FAQ

May 22, 2017

Is there any way to prove paternity through the family court in Japan?

Normally, a child born in wedlock, or within 200 days of the start of a marriage, or 300 days from the dissolution of a marriage, will be presumed to be the child of the husband.  However, in the case of a child born outside of these circumstances the court may order a paternity test to determine the father of the child in order to assign responsibility for child support.
May 1, 2017

Can a child be voluntarily returned under the Hague Convention?

Abducting parents are free to return the abducted child voluntarily, even after the start of Hague litigation. Voluntarily returning a child to his or her home country is also often cheaper than engaging in a drawn out and difficult legal battle and may result in more favorable negotiation and cooperation between the parents in the future.
April 12, 2017

Is there common law marriage in Japan?

These days the practice of couples living together and acting as if they were married, without filing a registration of marriage, has increased.  This type of relationship is called a “common law marriage.”  Common law marriages in Japan come with all of the same responsibilities that a “real” marriage does, including the duty to live together, help one another and remain faithful.
March 24, 2017

Is there a way to stop a spouse from forging a divorce agreement?

In order to prevent a spouse from filing a forged divorce agreement, one needs to file a Petition for Non-Acceptance of Notification of Divorce (rikon fujuri moshidesho 離婚不受理申出書).  Filing this petition with the local ward office will prevent the acceptance of any divorce petitions involving the applicant.