Japan's parliament has passed a revision to the civil code, allowing divorced parents the option of joint child custody, effective by 2026, officials say.
Japan’s parliament on Friday passed a revision to the country’s civil code that will allow divorced parents the option of joint child custody, a change that brings the nation in line with many other countries. The revision, the first to custody rights in nearly 80 years, is to take effect by 2026. It will allow divorced parents to choose either dual or single custody while requiring them to cooperate in ensuring their children’s rights and well-being.
The change comes as divorces are increasing in Japan and a growing number of divorced fathers hope to stay in touch with their children. A number of high-profile allegations by divorced foreign fathers of child abductions by former partners who returned to Japan also encouraged the change. The revision requires the sharing of child-rearing costs by the parent who is not the main custodian.
The concerns prompted some modifications to the legislation during parliamentary debate to require authorities to make sure the custody decision was not one-sided. Under the revision, divorced parents who choose joint custody must reach a consensus on their children's education, long-term medical treatment and other key issues, and will need to seek a family court decision if an agreement cannot be reached.
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