International divorce applicable law follows Act on General Rules Art. 27: same nationality → that law; same habitual residence → that law; otherwise closest connection. Japan joined the Hague Convention on child abduction in 2014, requiring return of wrongfully removed children. Foreign divorce judgments need recognition under Code of Civil Procedure Art. 118 (jurisdiction, service, public policy, reciprocity).
International Divorce in Japan: Applicable Law and Jurisdiction
Key Takeaways
- ✓The first issue in international divorce is which country's law applies
- ✓Child abduction may trigger return orders under the Hague Convention
- ✓Japanese court jurisdiction is limited to specific cases
- ✓Custody and visitation rules vary significantly between countries
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