divorce Archives - Page 4 of 6

March 3, 2017

How frequent are divorce mediation sessions in Japan?

At the end of each divorce mediation session in Japan, the mediators will work with the divorcing couple to determine the next mediation date. Usually the mediators will pick a date approximately one month in the future and then attempt to work with the couple to fix the next session around that date. Each couple will be asked separately about their schedule so it can take time to come to a final decision regarding the next session as the spouses may need to be called back and forth in order to negotiate a time that works for both spouse and […]

January 20, 2017

What happens to a spousal visa upon divorce in Japan?

Spousal visas are usually granted in 3 or 5 year terms and can be renewed over and over again to allow the spouse of a Japanese national to remain in Japan for an extended period of time. However, a lot can happen in a span of 3 or 5 years and in some cases couples may decide to divorce while the foreign spouse still has time remaining on his or her spousal visa. However, even if the foreigner spouse’s visa is still valid, once the couple divorces, the foreign spouse has a responsibility to report the divorce to immigration and […]

December 5, 2016

Can you claim damages as part of a divorce in Japan?

As part of a divorce proceeding in Japan, courts will sometimes award damages to compensate for mental and physical suffering. However, these damages are awarded on a case-by-case basis and do not apply to every divorce. Typically, damages in divorce cases will be awarded in cases where one spouse was cheating. In these cases, the non-cheating party will be able to make a claim for damages from the cheating spouse. This is especially true in cases where cheating forms the basis for filing for divorce.

November 11, 2016

Can you participate in a Japanese family court mediation in English?

As international marriages and divorces increase in Japan, in order to lessen the difficulties for non-Japanese speaking spouses, most Japanese family courts are staffed with mediators that can speak English. However, these mediators may be of varying levels of skill and sometimes it may be easier to bring an attorney or bi-lingual friend to the mediation to help interpret. The court should be informed of this beforehand and in some cases the approval of the other spouse may be required.