How to Get a Divorce in Japan: 4 Methods and Steps Explained

How to Proceed with Divorce? 4 Divorce Methods and Steps

To get a divorce, you need to talk with your spouse or go to court. The process and steps for divorce are different depending on the method.

This page explains the 4 divorce methods and their steps. Understanding these can help you proceed smoothly with your divorce.

There are four methods of divorce: negotiation, mediation, judgment, and trial.

Negotiation Divorce This method involves talking directly with your spouse and agreeing on the divorce terms. You submit a divorce paper to the city office without going to court.
Mediation Divorce In this method, you go to the family court, and mediators help you and your spouse agree on the divorce terms.
Judgment Divorce If mediation fails, the family court decides the divorce terms. This method is rare.
Trial Divorce If mediation fails or if there is an objection to the judgment, you go to court for a trial. The court decides the divorce if there are legal reasons.

First, try to talk with your spouse and aim for a negotiation divorce.

Talk Tell your spouse you want a divorce and discuss the terms. If you agree, make a divorce agreement.
Make a Divorce Agreement Write down the agreed terms. It’s safer to make it a notarized document.
Submit the Divorce Paper Fill out the divorce paper and submit it to the city office. This finalizes the divorce.

Apply for Mediation One spouse applies for mediation at the family court.
Discuss in Mediation Sessions Mediators listen to both sides and help adjust opinions.
End Mediation If you agree, mediation is successful, and you submit the divorce paper. If not, you go to trial.

Mediation If mediation fails, the court decides the divorce terms.
Final Judgment If there is no objection within two weeks, the judgment is final, and you submit the divorce paper.

Submit Lawsuit Submit a lawsuit to the family court.
Court Hearings Both sides present their arguments and evidence in court.
Final Decision If both sides agree, the divorce is finalized. If not, the court decides.