General Practice

March 10, 2017

What happens when both parties to an accident in Japan were negligent?

Situations can arise where the negligence of one party is compounded by the negligence of the other party.  Courts will take this factor into consideration when determining the amount of damages to be awarded and who is responsible for paying.  The damages for negligence might be split between the two responsible parties or, in some cases, both parties might be liable for the full amount of damages.
February 17, 2017

Is it legal for a will to not leave anything for a spouse or child?

The advantage of drafting a will in Japan is that the drafter can choose who to give his or her assets to and in what amounts.  However, there are limits on how freely property can be distributed after death in Japan.  Japanese law dictates that, regardless of what is stated in a will, spouses and children are entitled to part of the decedent’s estate.  This minimum is set by law and can be claimed by spouses and children upon request to the court.
January 27, 2017

When does an heir inherit property during probate in Japan?

Normally, heirs to a deceased in Japan will not inherit any of the deceased’s estate until the probate process is completed.  This ensures that the process is conducted correctly and each heir receives a fair distribution.  However, it is possible to include language in a will that ensures an heir can immediately receive a particular asset without waiting for probate to finish.
January 5, 2017

Are pet owners in Japan responsible for damage caused by their pets?

Owning a pet in Japan requires the owner to exercise good care and judgment in caring for the pet.  The owner of a pet in Japan is generally liable for the damages caused by the animal, including medical bills or property damage, although there are exceptions.