Japan paves way for joint child custody in divorce
Japan’s parliament has passed a new law that will allow divorced couples to share custody of their children starting in 2026.
Traditionally, custody in Japan was given to one parent, who could then cut off the other parent’s access to their children entirely. Until now, Japan was the only G7 country that did not recognise joint custody.
Most divorces in Japan are “consent divorces,” where both parties agree to end the marriage and can decide on custody and visitation themselves. However, if the divorce goes to court, the judge usually awards custody to just one parent.
This old system has been criticised by many divorced parents who feel it has led to them being separated from their children. The new law aims to change that by allowing shared custody arrangements.
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