Shanghai is testing the waters of family law proceedings as it moves to protect the rights and interests of children.

In a recent divorce lawsuit, Shanghai's Putuo District People's Court appointed a social worker to represent the interests of a couple's 3-year-old daughter. The girl suffers from a rare inherited metabolic disease. Her parents had different opinions on her medical treatment, which led to the divorce.

The court said that her rights and interests would be protected best if presented by a neutral third party in legal proceedings, since the need for medical treatment and day-today care will continue long after her parents' divorce.