How to get divorced in Japan

Divorce rates are rising worldwide lately. People are less constrained by cultural traditions, prejudices, and other restrictions that used to keep a couple married regardless of the circumstances. Divorces in Japan are processed in the same way as in the United States or Europe. Still, there is a unique divorce law throughout the country, with no differences like in the United States. If you want to end your marriage in Japan, you must follow the procedure and have several options according to your needs and preferences. Learn more about the peculiarities of Japanese divorce and save your time, money, and health on the path to your happiness.

Types of Divorce in Japan

It doesn’t matter if you decide to submit the documents in person or obtain and send the divorce papers online, first of all, you must decide on the type of divorce. There are four possible divorce procedures in Japan:

Mutual Consent Divorce – this is the simplest and cheapest way to end your marriage without the involvement of third parties. It is expected that the spouses discuss and agree on crucial matters between them (for example, custody, property division, alimony, etc.). Once the couple resolves everything, they can fill out the documents and submit them to the city hall. The necessary documents can be found online or by requesting them from the respective authorities. After that, the spouses receive the marriage dissolution and are considered divorced.

Family Court Mediation Divorce – if the couple cannot reach an agreement on their own, they can seek help from the Family Court. In this way, a mediator will be appointed to assist the spouses in making decisions suitable for both sides. All decisions are documented and later used to fill out the divorce papers. Then, the papers are submitted to the city hall for the couple to be declared divorced. By the way, a mediator can help the couple reach an agreement on the divorce as well as help them preserve the marriage.

Family Court Decision Divorce – if the spouses want to divorce but cannot reach a decision in any possible way. They can ask the Family Law to decide for them according to the legislation. Still, if either side is not satisfied with the results, they can file their objection within two weeks after the Family Court’s decision. This way, the process can take a long time, so this type of divorce is rarely chosen.

Contested Divorce – the most radical form is the contentious one. It is the option when a couple cannot agree on the divorce and wishes to take the case to trial. Still, unlike other options, you can only request a divorce through a trial for legal causes. These are infidelity, malicious abandonment, no information about the spouse being alive within three years, serious mental illness, and serious reasons that prevent the marriage from continuing. The last reason is quite vague, meaning that any couple can divorce through a trial if they wish.

Consider all conditions, your financial possibilities, and preferences before requesting a divorce in Japan. It is better to research first and use some good divorce tips to reduce waste of money, time, and health.

Divorce Tips in Japan

Japanese divorce may not have any significant difference from American or European divorce, so the main point is to remain reasonable and follow the divorce procedure and local laws. Still, you can make use of the following tips to ensure the best possible outcomes:

• Consider essential things before requesting a divorce (family registry, property division, financial issues, child custody, and alimony, etc.).
• Consult a divorce specialist in any case, even if you are divorcing by mutual consent. This way, you will be sure to make the right decision.
• Do not make any verbal agreements. Write everything down and make it legitimate.
• Many issues can be resolved online, including filling out the papers and requesting a divorce. Check these opportunities at your local authorized office.

The list can go on depending on your divorce case and its peculiarities. Whether you are divorcing in Japan by mutual consent or seeking a solution for divorce in a trial, it is highly recommended to think carefully about everything. Therefore, investigate all opportunities and options, ask a professional for help, and either get divorced or save your marriage to be happy and satisfied in the end.

To conclude, we recommend reading about the strange posthumous divorce or watching the video below to learn more about divorces in Japan: