In the family mediation to solve family problems such as divorce and inheritance, procedures using internet web conferencing will start in some family courts from this month.
While it is expected to improve convenience, there are also issues such as identity verification, and the Supreme Court has decided to consider introducing it nationwide based on the results of the trial.
Family mediation is a procedure for discussing and resolving problems between family members and relatives, and the mediation committee members hear from each party and proceed.
From this month, web conferences will be introduced on a trial basis at four family courts in Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka, and a demonstration was released at the Tokyo Family Court on the 2nd.
Assuming that the wife is seeking a divorce because of her husband's domestic violence, two mediators in the court's mediation room talk face-to-face with the husband, and then the wife in the lawyer's office talks at a web conference. I heard.
Since the mediation is a private procedure, I asked my wife's lawyer to take a picture of the surroundings with a camera attached to the computer to check if anyone other than the party and the lawyer was present.
Last year, more than 130,000 family mediations were filed with family courts nationwide, and the introduction of web conferencing will improve convenience such as reducing the burden of transportation and transportation costs, as well as complaints from domestic violence between the parties. It is expected to be used in cases where consideration for avoiding contact is required.
On the other hand, there are issues such as identity verification and measures to prevent the involvement of third parties, and the Supreme Court has decided to consider introducing it nationwide based on the results of the trial.
Iku Hosoya, acting director of the Housework Department of the Tokyo Family Court, said, "I want you to choose the right case and use the procedure more conveniently and safely."
Experienced in family mediation There is also "anxiety" in operation
Parties who have experienced family mediation say that while they are positive about the introduction of web conferencing, they want them to be cautious when operating it.
A woman in her thirties raising three children in the Kanto region arbitrated with her husband over a divorce and a visit to the child.
It is said that the mediation took place over two years, and he visited the court more than 10 times to discuss with his separated husband through the mediation committee.
According to the woman, because she received domestic violence from her husband, consideration was given to using the mediation room on another floor to avoid contact, but she said she was very scared.
The woman said, "I was scared and sick just because I was in the same building. I was worried that I might be in a mess on the way back and forth from the court, so I asked a lawyer to go to the station with me, or disguise as much as possible and travel time. I was running to shrink it. "
Regarding the introduction of web conferencing, "I am very happy about the safety of protecting myself, and I hope that it will spread. It will be a burden if transportation costs are accumulated, and it is very big that I can use my time effectively."
On the other hand, in operation, he said, "When the other party uses the web conference, I am worried that it will not be recorded or recorded, or if there is a third party next to me," he said. I want you to listen to the parties and resolve your anxieties together, not on the premise that you are relieved. "