Regarding the upbringing of children after divorce, the government decided at a cabinet meeting on the 8th to amend the Civil Code, including the introduction of ``joint custody,'' in which both father and mother have custody of the child.
The government's proposed amendments to the Civil Code, etc., approved by the Cabinet, will add to the current "sole custody" in which either the father or mother has custody of the child after divorce, and "joint custody" in which both the father and mother have custody of the child. We are planning to introduce it.
Joint or sole custody is then decided through consultation between the parents, and if they cannot reach an agreement, the family court determines who will have parental authority, taking into account factors such as the relationship between the parent and child.
However, if the court finds that domestic violence or child abuse has occurred, sole custody will be maintained.
In addition, if child support payments are in arrears, assets can be seized on a priority basis, and a ``statutory child support system'' will be established under which a fixed amount can be claimed in the event of divorce without prior arrangement. .
Furthermore, even if there is a dispute regarding visitation through mediation, the family court will be able to encourage the family court to try it out before reaching a conclusion.
The government plans to submit a bill to revise the Civil Code to the current Diet session.