Japanese Divorce Certificate: Obtaining and Understanding the Document

1. Japanese Divorce Certificate: Obtaining and Understanding the Document

For most Japanese citizens, a single document known as the Family Register serves as a comprehensive record, encompassing birth, marriage, divorce, and death certificates, along with the names of their children. However, non-Japanese residents do not possess such Family Registers. Nevertheless, foreigners living in Japan are obligated to report events like births and deaths that occur in Japan in compliance with the Family Register Law. Additionally, if marriages or divorces involving foreigners take place in Japan following Japanese procedures, they too must be reported.

To fulfill these obligations, individuals should contact the Family Register Section of the local ward or municipal office where they currently reside. In the case of Tokyo, detailed information regarding Family Register matters can be found on the Tokyo Metropolitan Government website, which also provides a list of Tokyo's ward and city offices.

For further details on obtaining marriage certificates from Japan, please follow this link.

2. Birth Records (shusshou todoke kisaijiko shomeisho)

According to the Tokyo Legal Affairs Bureau, responsible for handling legal matters within Tokyo City, all birth records for non-Japanese citizens are maintained by the ward or city office where the reports were originally filed. Tokyo comprises 23 wards, and major urban areas surrounding Tokyo, such as Kawasaki and Yokohama, also consist of multiple wards or districts.

It's essential to note that birth records for foreigners are not retained permanently and may vary in retention periods from one office to another, sometimes as short as ten years. Typically, parents report the birth at the ward or city office corresponding to their residence or the place of birth.

For contact information regarding ward and city offices in Tokyo, please refer to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government website.

To request a shusshou todoke kisaijiko shomeisho, you will need the following items (with Japanese translations if necessary):

1. The child's full name
2. Current address
3. Date of birth
4. Date the birth was reported (if available)
5. Parents' names and nationalities
6. Purpose of the request, explaining how you intend to use the requested document
7. 350 yen per copy and postage
8. A self-addressed, stamped return envelope.

Please note that the Embassy cannot obtain Japanese civil documents on behalf of private citizens, nor can it provide translation services. If you require assistance with the filing process, please refer to our lists of translators and local attorneys proficient in English.

If your child was born in a U.S. military hospital, they may have a record of his/her birth. Unfortunately, the Embassy does not have access to any of those records.

3. Why should professionals use ACC Law Firm's Japanese Divorce Certificate: Obtaining and Understanding the Document service?

• Expertise in Japanese Legal Matters: ACC Law Firm specializes in Japanese legal proceedings, including divorce. Their legal professionals have a deep understanding of the Japanese legal system, ensuring professionals receive accurate guidance when obtaining and understanding divorce certificates.

• Legal Compliance: Japanese divorce certificates must adhere to specific legal requirements and standards. ACC Law Firm's service ensures that professionals obtain certificates that are legally valid and compliant with Japanese law, reducing the risk of complications or disputes.

• Interpretation and Translation: Japanese divorce certificates are typically issued in Japanese. ACC Law Firm can assist with interpreting and translating these documents, making them accessible and understandable to professionals who may not be fluent in Japanese.

• Customized Guidance: Divorce cases in Japan can vary, and the content of divorce certificates may differ depending on the circumstances. ACC Law Firm's guidance helps professionals understand the content of their specific divorce certificate and address any unique aspects of their case.

• Legal Protection: Obtaining a correctly formatted divorce certificate is crucial for legal proceedings, both in Japan and potentially in the professionals' home country. ACC Law Firm's service ensures that professionals protect their rights and interests, whether it involves property division, alimony, or other matters.

• Avoiding Legal Pitfalls: Navigating Japanese legal processes, including obtaining divorce certificates, can be complex. ACC Law Firm's guidance helps professionals avoid potential pitfalls and procedural errors, ensuring a smoother and more efficient process.

• Confidentiality: ACC Law Firm prioritizes client confidentiality and ensures that all personal and legal information related to divorce certificates and proceedings is handled securely.

• Peace of Mind: Navigating Japanese legal matters, especially in a foreign language, can be daunting. ACC Law Firm's service provides peace of mind by offering professionals a clear and legally compliant path forward, reducing stress and uncertainty.

• Time and Efficiency: Dealing with Japanese legal bureaucracy can be time-consuming. ACC Law Firm's service streamlines the process, saving professionals valuable time and effort.

• Cost-Effectiveness: While some professionals may attempt to obtain Japanese divorce certificates independently, ACC Law Firm's services are often more cost-effective in the long run. They minimize the risk of costly legal disputes and delays that can arise from incomplete or incorrectly obtained documentation.

Q&A

Question 1: What is a Japanese divorce certificate, and why is it important in the divorce process?

Answer 1: A Japanese divorce certificate, also known as a "Rikon Todoke," is an official document issued by the Japanese government that confirms the dissolution of a marriage. It is a vital document in the divorce process as it serves as proof of the legally terminated marriage and may be required for various legal and administrative purposes.

Question 2: How can individuals obtain a Japanese divorce certificate, and what is the process involved?

Answer 2: To obtain a Japanese divorce certificate, individuals typically need to follow these steps:

1. Visit the local city or ward office (kuyakusho) where the divorce was registered.
2. Submit the necessary documents, including identification, proof of divorce, and any required fees.
3. Complete the application form for the divorce certificate.
4. Wait for the certificate to be processed and issued, which may take several days to weeks.

Question 3: What information is typically included in a Japanese divorce certificate, and how should individuals interpret the details on the document?

Answer 3: A Japanese divorce certificate typically includes the following information:

• Names of the divorcing spouses.
• Date of divorce registration.
• Divorce registration number.
• Details of the local government office that issued the certificate. Individuals should carefully review the document for accuracy and ensure that the names and dates align with the divorce process they underwent.

Question 4: How is a Japanese divorce certificate used, and what are some common situations where it may be required?

Answer 4: A Japanese divorce certificate is used in various situations, including:

• Legal matters: It may be required for legal proceedings, property division, or child custody disputes.
• Administrative purposes: It can be needed for changes to personal records, such as updating identification documents or marital status.
• International matters: If one spouse is a foreign national, the certificate may be required for immigration or visa-related purposes.

Understanding the importance of this document and keeping it in a secure place is essential, as it may be necessary for various aspects of life after divorce, both within Japan and internationally.