Japan Legalizes Joint Custody for Divorced Couples
Beginning Wednesday, Japan’s divorced couples can now negotiate joint child custody, a significant legal shift after over a century of mandatory sole custody. This revision, the first since the late 1800s, allows parents to decide on joint or sole arrangements and permits existing sole custody orders to be reviewed by family courts. While aiming to align Japan with international norms and ensure the non-custodial parent’s involvement, concerns remain regarding potential exploitation by abusive ex-spouses and the increased burden on family courts.
John Q. Hosedrinker