general practice Archives - Page 8 of 13

October 7, 2016

What happens when heirs in Japan can’t decide what to do with inherited property?

Often the estate of a deceased will contain more than just money. In many cases, a car, boat, house or expensive jewelry will need to be distributed among the heirs. This can create a problem where each heir owns only a portion of an indivisible object, such as a car or home, and the heirs cannot decide what to do with it. Under these circumstances it is best if the heirs are able to agree to a voluntary settlement to share or sell the property.

September 8, 2016

What happens after an arrest in Japan?

Japanese law allows the police to detain a suspect after arrest for up to 48 hours. During this period, the police must inform the suspect of the crime he or she is suspected of having committed, of the right to remain silent and the right to a lawyer (provided for free if the suspect does not have the money). In the case of foreign suspects, the police should also ask if the suspect would like his or her consulate informed of the arrest. Before the 48 hours expire, the police also must choose whether to refer the suspect and supporting evidence […]

August 19, 2016

What types of wills are there in Japan?

There are three main types of wills in Japan: Self Written wills, Notarized Deed wills and Secret wills. Any of these wills will ensure that your property is passed on according to your wishes. However, there are certain unique aspects to each type that can be beneficial in certain situations.

July 29, 2016

Is there an inheritance tax in Japan?

Japan maintains an inheritance tax that applies to wills that are executed under Japanese law. The tax applies equally to assets owned by Japanese citizens inside Japan or outside Japan. However, for non-Japanese citizens, the tax only applies to assets within Japan.