Newsfrom Japan
Politics May 17, 2024 6:03 p.m. (JST)
TOKYO, May 17 (Jiji Press) – Japan's parliament on Friday passed a bill allowing divorced parents to opt for joint custody of their children. This move will change the country's child custody system for the first time in 77 years.
At a plenary session of the House of Councilors, the upper chamber of the Diet, not only the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and its coalition partner Komeito, but also the leading opposition voted in favor of the bill amending the Civil Code and other laws, the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Innovation Party) and the People's Democratic Party.
The House of Commons passed it last month.
Currently, parental authority after a divorce is only awarded to one parent.
But under the changed laws, which are expected to come into force by 2026, parents can choose between joint or sole custody after discussions. If the discussions fail, a family court will make a decision based on the best interests of the child. The court must choose sole custody if there is a risk of domestic violence or abuse.
[Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]
Jiji Press
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