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.