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.