Japan Passes Revised Law Allowing Joint Child Custody for Divorced Parents for the First Time

Japan Passes Revised Law Allowing Joint Child Custody for Divorced Parents for the First Time
Japan’s lawmakers pass a revision to the country’s civil code that will allow divorced parents the option of joint child custody, at the parliament in Tokyo, on May 17, 2024. Kyodo News via AP
The Associated Press
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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 wellbeing.