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Japan Enacts Joint Custody Law for Divorced Parents After 80 Years

New legislation allows shared custody, addressing concerns of non-custodial parents and aligning with global standards.

  • The revised law will take effect by 2026, offering divorced parents the choice of joint or sole custody.
  • Current law grants custody to one parent, usually the mother, often cutting off the other parent from the child.
  • The change comes amid increasing divorce rates and pressures from non-custodial parents, particularly fathers.
  • The law includes provisions to protect against domestic violence and requires cooperation on child-rearing costs.
  • Authorities will review the law five years after implementation to assess its impact and effectiveness.
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