfriend and family over his estate, following his death in a traffic accident.

Xu Tian, 48, a Beijing resident, died two months after marrying Xue Li, the elder sister of his boyfriend, Xue Chong, South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported. Xu and Xue Chong had been in a relationship for a decade, a fact known and quietly accepted by both families. Neighbours said the couple often posed as father and son in public to avoid scrutiny, as same-sex marriage remains unrecognised under Chinese law.

The marriage between Xu and Xue Li was registered in December 2024 without a ceremony or cohabitation. According to court filings, the union was intended to secure additional demolition compensation after resettlement began in Xu’s mother’s village. Each household member was eligible for about 2.3 million yuan (around Rs 3 crore), and adding Xue Li to Xu’s quota increased the payout.

Following Xu’s sudden death in a bicycle-car collision, disputes over accident compensation, insurance claims, demolition benefits and property escalated. Xue Li sued Xu’s mother, asserting her rights as his legal spouse. Xu’s family countered with a separate lawsuit against Xue Li and Xue Chong, arguing the marriage was “fake” and should not entitle her to inheritance.

During hearings, Xu’s mother testified that the marriage was a sham created solely for financial gain. Xue Li maintained that the motive did not affect its legality. Under Chinese law, a marriage is invalid only in cases of bigamy, prohibited kinship or underage parties. The court ruled the marriage legally valid, granting Xue Li a share of Xu’s estate.

On November 24, Xu’s mother filed an appeal seeking to void the marriage. Legal experts quoted by SCMP noted that using marriage to obtain government compensation can constitute fraud, a crime punishable by at least 10 years in prison.